What Makes a Tree "Fast Growing"?
A fast growing tree is generally defined as one that grows more than 60cm (2 feet) per year. Quick growth trees growing 90cm or more per year are considered very fast, and those growing 1.5 meters or more are considered extremely fast. Fast growing saplings establish quickly after planting and provide shade, privacy, or fruit significantly sooner than slower-growing trees.
However, growth rate alone does not tell the whole story. Many of the fastest growing trees — like Silver Maple and Hybrid Poplar — have weaknesses: brittle wood, aggressive invasive roots, or relatively short lifespans. The best fast growing trees for most homeowners balance speed with longevity, structural integrity, and ecological value. This guide covers the fastest options in each category and notes the trade-offs honestly. Use our AI Tree Identifier to identify any tree you see and want to learn more about.
Fastest Growing Trees — Growth Rate Comparison
Understanding growth rates helps set realistic expectations. Here is a comparison of the fastest growing trees across major categories:
Fast Growing Privacy Trees — Best Options for Screening
Fast growing trees for privacy are among the most searched tree topics — homeowners need screening quickly from neighbors, roads, or unsightly views. The best fast growing privacy trees are evergreen (providing year-round screening), grow densely enough to block views, and tolerate shearing or grow naturally dense without constant maintenance. Privacy trees that grow fast are available in both evergreen and deciduous options, though evergreen is almost always preferred for year-round privacy.
Best all-round fast privacy tree. Dense, pyramidal, no shearing needed. Hardy zones 5-8.
Fastest common evergreen. Can suffer from disease in dense plantings — space 2-3m apart.
Similar to Leyland but more disease resistant. Excellent for southeast US.
Absolute fastest for deciduous screening. No winter privacy. Aggressive roots — plant away from infrastructure.
Fast evergreen shrub-tree for southern gardens (zones 7-10). Salt tolerant, wildlife friendly.
Fast broadleaf evergreen with red berries. More ornamental than conifers. Zones 6-9.
Fast Growing Shade Trees — Canopy Coverage Quickly
Fast growing shade trees are essential for new homes, patios, and properties where shade is needed quickly. The ideal fast growing shade tree provides a broad canopy relatively quickly, has structural integrity to withstand storms, and does not have invasive roots that damage structures. Fast growing trees shade trees should be selected carefully — some of the very fastest (like Silver Maple) have significant drawbacks.
Fastest native shade tree. Large spreading canopy. Brittle wood — avoid planting near structures.
Fast + spectacular fall color. More structural integrity than Silver Maple. Best choice for most homeowners.
One of the tallest eastern hardwoods. Beautiful tulip-shaped flowers. Best for large properties.
Fastest shade tree near water. Aggressive roots — minimum 15m from buildings and pipes.
Fast + beautiful peeling bark. Multi-stem form adds ornamental interest. Heat tolerant birch.
Fast-growing urban tree. Filtered shade allows grass to grow beneath. Thornless cultivars available.
Fast Growing Evergreen Trees — Year-Round Screening
Quick growing evergreen trees are the preferred choice for privacy screens, windbreaks, and winter interest because they retain their foliage year-round — unlike deciduous trees that are bare for 4-6 months. Fast growing evergreens for privacy include both conifers (arborvitae, cypress, pine) and broadleaf evergreens (holly, wax myrtle). The fastest growing evergreen trees in North America are Leyland Cypress and Murray Cypress, which can grow nearly a meter per year in favorable conditions.
Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja 'Green Giant') is considered the best all-round fast growing evergreen tree by most landscape professionals. It grows 0.6-0.9 meters per year, forms a naturally dense pyramidal shape without shearing, reaches 12-20 meters tall, resists most pest and disease problems, and tolerates a wide range of soils and climates (zones 5-8). For most homeowners seeking fast growing trees for privacy that are evergreen, Green Giant Arborvitae is the top recommendation.
Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) is another excellent fast growing evergreen — growing 0.6-0.9 meters per year and eventually reaching 20-30 meters, forming a graceful open-structured evergreen that provides light screening and beautiful form. Unlike the dense conifers, White Pine allows some light and airflow through its canopy, creating a more open feel while still providing substantial visual screening. White Pine is also highly wildlife-friendly, with dense branches providing nesting and roosting habitat for many bird species.
