If you’re looking to quickly transform your garden into a lush, green oasis, fast-growing trees are an excellent choice. These trees not only provide quick shade, privacy, and beauty but also offer flowers, fruits, or other aesthetic benefits within a short time frame. In this blog, we’ll explore 20 fast-growing Shade trees, the time it takes for them to mature, and when you can expect them to bloom or bear fruit.
What are Fast Growing Shade Trees
Fast-growing shade trees are species that establish quickly, providing substantial canopy coverage in a short time. These trees are often characterized by their ability to thrive in various soil types and environmental conditions, offering both aesthetic value and practical benefits, such as cooling and privacy. They typically have broad, dense leaves, allowing them to create a significant shade area. These trees are popular for landscaping in urban and residential areas, where quick growth and ample shade are desired. However, they may require more maintenance due to their rapid growth, including pruning and potential issues with root systems.
Best Fast growing Shade Trees
1. Hybrid Poplar (Populus × canadensis)
- Growth Rate: 5-8 feet per year
- Maturity: 5-10 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring, though it is mainly grown for its fast growth and impressive height. It is often used as a windbreak or shade tree.
- Description: Hybrid Poplars are highly sought after for their quick growth and ability to create a large, dense canopy. They thrive in a variety of soil types and are ideal for planting along fences or as a privacy screen.
2. Willow Tree (Salix spp.)
- Growth Rate: 6-10 feet per year
- Maturity: 10-15 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Willows bloom early in the spring, producing small flowers that eventually turn into long, catkin-like seed heads, fast growing shade trees
- Description: Willows are well-known for their elegant, weeping appearance and ability to thrive in wet soil. They are a favorite along riverbanks and are perfect for creating a naturalistic garden look.
3. Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)
- Growth Rate: 3-7 feet per year
- Maturity: 10-15 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Flowers in early spring, followed by small, winged seeds that scatter in the wind.
- Description: Silver Maples are the shade trees that are fast growing and are perfect for providing shade in a short amount of time. They are often used in large yards, parks, or as street trees due to their fast growth and tall stature.
4. Eucalyptus Tree (Eucalyptus spp.)
- Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
- Maturity: 5-10 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Eucalyptus trees bloom after 3-4 years with fragrant, ornamental flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
- Description: Eucalyptus trees are fast-growing evergreen trees that provide a striking silhouette and beautiful foliage. They are commonly used for their aromatic oils, making them a great addition to herb gardens or fragrant landscapes.
5. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus × leylandii)
- Growth Rate: 3-4 feet per year
- Maturity: 10-15 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Not known for flowers, but it produces small cones that are not particularly ornamental. This tree is primarily grown for its dense, tall growth.
- Description: Leyland Cypress is an evergreen tree widely used as a privacy screen or windbreak. Its fast growing Shade trees ability to thrive in various soil types make it a popular choice for creating natural barriers in the landscape. This tree is a hybrid of Monterey cypress and Nootka cypress and always sterile and is propagated mainly by cuttings.
6. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
- Maturity: 10-15 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Red Maple trees bloom in early spring with bright red flowers, followed by small, winged seeds that mature in late spring.
- Description: Known for its brilliant fall color, Red Maples are fast-growing deciduous trees that are perfect for adding both shade and visual appeal to any yard or park.
7. Boxelder (Acer negundo)
- Growth Rate: 3-6 feet per year
- Maturity: 8-12 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Boxelders produce small flowers in early spring, followed by winged seeds that resemble those of other maples.
- Description: Boxelders are fast-growing, adaptable trees that tolerate a variety of soil conditions. They are often used in urban areas or larger residential gardens due to their ability to grow quickly. The life span of boxelder is 60-75 years and it may live to 100 years
8. Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
- Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
- Maturity: 15-20 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Blooms in late spring or early summer with large, tulip-like flowers that are greenish-yellow in color.
- Description: Tulip trees are prized for their tall, straight trunks and vibrant yellow-green flowers. These trees grow quickly and are perfect for large yards, parks, or woodland areas where they can reach their full potential.
9. Mimosa Tree (Mimosa pudica)
- Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
- Maturity: 10-15 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Known for its pink, fluffy flowers that bloom in summer, mimosa trees produce seed pods after flowering.
- Description: Mimosa trees are fast-growing deciduous trees with striking, pink blossoms. They are often planted as ornamental trees, though they do require proper care to prevent overgrowth.
10. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
- Growth Rate: 3-6 feet per year
- Maturity: 10-15 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Blooms in early spring, with round fruit clusters that mature in fall and can remain on the tree through winter.
- Description: American Sycamores are large, fast-growing trees with distinctive bark that peels off in patches, giving the tree a unique appearance. They thrive in moist soils and are ideal for larger spaces where they can grow to their full size.
11. Black Willow (Salix nigra)
- Growth Rate: 6-10 feet per year
- Maturity: 5-10 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Blooms in early spring with long, pendulous catkins that produce small seeds.
- Description: Black Willows are fast-growing, water-loving trees that thrive in wet soil conditions. Their rapid growth makes them ideal for stream banks, water gardens, and wetland restoration projects.
12. Acacia Tree (Acacia spp.)
- Growth Rate: 3-8 feet per year
- Maturity: 5-10 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Acacia trees bloom with vibrant yellow or white flowers, often producing pods containing seeds after flowering.
- Description: Acacias are fast-growing, drought-tolerant trees that are often used in tropical and subtropical climates. Their fragrant flowers attract pollinators, making them perfect for adding both beauty and biodiversity to your garden.
13. Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
- Growth Rate: 5-8 feet per year
- Maturity: 10-15 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Blooms in spring with small, green flowers, followed by cotton-like seeds that spread in the wind.
- Description: Eastern Cottonwoods are one of the largest native trees in North America. These trees grow rapidly and are perfect for large properties, providing both shade and aesthetic appeal.
14. Pecan Tree (Carya illinoensis)
- Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
- Maturity: 12-20 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Pecan trees begin bearing fruit around 12-15 years, producing delicious nuts.
- Description: Pecan trees are not only fast-growing but also provide edible nuts. They’re perfect for large yards or orchards where you can enjoy a natural harvest of nuts in the fall.
15. Peach Tree (Prunus persica)
- Growth Rate: 1-2 feet per year
- Maturity: 3-4 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Peach trees bloom in early spring, followed by fruiting in summer. It typically takes 3-4 years for a peach tree to start bearing fruit.
- Description: Peach trees are among the fastest-growing fruit trees, producing sweet and juicy fruits in just a few years. They are perfect for gardeners who want to enjoy fresh fruit with minimal waiting time.
16. Quickgrow Maple (Acer × freemanii)
- Growth Rate: 3-4 feet per year
- Maturity: 10-15 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Blooms in spring, followed by samaras (winged seeds).
- Description: This hybrid of the Red Maple and Silver Maple grows quickly and provides stunning fall colors. It’s ideal for quick shade and aesthetic value.
17. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
- Growth Rate: 2-3 feet per year
- Maturity: 12-15 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Produces nuts in late summer or fall, with mature trees bearing fruit around 12-15 years.
- Description: Black Walnut trees are known for their rapid growth and valuable timber. Their nuts are a great source of food for wildlife, and the tree is prized for its strong, dark wood.
18. Sweetgum Tree (Liquidambar styraciflua)
- Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
- Maturity: 15-20 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Flowers in spring, followed by spiky seed pods that mature in the fall.
- Description: Sweetgum trees are known for their vibrant fall color and unique, star-shaped leaves. These trees grow quickly and are great for adding visual interest to your garden year-round.
19. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
- Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
- Maturity: 10-20 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Produces small cones in late spring or summer, but is primarily grown for its dense, evergreen foliage.
- Description: Norway Spruce trees grow rapidly, forming dense, evergreen landscapes. They are perfect for creating privacy or as windbreaks, providing year-round green coverage.
20. Chestnut Tree (Castanea spp.)
- Growth Rate: 3-5 feet per year
- Maturity: 15-20 years
- Flowering/Fruiting: Chestnut trees produce large, edible nuts in the fall, with mature trees bearing fruit in about 15-20 years.
- Description: Chestnut trees are fast-growing deciduous trees that provide delicious nuts, perfect for larger gardens or orchards. They also offer beautiful foliage in the fall, making them an excellent addition to any landscape.
Conclusion
Planting fast-growing trees is a fantastic way to add beauty, shade, and even food to your garden without the long wait. With the right choice of tree, you can enjoy a vibrant landscape in a matter of years, whether it’s for privacy, aesthetic appeal, or functional benefits like fruit production. By selecting trees that thrive in your specific climate and soil conditions, you can create a green sanctuary that grows with you.
Ready to plant your perfect tree? Start your garden transformation today! Browse our selection of fast-growing trees and bring your dream landscape to life in no time.
