Fast Growing Trees

It is springtime once again, and in the blink of an eye the weather will be warm, and the skies will be sunny. In no time, you will be looking for deciduous trees to give you shade and fresh air while you are in the yard grilling some barbecue.

The question is, do you have trees ready to keep your yard and your home cooler for summer? If you don’t, there is no need to worry because there are a lot of fast growing trees that you can plant right now without having to wait for decades to enjoy their shade and cooling effects.

However, there are few things to consider in planting rapid growing trees. These factors include planting zones, lifespan, characteristics, and maintenance. Here we will look into fifteen fast growing evergreen trees, their benefits, caring tips, and other essential details.

What are the benefits of fast growing trees?

Trees not only provide shade or make an area appealing but also give a yard a delicate structure. Fast growing plants promote privacy, turning a property into a secluded retreat and shielding you from observation by nosy neighbors. It is much more practical and much cheaper to plant tree hedges and single trees instead of putting up fences.

Depending on where you live and how long a fence you require, fencing material can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Even if you want to build and install a wooden fence, planting is still the better option.

If you have an empty yard with nowhere to hide from the sun’s rays or if there is a busy road near you, an easy fix is growing trees that provide shade on bright days and a sound barrier from heavy traffic.

How to Choose the Best Tree for a Yard

When deciding on which rapid growing tree to plant in your yard, there are many things to take into consideration. These include the size of the planting space, the type of soil you have, the hardiness zone where you live.

You should also check what conditions that a tree can survive in as well as how large your tree will be.

If you decide to plant large evergreen trees, know that they will not only grow tall but sometimes wide, so you’ll need to allow enough space between them for adequate growth.

The advantage of evergreen trees is that they do not lose their leaves in the winter, leaving some color in a mostly dull landscape during the colder months.

Although some types are invasive, you can also add some carefully chosen bamboo shrubs if you need something that grows really quickly. Keeping them pruned controls their growth and gives you an almost instantaneous privacy screen.

What are hardiness zones?

Hardiness zones are geographically-defined areas that encompass a specific range of climatic conditions that relate to plant growth or survival. In 2012, the USDA released a Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which is the standard by which plant growers or gardeners can determine which trees are most likely to survive at a particular location.

The USDA has divided North America into thirteen hardiness zones based on average temperature and climate. Each zone has a label starting from zone one through thirteen. Zone one is the coldest climate, up to −60 °F and zone 13 is the hottest at 55 °F. It is essential to be aware of these zones because they determine which trees grow best in which territory (..).

How to Care for Trees that Grow Rapidly

Planting a tree that grows fast is not as complicated as it seems. The only job you need to do regularly is clip the tree to keep it at a size that you prefer.

Most quick growing trees and hedges can be trimmed any time, but the most effective cutting season is during early fall or spring. Some trees that grow so fast that they may need clipping during summer.

Once you have selected fast growing shade trees to plant in your yard, get to know some trimming techniques, as well. The ways of cutting one tree may differ from another because trees have different shapes, maturity rates, and directional growth (..).

Amazingly Fast Growing Trees for Your Home

Choose one or more of the quickly growing plants to add color and interest to a corner of the yard or as an ornamental specimen.

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Red maple trees, also known as October Glory, can grow up to twenty-five meters tall and thrive in different types of soil. Their roots may be shallow but can spread in a large area, so we recommend planting red maples where they have ample space to grow.

These fast growing trees for shade are common in North America, especially in Southern and central Ontario where the soil is moist. If you want to grow red maples, proper maintenance, and pruning may be necessary to keep their form healthy.

The Fast Growing American Sycamore Tree (Platanus occidentalis)

The American Sycamore is one of the most popular fast growing trees for privacy. It grows up to six feet a year and blooms with dense leaves and a thick canopy. If you want a tree that gives an excellent shade, you can count on American Sycamore’s many branches to provide it.

Their large green leaves also change into golden yellow in the fall. Plant the sycamore in your yard, add water, and it will grow into a large, ornamental, symmetrical tree. Aside from the fact that it is easy to grow, American Sycamore can grow in warm, cold, and even harsh environments!

