How fast do conifers grow?

How fast do conifers grow each year?

In general, conifers grow rather slow. But there are also special types of Thuja and cypresses, which can grow 30 centimeters and more per year.

Which conifers grow the fastest?

The Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis Leylandii) is one of the fastest growing conifers. Under ideal conditions, it can grow up to a meter per year. But also the Thuja occidentalis Brabant can record a rapid annual growth of 30 to 50 centimeters. In contrast to the Leyland cypress, it grows denser and thus better protects against unwanted looks.

What are the disadvantages of rapid growth?

Fast-growing conifers tend to grow tall, but at the same time no dense branching form. So while they grow to a head-high size quite quickly, their sparse foliage means they're not opaque for long periods of time.

Another disadvantage of fast-growing conifers is the relative high maintenance effort. The faster they grow, the more often they need to be cut. Leyland cypress requires pruning four to five times a year. Pruning is necessary to avoid brown and bald patches.

How quickly does a coniferous hedge protect against prying eyes?

How quickly your evergreen conifers protect you from the looks of the neighborhood and passers-by largely depends on their size at purchase together. Choose larger plants to get an opaque hedge faster. Since fast-growing conifers develop a dense green late, you should opt for an opaque conifer hedge better fall back on a slightly slower growing conifer.