What to Know About Fast-Growing Trees

With the right placement and care, fast-growing trees can give your home and yard a new look relatively quickly. The trade-off for that speedy growth is a limited life span. Many fast-growing trees often start declining soon after they reach maturity. The wood of fast-growing trees may also be more prone to breaking in storms, so regular pruning is important.

Before planting, consider the tree's mature size. Avoid planting close to septic lines and sidewalks where vigorous roots could cause problems. Choose a location well away from utility lines, homes, and driveways to minimize potential damage if large branches or trunks break during storms.

1. Bald Cypress

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a good choice for wet or swampy sites and is one of the few trees that can handle standing water. It generally has relatively few serious insect and disease problems.

It grows about 18 to 24 inches per year and can mature at up to 100 feet tall and about 40 feet wide. It is native to North America and grows best in full sun in Zones 5–10.

Bald cypress is a deciduous conifer. Its foliage appears evergreen during summer but turns russet red and drops in fall. In winter, its reddish-brown bark and branching pattern become prominent features.

2. Chinese Tallow Tree

Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera, formerly Sapium sebiferum) grows about 12 to 18 inches per year and can reach around 40 feet tall. It grows best in Zones 8–10 in full sun and well-drained soil.

It develops a rounded, oval canopy that provides shade and has attractive fall color. However, flowers and seedpods can drop over a long season, creating additional cleanup. Avoid planting it directly next to decks, patios, or main walkways.

Check local restrictions before planting because some regions consider Chinese tallow tree invasive.

3. Cottonwoods and Lombardy Poplars

Cottonwoods (Populus deltoides) often grow naturally along rivers and other moist areas. They can grow about 3 to 4 feet per year and reach around 70 feet tall.

Their wood is relatively brittle, so branches can break more easily during high winds and storms. Cottonwoods generally grow in Zones 3–9 in full sun to partial shade and perform best in soils that do not remain bone-dry.

Plant them well away from buildings, driveways, and play areas where falling limbs could create hazards.

Lombardy poplars (Populus nigra var. italica) can grow up to 6 feet per year and are often planted in rows as tall, narrow screens. They can reach 40 to 50 feet tall.

Both trees can be messy and are commonly affected by pests and diseases, which may shorten their useful life as privacy trees.

Check local restrictions before planting because some regions consider cottonwoods and Lombardy poplars invasive.

4. Dawn Redwood

Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) grows about 2 feet per year and can mature around 80 feet tall and 25 feet wide.

Because it becomes large, it is best suited to big yards, especially the back corner of a large lot where it can provide seasonal privacy and a strong vertical backdrop.

It has soft, fine needles during the growing season. In fall, the foliage turns red-brown before dropping for winter. Plant it in full sun in Zones 4–8 and choose a location with consistently moist or wet soil.

5. European Black Alder

European black alder (Alnus glutinosa) is suitable for low, wet areas where many other trees struggle. It tolerates damp soil well.

The tree can develop a wide-spreading root system, so avoid planting it near sidewalks, septic systems, or sewer lines.

It grows quickly when young and later slows to about 12 to 15 inches per year. At maturity, it typically reaches 40 to 60 feet tall and 20 to 40 feet wide.

Plant it in Zones 4–8 in damp soil with full sun to partial shade.

Check local restrictions before planting because some regions consider European black alder invasive.

6. Gum

Gum trees (Eucalyptus spp.) are vigorous growers, with mature sizes varying widely among species, often from about 25 to 70 feet tall.

In Zones 9–10, some eucalyptus types can grow 2 to 3 feet per year, making them useful for quick shade and privacy.

Choose a planting location in full sun with well-drained soil. Avoid areas where fallen leaves and twigs would create constant cleanup, such as patios or narrow side yards.

7. Japanese Pagoda Tree

Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica, also listed as Styphnolobium japonicum) is a relatively low-maintenance shade tree with a broad crown of green leaves and fragrant summer flowers.

In Zones 6–8 and milder parts of Zone 5, it can grow about 12 to 15 inches per year and reach up to 75 feet tall and wide.

It is often planted in urban areas because it tolerates heat, pollution, and some drought once established.

Grow it in full sun to partial shade and provide rich, well-drained soil for best growth and flowering.

8. Lemon Bottlebrush

Lemon bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus) is often grown as a large shrub or small tree. It can grow about 10 to 15 inches per year and may reach around 25 feet tall.

