10 Best Fast Growing Trees to Transform Your Landscape

Fast growing trees offer a quick solution for homeowners looking to add shade, beauty, or privacy to their yard. These trees grow at impressive rates, making them perfect for those who want to see changes in their landscape without waiting decades.

Below is a list of some of the best fast-growing trees, each with its unique features and benefits.

What Makes Fast-Growing Trees Interesting?

Fast-growing trees are popular among homeowners who want to see immediate results in their landscapes. These trees can fill empty spaces, provide shade, and create privacy in just a few years. However, it’s important to choose the right type of tree that matches your environment and specific needs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the best fast-growing trees available and what makes each one special. Whether you’re looking for shade, beauty, or practicality, these trees are sure to enhance your outdoor space in no time.

1. Red Maple

The Red Maple is a popular fast-growing tree, known for its rapid growth and stunning red leaves in the fall. It can grow over a foot each year, making it an ideal choice for those looking to add shade and beauty to their yard quickly. The Red Maple thrives in a variety of soils and is highly adaptable, which makes it a low-maintenance option.

The vibrant red foliage adds color to any landscape, especially during autumn. It also grows a broad canopy, providing ample shade for relaxation during warm months. To help your Red Maple thrive, consider tree nutrition and fertilization services to give it the nutrients it needs for optimal growth.

2. American Sycamore

The American Sycamore is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a large, fast-growing shade tree. This tree can grow up to 100 feet tall and has a broad, dense canopy that provides significant shade coverage.

It grows fast, sometimes adding several feet each year, and it’s known for its distinctive white bark that peels off in patches, adding visual interest to your yard.

Because of its large size and rapid growth, the American Sycamore is perfect for large properties or areas where you need extensive shade. It’s also tolerant of wet soil, making it a great option for areas prone to flooding or damp conditions.

3. Eastern Redbud

For those interested in a fast-growing tree that offers both beauty and quick results, the Eastern Redbud is a fantastic option. This tree grows rapidly and produces stunning pink and purple flowers in the spring, making it a favorite for homeowners who want a splash of color in their garden.

The Eastern Redbud is also compact, making it perfect for smaller spaces while still offering beauty and shade. It thrives in a variety of soil types and is relatively low-maintenance once established.

To ensure that your trees stay healthy and vibrant, insect management and tree pest control services can help keep pests at bay.

4. Green Giant Arborvitae

For homeowners looking to add privacy quickly, the Green Giant Arborvitae is one of the best fast-growing options. This evergreen tree grows up to three feet per year and creates a dense, green wall that can block out noise, wind, and unwanted views.

Its uniform growth and dense foliage make it perfect for creating a natural fence around your property. The Green Giant Arborvitae is also resistant to many pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance option.

If you’re looking to plant a fast-growing privacy hedge, tree mitigation services can help ensure that the planting process goes smoothly and safely.

5. Tulip Poplar

The Tulip Poplar is another fast-growing tree, known for its large, tulip-shaped flowers that bloom in the spring. This tree can grow several feet each year and reaches impressive heights, making it ideal for those looking for a tall, striking tree in their landscape.

In addition to its beauty, the Tulip Poplar also provides excellent shade and is relatively low-maintenance. It’s a long-lived tree, providing both immediate and long-term benefits for your yard. Regular maintenance, such as tree trimming, can help the Tulip Poplar maintain its shape and health over the years.

6. Weeping Willow

The Weeping Willow is one of the most recognizable fast-growing trees, known for its graceful, drooping branches and rapid growth. This tree can grow up to 8 to 10 feet per year in ideal conditions, making it one of the fastest-growing species.

Its unique appearance makes it a beautiful addition to any landscape, particularly near water features like ponds or streams.

The Weeping Willow thrives in moist soil, and its large, spreading canopy provides plenty of shade. It’s perfect for creating a peaceful, shaded area in your yard, but it does require ample space to grow due to its size.

7. River Birch

The River Birch is a fast-growing tree that’s known for its attractive peeling bark and ability to thrive in both wet and dry conditions. This tree can grow up to three feet per year and is incredibly resilient, making it an excellent choice for homeowners in a variety of climates.

The River Birch adds visual interest to any yard with its textured bark and spreading canopy. It’s also resistant to many common tree diseases, which means it can last for decades with minimal care. However, regular maintenance, such as checking for pests, can ensure it remains healthy and strong over time.

8. Leyland Cypress

Another top choice for fast-growing privacy trees is the Leyland Cypress. Known for its rapid growth rate—up to four feet per year—this tree quickly forms a thick, green barrier that provides privacy and noise reduction. Its dense foliage makes it ideal for lining property borders or creating a secluded retreat in your yard.

The Leyland Cypress is easy to care for and grows well in a variety of soil types. It’s also a favorite for homeowners who want to create a natural fence without waiting years for results.

Planting Leyland Cypress trees can be a great investment for homeowners looking to increase their privacy quickly.

9. Lombardy Poplar

The Lombardy Poplar is a fast-growing tree that’s perfect for framing a driveway or creating a windbreak. This tree grows up to six feet per year and is known for its tall, column-like shape. It adds elegance to any landscape and grows well in rows, making it ideal for defining property lines or creating visual boundaries.

Despite its rapid growth, the Lombardy Poplar has a relatively short lifespan compared to other trees, often living for only 15 to 30 years. However, its quick growth and striking appearance make it a popular choice for homeowners who want instant results.

10. Dawn Redwood

The Dawn Redwood is an ancient species that combines rapid growth with durability. This tree can grow up to 100 feet tall in just a few decades, making it a great option for homeowners who want a long-lasting, fast-growing tree. Its feathery, green foliage turns a beautiful bronze in the fall, adding seasonal interest to your landscape.

The Dawn Redwood is also highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of climates, making it a versatile choice for many regions. For long-term care, ISA certified arborist consultations can help ensure that your Dawn Redwood remains healthy as it matures.

Fast-Growing Trees for Every Need

Fast growing trees offer a quick and effective way to transform your landscape, providing shade, beauty, and privacy in just a few years. From the majestic Red Maple to the towering Dawn Redwood, there’s a fast-growing tree for every need and environment.

At Treenewal, we understand that choosing the right tree is an important decision, and we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking to buy trees or need expert advice on caring for them, our tree services are designed to ensure that your fast-growing trees reach their full potential and remain healthy for years to come.