Cypress trees are often drought-tolerant, and their fast-growing, dense habit makes them idealprivacy screens.

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

What Are Cypress Trees?

Row of cypress trees line fence for privacy hedge

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Cypress trees are a varied group of coniferous species within the Cupressaceae family.

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Types of Cypress Trees

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

Set of trimmed Arizona cypress trees in a park

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It reaches 30 to 50 feet tall and has silver-gray-green foliage and red bark.

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.

Hesperocyparis stephensonii tree

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Cultivated varieties have a narrow, columnar form thats synonymous with beautiful Mediterranean landscapes.

Grow this species in USDA zones 7 to 10 in full sun and well-drained soil.

Reaching heights of 60 to 70 feet, these trees are popular options for tall privacy hedges.

Hesperocyparis guadalupensis tree

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They grow in USDA zones 5 to 10 in moist, well-drained soil and full sun.

Plant thisdrought-tolerant treein USDA zones 6 to 8, in a full sun position with well-draining soil.

It’s a common windbreak in landscaping.

Mediterranean cypress trees (Cupressus sempervirens) outside a white home

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While this Central American native is drought-tolerant, it prefers growing in evenly moist soils.

Their foliage emits a distinct lemony fragrance when crushed.

This drought andsalt-tolerant plantcan grow in USDA zones 7 to 9 in a wide range of soils.

Leyland cypress privacy hedge in front of an iron gate and alongside a driveway

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Its also a compact cypress tree that rarely grows over 30 feet tall.

Its not fussy about soil throw in, provided its well-drained, but prefers a full sun position.

The hybrid Leyland cypress is the most commonly cultivated cypress tree in the US.

Hesperocyparis macnabiana tree

Themodoccypress Creator:Joey Malone / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Its popularity stems from its vigor, fast growth rates and ability to thrive in various soils and conditions.

The Leyland cypress tree is also known for its fast growth rates.

Once established and when conditions are right, they can grow more than 3 feet yearly.

Hesperocyparis lusitanica trees

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The Monterey cypress tree is also known for being a fast grower.

Hesperocyparis macrocarpa close up

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Callitropsis nootkatensis close up

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Hesperocyparis sargentii close up

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Hesperocyparis forbesii tree

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Close up of the branches and foliage of the Cashmere Cypress (Cupressus cashmeriana)

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