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Of all the fastest growing pine trees, the Eastern white pine tree is the lightest and softest, with blue-green needles in bundles of five. This tree is a lovely ornamental specimen that is of high value for gardeners and growers. Eastern white pines are famous for landscaping estates, parks, and large properties.

These pine trees are shade-tolerant, and they thrive in full sunlight. They grow best on sandy but moist loam soil. This species is the tallest and fastest growing pine trees in Eastern Canada and some areas in the United States.

If you are looking for trees for privacy for your yard or to harvest lumber for profit, the Eastern white pine is easy to grow and won’t take any time at all to serve your purpose. They have large pinecones and the branches tend to be brittle, however. The weight of heavy rain and snow can lead to many broken branches.

White Poplar (Populus alba) – The Sparkly Fast Growing Tree

White poplar trees are fast growing broad-leaf trees that can peak at up to one hundred feet in height. If you decide to plant white poplar, grow it in full sun, in either wet or dry soil. By the time the tree has attained a modest size, ever-expanding slender branches known as suckers will appear.

These trees grow in the northern areas as far as USDA hardiness zones four through nine, the areas where the average yearly minimum temperatures can reach -40 °F. Although considered short-lived trees, they are in demand for landscaping parks and golf courses due to their sparkling effect.

Whenever the breeze stirs the leaves, white poplar’s leaves show a green top and silvery white underside – a distinction that sets them apart against tulip poplars, Lombardy poplar, yellow poplars, and tulip trees.

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) – Vivid Beautiful Trees

If you want fast growing shade trees that stand out in the middle of your garden, plant a Japanese maple tree. Although this tree’s growth rate is not as quick growing as other maples, this specimen adds real beauty to any yard because of its delicate leaves and graceful shape.

To plant Japanese maple trees, choose locations that are free from strong winds or spring frosts. These trees are reasonably adaptive to different soil variations, but they favor well-drained, moist, and slightly acidic soil with organic matter. If the ground in your area is mostly heavy clay, you can still plant this tree as long as you keep it slightly elevated to avoid root rot.

The Fast Growing Deciduous Tree – Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

This quickly growing tree is a variety of the redwood tree family that was thought to be extinct. Luckily, a living specimen was found in 1944 in a Chinese province. As the news about the discovery spread around the world, an association in the Arnold Arboretum of Boston and California sent expeditions to the area.

They collected seeds and shared them with universities, botanical gardens, and private nurseries. Dawn redwoods are fast growers and are very hardy, and easily withstand temperatures of 20°F.

They grow in diverse settings and are a perfect candidate for bonsai, which means that they blend well with ground cover seeds. While their growth is typically symmetrical, dawn redwoods are amenable to shaping and pruning.

Year-round Garden Performers – Crape Myrtle Trees (Lagerstroemia)

Crape myrtles trees are deciduous fast growing trees. These flowering trees have attractive bark, beautiful summer flowers, and brilliant foliage during the fall. Chilly autumn months yield the most satisfying leaf display. These characteristics are what makes a crape myrtle a year-round garden performer and perfect trees for winter landscaping.

Care for these trees involves pruning in early spring or winter, and with regular trimming and cutting of side branches, their attractive bark is highlighted. During the growing season, proper clipping of the flowers promotes another growing season.

California White Oak Tree (Quercus lobata)

Oak trees are excellent specimens to plant in your yard because they can live for hundreds of years. They survive that long because of their unique characteristics. For instance, the tannic acid on the leaves and bark protects the oak tree by killing fungus gnats.

Their trunk and stems also store water for use during warm summer seasons. A mature oak tree can be as tall as sixty feet and can also spread almost as wide. These trees like dry areas, so you do not need to water them frequently after you get it acclimated to your yard.

Hybrid Poplar Tree (Populus deltoids x Populus nigra) – The Fastest Growing Shade Tree

For a fast growing hedge that can border your property quickly, you need a Hybrid poplar. Hybrid poplars are among the fastest growing trees that many home builders love due to their attractive shade capabilities that seem to sprout almost overnight. They can block full sun rays at 40 to 50 feet.

These trees have an amusing oval shape that can dramatically provide privacy and lower air conditioning costs during warm months when planted near a home or business. Hybrid poplars are selected not just for their shade, but for their adaptive traits and tolerance during drought or cold weather.

