10 Fast-Growing Trees for Your Backyard

Adding trees to your landscape is one of the best ways to create shade, increase privacy, attract wildlife, and improve curb appeal. If you don't want to wait decades for results, these fast-growing trees can quickly transform your yard. Here are ten excellent choices for homeowners looking for rapid growth and beautiful landscapes.

1. Green Giant Arborvitae

Green Giant Arborvitae is one of the most popular privacy trees available. Its dense evergreen foliage creates a natural screen that blocks neighbors, wind, and noise.

• Growth Rate: 3–5 feet per year
• Mature Height: 40–60 feet
• Best For: Privacy hedges and windbreaks
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

Once established, these trees are drought tolerant and require minimal maintenance.

2. River Birch

River Birch is known for its attractive peeling bark and graceful branching. It grows quickly and adapts well to various soil conditions.

• Growth Rate: 2–4 feet per year
• Mature Height: 40–70 feet
• Best For: Moist areas and ornamental landscapes
• Sun Requirements: Full sun

Its golden fall color and unique bark provide year-round interest.

3. Lombardy Poplar

Lombardy Poplar is famous for its tall, narrow growth habit. It creates quick vertical accents and works well as a windbreak.

• Growth Rate: 5–8 feet per year
• Mature Height: 60–80 feet
• Best For: Windbreaks and property borders
• Sun Requirements: Full sun

This tree delivers nearly instant landscape impact.

4. Bradford Pear

Bradford Pear produces a spectacular display of white flowers in early spring. Its symmetrical shape makes it a popular ornamental tree.

• Growth Rate: 3–5 feet per year
• Mature Height: 30–50 feet
• Best For: Spring color and street plantings
• Sun Requirements: Full sun

Although attractive, some regions discourage planting Bradford Pear due to invasive tendencies.

5. Silver Maple

Silver Maple is one of the fastest-growing shade trees available. Its silvery leaf undersides shimmer in the wind, creating a beautiful effect.

• Growth Rate: 3–6 feet per year
• Mature Height: 50–80 feet
• Best For: Large shade trees
• Sun Requirements: Full sun

Its rapid growth makes it ideal for quickly cooling a yard.

6. Red Maple

Red Maple offers vibrant red foliage in autumn and adapts to many growing conditions.

• Growth Rate: 2–4 feet per year
• Mature Height: 40–60 feet
• Best For: Fall color and shade
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade

This versatile native tree is a favorite across much of North America.

7. Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtle produces colorful blooms throughout summer and adds ornamental value to smaller landscapes.

• Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
• Mature Height: 15–25 feet
• Best For: Flowering landscapes
• Sun Requirements: Full sun

Its long-lasting blooms attract pollinators and provide months of color.

8. Black Walnut

Black Walnut is a valuable hardwood tree that also produces edible nuts.

• Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
• Mature Height: 50–75 feet
• Best For: Large properties and wildlife habitat
• Sun Requirements: Full sun

Keep in mind that Black Walnut releases juglone, which can affect some nearby plants.

9. Hackberry

Hackberry is an extremely hardy shade tree that tolerates drought, wind, pollution, and poor soils.

• Growth Rate: 2–3 feet per year
• Mature Height: 40–60 feet
• Best For: Tough growing conditions
• Sun Requirements: Full sun

Its adaptability makes it an excellent low-maintenance choice.

10. Empress Tree

Also known as Royal Paulownia, the Empress Tree is famous for its extremely rapid growth and beautiful purple spring flowers.

• Growth Rate: 6–10 feet per year
• Mature Height: 30–50 feet
• Best For: Fast shade and ornamental appeal
• Sun Requirements: Full sun

In some areas, Empress Tree may become invasive, so check local recommendations before planting.

Choosing the Right Fast-Growing Tree

Before planting, consider:

• Available space for mature height and spread.
• Soil type and drainage conditions.
• Sunlight requirements.
• Climate and hardiness zone.
• Purpose, such as shade, privacy, flowers, or wildlife.

Fast-growing trees can quickly enhance your landscape, provide cooling shade, create privacy, and increase property value. By selecting the right tree for your yard, you can enjoy the benefits of a mature landscape much sooner.