Hybrid Poplar — The Fastest Growing Large Tree
Hybrid Poplar is the undisputed champion of fast growing large trees, capable of growing 1.8-3 meters per year under ideal conditions and reaching 15-20 meters in just 5-7 years. Hybrid poplar fast growing trees are the result of deliberate crosses between Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and European Black Poplar (Populus nigra), producing hybrid vigor that exceeds either parent in growth rate.
The main use of hybrid poplar fast growing trees is rapid privacy screening, windbreaks, and timber production. A row of hybrid poplars planted as a windbreak or privacy screen can provide substantial coverage within 3-4 years — faster than any other option. However, hybrid poplars have significant limitations: they are deciduous (no winter privacy), their roots are extremely aggressive and will damage underground infrastructure, their lifespan is relatively short (25-50 years), and they can be prone to disease. Hybrid poplar trees should be planted at least 15 meters from buildings, pipes, and paved surfaces.
For learning more about poplar trees and their identification, see our detailed Poplar Tree Guide.
Fast Growing Maple Trees
Fast growing maple trees are among the most popular choices for homeowners seeking quick shade with beautiful fall color. Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) is the fastest growing maple, adding 0.9-1.5 meters per year — but its brittle wood and aggressive roots make it a problematic choice near structures. Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is the better choice for most homeowners: it grows 0.6-0.9 meters per year (still fast), has stronger wood, produces spectacular scarlet fall color, and adapts to a wider range of soil conditions including wet sites.
Freeman Maple cultivars (crosses between Silver and Red Maple) like 'Autumn Blaze' combine fast growth (0.6-0.9m/year) with the superior fall color and stronger wood of Red Maple — an excellent choice for fast growing maple trees in landscapes. For comprehensive maple identification, see our Maple Tree Identification Guide.
Fast Growing Fruit Trees — Quick to Bear
Fast growing fruit trees are the goal of every home orchardist — choosing the right species and rootstock can dramatically reduce the wait from planting to first harvest. The fastest fruit-bearing trees reach productive size in 1-4 years from planting, compared to 7-10+ years for standard apple and pear trees on full-size rootstocks.
Fastest fruiting tree in warm climates. Can fruit in first year after planting nursery-size trees.
Fastest common temperate fruit tree. Very productive once established. Short lifespan (10-15 years).
Fast growing + abundant fruit quickly. Pakistan mulberry produces largest fruit. Easy to grow.
Moderate growth but earlier fruiting than apple. Very productive. Many disease-resistant varieties.
Semi-dwarf rootstocks fruit much faster than standard. Manageable size for home orchards.
Nursery-grown citrus fruits quickly. Lemon fastest. Requires frost-free zones or containers.
How Do I Plant Trees for Maximum Growth?
How can we plant trees for maximum speed and establishment? The planting technique and first-year care have as much impact on growth rate as the species choice. A fast growing tree planted incorrectly will grow slowly; a moderately fast tree planted and cared for correctly will often outgrow a neglected fast tree. How do I plant trees correctly? Follow these six evidence-based steps for maximum tree growth:
A tree planted in unsuitable conditions (wrong soil, wrong sun, wrong climate) will always grow slowly regardless of species. Match the tree to your site conditions first.
Dig 2-3x wider than the root ball but no deeper. Wide holes allow roots to spread easily into loosened soil, dramatically accelerating establishment and growth.
Deep infrequent watering (slow soak 1-2x per week) encourages deep roots. Shallow frequent watering creates surface roots and drought-sensitive trees.
5-10cm of wood chip mulch in a 1m circle (never touching trunk) conserves moisture, suppresses grass competition, and improves soil. Single most impactful step after planting.
Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring only for the first 3-5 years. Over-fertilizing promotes soft weak growth susceptible to pests and wind damage.
Grass around a young tree's base competes heavily for water and nutrients. Keep a grass-free zone of at least 1m radius for the first 5 years — this alone can double growth rate.
