About Fast Growing Trees

There are many tree species that are known for fast growth, and we will highlight some of our favorites. They are great for fencelines, privacy screens, windbreaks, and other tree planting projects.

It is also important to understand that the rate of growth for a tree, or any plant, is a combined result of several environmental and plant genetic factors. Understanding these factors can help "maximize" the trees growth.

After all, how long do you want to wait for a seedling to grow into a tree? Generally, the willows and poplars are the faster growing trees, doing best with full sun and plenty of moisture. Other broadleaf trees that can grow fast include the Paulownia, Catalpa, Sycamore, Sweetgum, some of the oaks, birch, as well as others. Generally, these broadleafs don't grow as fast as the willows and poplars, but this generalization is highly variable. There are fast-growing evergreens, but the broadleaf trees are generally much faster growing. The Leyland Cypress, some of the pines, and a handful of others would be in this group.

Willows

The genus is Salix, and has over 200 species, most of which are native to the northern hemisphere. There are about 40 species that are "trees" in the United States, and there are a few varieties among these. Most of which are fast growing, and with the willows, the keys are full sun and plenty of moisture.

We grow the Ameri-Willow , Weeping Willow, Corkscrew Willow, Black Willow, Flame Willow, the Purple Osier Willow, to name a few. Growth rates will vary, but three feet to over ten feet a year is normal. Willows can make great screens and hedges, windbreak trees, or individual specimens.

The Ameri-Willow is a unique hybrid tree-form, bred among some of the fastest growing tree-form willows. The growth rates on this tree are almost unbelievable, but once you see one, you will believe it. It seems that overall, these grow about six to eight feet in the first year nationwide. That will vary as per growing conditions. This makes them useful for fencelines, borders, and screens, where fast growth is needed. The Ameri-Willow can also be pruned and shaped as shade trees in the landscape, or used in other tree planting projects.

Do take the link to the "Fastest Growing Tree in America", and learn more about these.Learn more about the Ameri-Willow... click here

The Weeping Willow is a fast growing and majestic tree. Growth can be 6 to 8 feet or more a year. As the tree gets large, the long thin branches hang down, creating a flowing umbrella of shade. The best use for these are in wet areas, or where they can be the yard centerpiece or specimen. It is important to keep Weeping Willows away from sewer lines, or other underground piping. Plant at least ten feet away from open (domestic) water sources and clay pipes.

Each of the willows will vary in their growth rates and shapes, and these work well in many planting situations.

Poplars and Aspen

The genus is Populus, and there are about 9 native to the United States, and there are many important hybrids.

This group is best planted where there is abundant water, and where roots will not effect underground pipes. All of these can be used as fencelines or border trees, or in planting projects. The Lombardy Poplar has a very narrow shape that makes stately lines. The Quaking Aspen is also in the poplar genus, and very picturesque with its shimmering gold leaves in the fall and white trunks. The Hybrid Poplars, for which there are many, are also great for fast growth, especially where quick shade or wind protection is needed. The Aspens, Poplars, and Cottonwoods, all prefer full sun and mosit growing conditions for the best growth. These can grow three to ten or more feet a year.

Other Hardwoods

Not all fast growing trees are poplars or willows. There are some "regular" broadleaf trees and hardwoods that do grow fast as well. Here also, growth rates can vary, but the better growing conditions, the faster theg rowth rate can become.

Sycamores, Tulip Trees, and Sweetgum are broadleaf trees that are popular in the landscape design, and their rapid growth and colorful leaves in the fall makes them pretty trees to include ina wide variety of planting projects.

The Paulownia, has fast growth when they are young, and the huge heart-shaped leaves with clusters of fragrant purple flowers can quickly fill in the bare ground. Growth rates up to 15 feet or more have been reported, but five to ten feet is more common. The Catalpa is a close relative of the Paulownia, also known for its rapid growth.

Some of the conifers can grow fast, namely the Leyland Cypress and Mondell Pine, with 3, 4, or more feet of new growth a year. Coast Redwoods, Hemlock, and Western Red Cedar can grow fast as well, along with many of the cedars and pines. Granted, not as fast as these hardwoods, but if you plant a row of conifers with a row of the fast-growing broadleafs, you will get both the fastest growth and year-round screening. Think about it...

Fast growing trees are most popular for quick-growing privacy screens and windbreaks. In general, the best and fastest growth can be obtained when these trees are planted in full sun, on moist fertile soils, and where the growing conditions are favorable. There is a lot of variability, but there are fast-growers to plant in nearly every climate.