Fast Growing Tall Grass Plants: Sun-Loving Giants for Privacy Screens in 60 Days

These fast-growing tall grass plants are your secret weapon for sun-loving giants that create privacy in just 60 days—Miscanthus, switchgrass, and more transform bare spaces into lush, towering beauty. 🌿 I’ve planted everything from Miscanthus to switchgrass, and these towering beauties transform bare spaces into lush, wind-resistant screens without the fuss of shrubs or trees.

Start with native varieties like Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) or Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem)—they thrive in most climates, need minimal care, and support local ecosystems. For faster growth, Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) can shoot up 6-10 feet in a single season, though it’s best for warmer zones.

Just avoid running bamboo unless you’re prepared for its aggressive spread.

Plant in full sun with well-draining soil, water deeply after planting, and watch them surge upward. By mid-summer, you’ll have a 6-foot-tall living wall that blocks noise, filters dust, and adds drama to your yard. The best part? They’re drought-tolerant once established, so maintenance is a breeze.

Need a quick fix for a noisy street or unsightly fence? These grasses deliver instant impact with almost no effort. Just pick the right species for your zone, give them space to spread, and enjoy your low-maintenance privacy screen in record time.

What you need

Step-by-Step guide to establishing fast-growing tall grasses for privacy

Here’s how to transform bare space into a lush, wind-resistant screen in just two months.

Choose a location that receives full sun (6+ hours daily)—tall grasses thrive where most plants wilt. Clear the area of weeds and debris, then loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches using a broadfork or tiller. Amend the soil with 2-3 inches of compost to improve drainage and fertility, as these grasses hate soggy roots.

Test the soil pH if possible—most ornamental grasses prefer a neutral to slightly acidic range (pH 6.0-7.0). If your soil is heavy clay, mix in 1/3 sand to prevent compaction. Mark planting spots 3-5 feet apart (depending on mature width) with stakes or spray paint for precision.

For fastest results, opt for container-grown plants (1-gallon size) rather than bare-root divisions. Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper—planting too deep suffocates the crown. Gently remove the plant from its container and tease apart any circling roots with your fingers.

Position the plant so the top of the root ball sits 1 inch below soil level. Backfill with native soil, pressing lightly to eliminate air pockets. Water deeply until moisture reaches 6 inches down, then top-dress with 1 inch of mulch (straw or shredded bark) to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid piling mulch against the crown—keep it 3 inches away.

Keep the soil consistently moist for the first 2-3 weeks, watering every 2-3 days until new growth appears. After establishment, reduce to 1 inch of water weekly—these grasses are drought-tolerant once rooted. Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting and again after 6 weeks to fuel height gains.

Watch for first true leaves (not the initial seedling sprouts) as your signal that roots are anchoring. At this stage, you can begin light pruning—snip any leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. Avoid heavy pruning until after the first frost, as it stimulates new shoots that may not harden off before winter.

By 6-8 weeks, your grasses should reach 4-6 feet if conditions are ideal. Thin out any overcrowded clumps by dividing the largest plants—dig up sections with sharp spades and replant in gaps. This not only fills space faster but also rejuvenates older clumps.

In late summer, cut back 1/3 of the foliage to encourage fresh growth before the first frost. This pruning trick tricks the plant into putting energy into new shoots rather than seed production. By 60 days, with proper care, you’ll have a 6-foot-tall privacy screen that’s both functional and ornamental.

Tips & tricks for perfect tall grass privacy screens

Here's what nobody tells you about growing these sun-loving giants—these tricks will ensure your privacy screen hits that 6-foot mark in just 60 days.

Soil Prep Secret: The 12-inch soil loosening in Step 1 isn't just about roots—it's about oxygen flow. Use a broadfork to break up compacted layers without turning the soil, which preserves the natural microbial communities these grasses depend on. For clay-heavy soils, mix in that 1/3 sand right when you're loosening, not later. I've seen plants struggle when people add sand as an afterthought—it needs to integrate during the initial prep for maximum drainage benefits.

Planting Depth Matters: That 1-inch planting depth below soil level in Step 2 is critical—any deeper and you'll suffocate the crown, any shallower and you risk exposing roots. Here's my trick: Use a level or straight board to create a consistent planting depth across your entire screen. This ensures uniform growth rates, which is especially important when you're aiming for that 6-foot height in just 8 weeks.

Watering Strategy: The 2-3 week intensive watering schedule in Step 3 needs precision. Use a moisture meter to check when the top 6 inches are truly moist—don't rely on visual cues. In hot climates, you might need daily watering during those first weeks, especially if you're using container-grown plants. Pro tip: Water in the early morning to prevent fungal issues from evening moisture.

Fertilizer Timing: That 6-week second fertilizer application isn't arbitrary—it coincides with when roots are fully established but plants are still in their rapid growth phase. I recommend using a slow-release fertilizer at planting, then switching to liquid feedings after the 6-week mark. This two-phase approach prevents nutrient burn while fueling that vertical growth you're after.

Frequently asked questions

Got questions about fast-growing tall grass plants? You’re not alone! Here are answers to the most common queries to help you choose, grow, and maintain sun-loving giants with ease.

What are the fastest-growing tall grass plants for privacy screens?

Top picks include Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass), Cortaderia selloana (pampas grass), and Miscanthus sinensis. These beauties can reach 6–12 feet tall in just 60–90 days with the right care. For instant impact, opt for Bamboo (running types)—though check local regulations first!

How long does it take for tall grass to block a neighbor’s view?

With proper spacing (3–5 feet apart) and ideal conditions (full sun, regular watering), most fast-growing grasses will create a dense screen in 60–120 days. Bamboo and Pampas grass are the quickest, while ornamental grasses like Miscanthus may take slightly longer but offer year-round texture.

Do fast-growing tall grasses need a lot of water?

Most thrive on 1–1.5 inches of water per week, especially during the first growing season. Once established, many (like Pampas grass) become drought-tolerant. Pro tip: Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure well-draining soil!

Are there any invasive fast-growing grasses I should avoid?

Yes! Bamboo (running types) and Johnsongrass can spread aggressively. Always research your local climate and check with extension services. Native grasses like Switchgrass or Big Bluestem are safer alternatives for eco-friendly screens.

Can I plant tall grasses in containers for small spaces?

Choose compact varieties like Dwarf Pampas Grass or Miscanthus ‘Malepartus’. Use large pots (at least 18–24 inches wide) with drainage holes and well-draining soil. Note: Containers dry out faster, so water consistently. Just avoid heavy grasses like Bamboo—they’ll outgrow most pots!

How do I control the height of fast-growing tall grasses?

Most grasses don’t need trimming until late winter or early spring. For tidy screens, cut back dead foliage in early spring and trim new growth to shape. Avoid cutting into old stems—it removes next year’s blooms! Warning: Wear gloves; some grasses (like Pampas) have sharp edges.