During cold months, their dense green leaves fall, allowing sunlight when you need it most. Note that there is not quite as much privacy at this time since the leaves are gone but the trees are attractive, all the same.

River Birch (Betula nigra)

This tree is a bushy deciduous specimen loved by many for its incredible peeling bark. Because of its affinity for moist and dense soil, they can easily survive in any yard spaces, even where nothing else seems to grow.

If you live near a swamp or any body of water and would like to line up trees around it, use river birch. You can even grow the river birch as one of the trees for coastal areas. They don’t mind the salt or wind.

If you don’t plant it near water, you can still utilize them in your yard as ornamental plantings. You can never go wrong with this lovely specimen because aside from being a fast growing shade tree, river birch is also an attractive addition to a garden.

Autumn Blaze (Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’) – The Brilliant-Colored Trees

Autumn Blaze maple tree is a hybrid version of the sugar maple and silver maple. It has a rapid growth rate of three feet a year. The trunk and branches are hardy and pest free. It is also tolerant of soil in urban conditions, making it compatible with suburban yards and gardens.

If you are looking for a shade tree with vibrant red and gold foliage, this hybrid specimen is the first choice for its brilliant colors. Its mellow beauty and spectacular color will make your garden enjoyable in a short time.

Fast Growing Evergreen Trees – Thuja Green Giants (Thuja standishii x plicata)

If you need fast growing hedges or a windbreak solution, thuja is a perfect choice. With an exceptional growth rate and strength under different weather conditions, these tough trees have to be the number one option for immediate yard seclusion needs.

Thuja green giants show vibrant green color all year round. They are also deer-resistant, pest resistant, and disease free – making it an ideal hedge tree for country homes. If you want a windbreaker or some fast growing trees for privacy for your backyard, thuja trees are the easy solution.

Fast Growing Hedges – Leyland Cypress Trees (Cupressocyparis leylandii)

Leyland cypress is known for its rapid growth rate and beauty. It grows up to four feet a year and can peak fifty feet in a decade. It is a mid-green tree with soft leaves that are fine-textured. Its compact and upright form makes it a perfect hedge or screen tree in any yard.

Leyland cypress is also pest-free, which means you will not need to worry about critters. You can also easily clip them to maintain any size and height that you prefer. These fast growing hedges can tolerate poor soil, whether in drought or salt-spray.

They can also thrive in urban conditions where there is air pollution and in both light shade and full sun and they are great trees of hot dry summers. If you have an empty yard and a quick need to beautify an ugly view or provide privacy, Leyland cypress is the best choice.

Royal Empress Tree (Paulownia elongata) – Fast Growing Shade Trees

The royal empress tree is perhaps the quickest growing tree available that gives shade in your garden. It may seem like it has white flowers at first glance, but if you take a closer look, you will notice that the flowers are pinkish-lavender with dark purple spots inside.

These trees can grow in a sunny location and mature into a large tree that will cast sufficient amounts of shade.

Royal Empress trees will give you a cool place for your kids to play or barbecue event areas for family gatherings. Because it can be a large tree, make sure to plant these trees away from power lines and buildings or fences. Carefully plan where you plant this tree because it can become invasive.

Weeping Willow Tree (Salix babylonica)

One of the most popular trees around the world is the Weeping Willow. It is easily recognizable because of its long hanging branches that almost touch the ground. It also has a soft-rounded shape, and it is well-loved by many gardeners for its romantic landscaping effects.

These trees are perfect for large areas where its weeping form can be recognized. Weeping willows are tolerant of hardy soil but don’t like extreme drought. If you want a tree with super-rapid growth, this specimen will give you instant results.

It is great to know that there are fast growing trees that are available when you want an immediate fix for your yard. Sometimes, you need plants or trees that will grow quickly to give your garden either privacy or shade. Aside from that, many homeowners enjoy such trees because they also add value to yards instead of having a blank expanse of grass.

We hope this article provides the information that you are seeking. If you had fun reading about the different trees for speed gardening, please feel free to share these quick-growing trees tips with your friends and family on Pinterest and Facebook.