Where to Buy Trees — Tree Nursery and Online Options
Buying trees from reputable sources ensures healthy plants that establish quickly and grow well. Options for where to buy trees include:
Local tree nursery: The best option for most buyers. Local nurseries carry trees already adapted to your local climate, and you can inspect plants before buying. A nursery for plants and trees near me (local nursery) also provides expert advice on species selection for your specific conditions. Tree sales near me at local nurseries typically occur in spring and autumn — the best times to buy and plant trees.
Tree for sale near me at garden centers: Large garden centers carry a more limited selection of popular species but are convenient and often have knowledgeable staff. Tree sales near me at box stores (Home Depot, Lowe's) are cheaper but selection is limited and advice is often unavailable.
Buy trees online: Online tree nurseries including fastgrowingtrees.com (Fast Growing Trees) and similar sites offer very wide selection and deliver directly to your door. Fast growing trees reviews online suggest the convenience is excellent but inspect plants on arrival and report any issues immediately. Buy trees online for species not available locally. The disadvantage is that you cannot inspect before buying, and shipping can stress plants.
Tree for sale timing: Spring and autumn are the best times to plant trees in most climates. Container-grown trees can be planted any time the ground is workable. Bare-root trees (cheaper but require immediate planting) are only available in late winter/early spring. For a tree for sale near me, check local nurseries in early spring for the best selection.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fast Growing Trees
What is the fastest growing tree?
Hybrid Poplar (1.8-3m/year) and Paulownia/Empress Tree (2-5m/year) are the absolute fastest. For evergreens, Leyland Cypress (0.9-1.2m/year) is fastest. For shade, Weeping Willow (1.5-2.5m/year) near water and Silver Maple (0.9-1.5m/year) elsewhere are fastest.
What are the best fast growing privacy trees?
Green Giant Arborvitae is the best all-round fast privacy tree — grows 0.6-0.9m/year, dense year-round. Leyland Cypress is faster (0.9-1.2m/year) but needs more space. Hybrid Poplar is fastest (1.8-3m/year) but deciduous — no winter privacy.
What are the best fast growing shade trees?
Red Maple (0.6-0.9m/year) is the best overall — fast, strong, beautiful fall color. Silver Maple is faster (0.9-1.5m/year) but has brittle wood. Tulip Poplar is excellent for large properties. Weeping Willow is fastest near water.
What are fast growing evergreen trees?
Leyland Cypress and Murray Cypress grow 0.9-1.2m/year. Green Giant Arborvitae grows 0.6-0.9m/year. Eastern White Pine grows 0.6-0.9m/year. All provide year-round screening. Green Giant Arborvitae is the best choice for most homeowners.
How do I plant trees for fast growth?
Dig wide (2-3x root ball width), water deeply and infrequently, mulch 5-10cm in a 1m circle, remove grass competition, fertilize lightly in early spring, and choose the right tree for your soil and sun conditions. Proper planting and first-year care can double growth rate.
What are fast growing fruit trees?
Fig (fruits in 1-2 years), Peach (3-4 years), and Mulberry (2-3 years) are the fastest fruiting trees. Semi-dwarf apple rootstocks fruit in 3-5 years. Always buy nursery-grown trees rather than planting seeds for fastest fruit production.
What is Hybrid Poplar and how fast does it grow?
Hybrid Poplar grows 1.8-3 meters per year — the fastest large tree available. Reaches 15-20m in 5-7 years. Best for rapid deciduous privacy screens and windbreaks. Has aggressive roots — plant 15m+ from buildings and pipes. Lifespan 25-50 years.
Identify Your Fast Growing Tree
Not sure what fast growing tree is already on your property? Upload a photo to our free AI Tree Identifier for instant identification. Related tree guides: Poplar Tree Guide, Maple Tree Guide, Willow Tree Guide, Hickory Tree Guide, Linden Tree Guide, and Tree ID by Bark.
Species tools: Oak Tree Identifier, Maple Tree Identifier, Birch Tree Identifier, Pine Tree Identifier, Elm Tree Identifier, Fruit Tree Identifier.