Looking for Privacy in Your Yard? 12 Types of Cypress Trees That Grow Fast

When you’re looking for a tall, long-lived evergreen tree for your landscape, why not consider a cypress species? Cypress trees are often drought-tolerant, and their fast-growing, dense habit makes them ideal privacy screens.

Below are 12 ornamental cypress tree types that might be a good choice for your yard.

What Are Cypress Trees?

Cypress trees are a varied group of coniferous species within the Cupressaceae family. They typically do well in temperate regions (they’re rarely frost-tolerant) and stand out for their elongated conical or columnar shapes. 

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Types of Cypress Trees

Below are some types of cypress trees worth considering for cultivation.

Arizona Cypress Tree

The Arizona cypress tree (Hesperocyparis arizonica) is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant southwestern United States native species with attractive pale-bluish foliage.

Typically reaching 40 to 50 feet tall, this tree can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9 in a full sun position and well-drained soil.

Cuyamaca Cypress Tree

The Cuyamaca cypress (Hesperocyparis stephensonii) is a rare species native to San Diego. It reaches 30 to 50 feet tall and has silver-gray-green foliage and red bark.

Adaptable to a wide range of soils, this tree does best in a full sun position and in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9.

Guadalupe Cypress Tree

The endangered Guadalupe cypress (Hesperocyparis guadalupensis), which reaches 40 to 60 feet,  stands out for its smooth, chocolatey-cherry bark and bluish foliage.

These frost-sensitive trees do best in USDA zone 9 and up in a full sun spot. Adaptable to various soils, Guadalupe cypress are known for their resistance to cypress canker.

Mediterranean Cypress Tree

Also known as the Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), this fast-growing, long-lived, drought-tolerant species can reach 80 to 150 feet tall. Cultivated varieties have a narrow, columnar form that’s synonymous with beautiful Mediterranean landscapes. Grow this species in USDA zones 7 to 10 in full sun and well-drained soil.

Leyland Cypress Tree

The Leyland cypress (Cuprocyparis leylandii) is a fast-growing hybrid cross between the Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and Nootka cypress (Cupressus nootkatensis).

Reaching heights of 60 to 70 feet, these trees are popular options for tall privacy hedges. They grow in USDA zones 5 to 10 in moist, well-drained soil and full sun. 

MacNab Cypress Tree

MacNab cypress (Hesperocyparis macnabiana) is a compact 10 to 30 feet tall when mature. It’s also unique amongst North American native cypress trees because it has flat, sprayed, lacey branches rather than three-dimensional ones.

Plant this drought-tolerant tree in USDA zones 6 to 8, in a full sun position with well-draining soil. 

Mexican Cypress Tree

The Mexican cypress tree (Hesperocyparis lusitanica) is a fast-growing evergreen that can reach heights over 100 feet. It’s a common windbreak in landscaping. While this Central American native is drought-tolerant, it prefers growing in evenly moist soils.

Many cypress species prefer a full sun position, but this species often does well in partial shade in USDA zone 8 to 10. 

Monterey Cypress Tree

Large, long-lived Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa) can reach heights of 90 feet and grows in USDA zones 7 to 9. Their foliage emits a distinct lemony fragrance when crushed. The species appreciates coastal breezes (which help reduce the chance of cypress canker developing) and tolerates high winds and salt.

The cultivar Goldencrest Monterey cypress, also known as lemon cypress, has unique upward-growing branches and grows well in partial shade and full sun.

Nootka Cypress Tree

Cypress are typically frost-sensitive conifers, but the Nootka cypress (Callitropsis nootkatensis) is one of the hardiest, surviving in USDA zone 4. This species can grow in full or partial sun in moist, well-draining soils and reaches 60 to 90 feet tall.

Sargent Cypress Tree

California native Sargent cypress (Hesperocyparis sargentii) has bark and cones that are slightly fire-resistant. Hardy to USDA zone 8, it typically reaches heights of 30 to 60 feet and appreciates a full sun or partial shade position.

Tecate Cypress Tree

If you’re looking for a California native tree, consider the Tecate cypress (Hesperocyparis forbesii). This drought and salt-tolerant plant can grow in USDA zones 7 to 9 in a wide range of soils. It’s also a compact cypress tree that rarely grows over 30 feet tall.

Weeping Cypress Tree

Pick the weeping cypress (Cupressus cashmeriana), also known as the Bhutan or Kashmir cypress, if you’re searching for a unique tree shape—there’s a range of cultivars to choose from.

This tall species hits mature heights of 60 to 140 feet and grows in USDA zones 9 to 10—it needs warm summers and mild winters to thrive. It’s not fussy about soil type, provided it’s well-drained, but prefers a full sun position.