From late spring through summer in Zones 9–10, it produces bright, brush-like, lemon-scented flowers that can attract hummingbirds and bees.

It tolerates heat and some drought but grows best with regular watering while becoming established. In colder regions, it can be grown in a large container and moved indoors during winter.

Plant it in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.

9. Leyland Cypress

Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) can be grown as a specimen tree but is most often planted in rows as a tall, fast-growing privacy screen.

It can grow 1 to 3 feet per year and may reach 50 to 70 feet tall if left unpruned.

Grow it in full sun and well-drained soil in Zones 7–10. To keep it dense and at a manageable height, begin pruning while the trees are young and maintain light, regular shaping.

10. Silver Maple and Red Maple

Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is native to eastern North America and grows about 1 to 2 feet per year. It can eventually reach up to 100 feet tall and about 70 feet wide, requiring a large planting area.

Although widely used for shade, silver maple is not always a good choice close to homes because it commonly develops shallow roots and branches that can break during storms.

Red maple (Acer rubrum) is also native to North America and is valued for its vivid fall color. It typically reaches about 50 feet tall and 40 feet wide.

Both grow in Zones 3–9 in full sun to partial shade. Provide well-drained soil and plenty of space from sidewalks, driveways, and structures.

11. Tulip Tree

Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is known for tulip-like yellow-orange spring flowers and waxy green leaves that turn yellow-gold in fall.

It grows about 15 to 18 inches per year and can reach up to 100 feet tall, making it best suited to large yards and open lawn areas.

Its wood can be weak, which may lead to branch breakage. Training young trees early can help develop a stronger structure and wider branch angles.

Grow tulip trees in Zones 5–9 in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

12. Eastern White Pine

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) has fine-textured needles and long, graceful branches. It provides soft texture and year-round screening.

It grows about 12 to 15 inches per year and can eventually reach around 100 feet tall.

Plant it in full sun in Zones 3–8. Choose well-drained soil and provide plenty of space for the tree to mature, especially when planting near property lines for privacy.

13. Southern Catalpa

Southern catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides) is an old-fashioned shade tree that produces showy white spring flowers.

After flowering, it develops long, slender seedpods that can litter lawns and hard surfaces. It is therefore best planted away from patios, driveways, and front entrances.

Southern catalpa grows about 12 to 15 inches per year and can mature at roughly 40 feet tall and wide.

It grows best in Zones 5–9 in full sun and well-drained soil.

14. Crape Myrtle

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia) often reaches about 25 feet tall and can be a good choice for adding privacy and light shade in smaller yards.

It is especially valued for fast growth, showy summer flowers, and fall color.

Plant it in full sun for the best flowering. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy, especially during the first growing season. It grows in Zones 6–10.

15. Eastern Redbud

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a North American native tree that can reach about 7 to 10 feet tall in as little as five years and eventually grow to roughly 20 to 30 feet tall.

This deciduous tree is known for its pink spring flowers, which attract many pollinators.

It tolerates partial shade but generally flowers best in full sun. Eastern redbud adapts to many soil types, tolerates some drought once established, and is hardy in Zones 4–9.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to plant a fast-growing tree?

The best time depends on the tree and location, but spring and fall are usually ideal. Spring planting can work well because soil temperatures are rising and rainfall is often more reliable. In areas with mild, wetter falls, fall planting can give roots time to establish before summer heat.

How far apart should fast-growing trees be planted for privacy?

Spacing depends on the tree. Consider the mature width or canopy spread and provide enough room for each tree to reach its mature size. Slight overlap at maturity can create a fuller screen, but excessive crowding can result in weaker growth and more pruning.

How closely can a fast-growing tree be planted to a house?

Consider the tree's mature height and width, as well as the spread of its roots and branches. Avoid planting large trees close enough for the mature canopy to extend over the roof.

Also avoid planting near sidewalks, driveways, septic systems, and sewer lines where roots may cause damage. For uncertain situations, consult a certified arborist or local extension office for species-specific spacing advice.

What are signs that a fast-growing tree is deteriorating?

Signs include yellowing leaves, sparse or stunted growth, dead or brittle branches, trunk cracks, peeling bark, soft areas caused by rot, and fungal growth.

Root problems may appear as heaving soil, damaged roots, or mushrooms near the base.

A tree that suddenly leans, drops large branches, or develops significant dieback requires prompt attention and should be assessed by a certified arborist.