The Fastest-Growing Shade Trees
Photo by Rob Mulally on Unsplash
Introduction
When it comes to fast-growing trees, some of the best choices for landscaping are shade trees. They offer a canopy of attractive foliage throughout the season and can provide much-needed shade on sunny days. According to the US Department of Energy, choosing the right trees and using strategic planting can lower surrounding air temperatures by up to six degrees Fahrenheit. This can reduce energy bills by up to 25 percent. Check out ten of the fastest growing shade trees to consider investing in.
1. Sycamore Trees
Green Sycamore Leaves Providing Shade - Image by Hans from Pixabay
If you’re looking for the best fast-growing shade trees for small yards, the sycamore species isn’t a good choice. As the largest deciduous tree native to the eastern United States, it gets too large for smaller landscapes. These trees can live up to six hundred years and are relatively easy to maintain. For drought-resistant shade trees, the Arizona sycamore and the hybrid London species are superb.
However, most of the upkeep involves cleaning up dropped debris and battling diseases. Sycamores drop a lot of bark, decayed leaves, and seed balls. They have weak limbs that are susceptible to ice and wind damage. This species can fall victim to certain diseases that kill twigs and leaves in the spring. The eastern US is a top place to plant these shade trees.
- Zones: 4 to 9
- Growth rate: 2.5 feet per year
- Mature size: 50 to 110 feet tall x 20 to 40 feet wide
- Care requirements: Well-draining soil, full to partial sun
2. River Birch Trees
Those who prefer organic forestry will appreciate the river birch tree, as it is optimal for larger landscapes. These native fast-growing shade trees boast bright green leaves in springtime and dangling seed pods during the summer. Fall brings about striking yellow leaves, and is able to tolerate a variety of soil conditions. However, they grow best around wet areas and riverbanks. It’s resistant to common tree diseases and pests and can live for fifty to seventy-five years.
- Zones: 4 to 9
- Growth rate: 1 to 2.5 feet per year
- Mature size: 60 to 80 feet tall x 2-to4-foot-wide trunk
- Care requirements: Full to partial sun, well-draining soil
3. Green Ash Trees
A Green Ash Tree in Partial Sunlight - Image by Hans from Pixabay
Green ash is one of the most popular climate-adaptive, fast-growing trees in the US. It is vigorous and grows quickly when it is young, and it develops a broad crown over time. While tolerant of most climate conditions, the wood is fairly weak. It is also susceptible to pests, including borers, aphids, webworms, carpenter worms, and ash sawflies. Common diseases include rust, fungal leaf spots, mildew, and anthracnose, which can be controlled with pest control sprays. These trees are abundant from North Dakota down to Texas.
- Zones: 2-9
- Growth rate: 6 to 10 feet annually
- Mature size: 50 to 70 feet tall and 35-to-50-foot wide branches
- Care requirements: Prefers moist environments
4. Bald Cypress Trees
The bald cypress is a low-maintenance shade tree that tolerates air pollution and less-than-optimal soil conditions. This deciduous conifer provides excellent shade with full foliage until it sheds its needles in autumn. In the realm of climate-adaptive, fast-growing trees, bald cypresses are adaptable and durable. They do prefer wet soil of fine sand, clay, and muck where moisture is fairly permanent and abundant.
- Zones: 4 to 10
- Growth rate: 1 to 2 feet annually
- Mature size: 50 to 70 feet tall x 20-to-30-foot branche
- Care requirements: Well-watered soil and sunny environments
5. Weeping Willow Trees
A Weeping Willow Shades a Park Bench - Photo by Jan Antonin Kolar on Unsplash
Weeping willows are gorgeous and create the effect of a cavern with their rather happy silver and slender green leaves. They look their best when the landscaping is near freshwater sources. However, they don’t do well near septic tanks and sewer lines. The pros are that they grow quickly and thrive in many kinds of soil. On the downside, they must be kept moist year-round, and they are short-lived, with a lifespan of thirty to fifty years with lots of luck and proper care. They are hardy and can survive climates between -20 degrees and 80 degrees.
- Zones: 4 to 10
- Growth rate: 2 to 3 feet per year
- Mature size: 30 to 45 feet tall x 30 to 40 feet wide
- Care requirements: Full to partial sun; well-draining clay or sandy soil
6. Red Maple Trees
Red maples are used in landscaping for their blazing fall foliage and great canopy coverage. In spring, these trees feature red flowers that produce fruits that provide food for numerous mammals, birds and useful insects. They are a wonderful component of organic forestry, are hardy, and they grow well in most climate conditions. Cons of red maples are that they can leave behind an abundance of mess after maturity, including dropping flowers in springtime.
- Zones: 3 to 9
- Growth rate: 1 to 2 feet per year
- Mature size: 60 to 90 feet tall x 30 to 40 feet wide
- Care requirements: Can handle frigid to hot temperatures; doesn’t require lots of water
7. Silver Maples
A Large Green Maple Leaf - Image by Hans from Pixabay
Silver maples are easy to grow, can thrive in a variety of climate conditions, and can grow between three and seven feet annually. Often found along wetlands and waterways, the “water maple” prefers partial shade and moist, slightly acidic soil. Because the roots are fibrous and shallow, they can invade old drain pipes and septic systems and can even crack foundations and sidewalks. Like other types of softwood maple trees, silver maples can damage easily due to bad weather or high winds, putting them at a greater risk for certain fungal diseases and wood rot. These thrive in the eastward Great Plains, central states, and the Mississippi Delta.
- Zones: 3 through 9
- Growth rate: 3–7 feet per year
- Mature size: 50 to 80 feet tall, 30-to-50-foot spread
- Care requirements: Partial or full sun; climate resilient
8. Siberian Elm
The Siberian elm is a smaller tree and is one of the best fast-growing shade trees for small yards. Often called Chinese elm, this tree gets to a good height with a generous canopy quickly. However, this rapid growth results in weaker wood that is easily damaged by high winds. The biggest challenge with elms is the elm leaf beetle, which skeletonizes leaves in midsummer. Their desert origins have evolved their leaves and allow their stomata to close up and retain moisture during drought-like conditions.
- Zones: 2 through 9
- Growth rate: 3 to 5 feet annually
- Mature size: 50 to 70 feet
- Care requirements: moderate water, diligent pest control
9. Tulip Trees
A Tulip Tree Flower - Image by wal_172619 from Pixabay
Aptly named due to its springtime tulip-like blossoms, tulip trees offer an aromatic fragrance, vibrant orange blooms, and golden-green tinges that add shade and curb appeal. A member of the magnolia species, tulip trees are some of the biggest in the US. They don’t have many pest risks and are low-maintenance shade trees that attract birds and butterflies. Tulip trees grow best in the eastern and southeastern US.
- Zones: 4 to 9
- Growth rate: 2 to 4 feet per year
- Mature size: 70 to 95 feet tall x 40 feet wide
- Care requirements: Full to partial sun; moist, well-draining soil
10. Thuja Green Giant Trees
Thuja green giants are drought-resistant shade trees that grow quickly and produce thick, dark-green foliage in a pyramidal shape. This evergreen species provides exceptional shade and adds privacy year-round. While it requires little or no pruning, it can be sheared for shaping. It can be planted anywhere except the northern Great Plains and southern Florida.
- Zones: 6 to 8
- Growth rate: Up to 3 feet per year
- Mature size: 50 to 70 feet tall x 12 to 20 feet wide
- Care requirements: Full sun to part shade, well-draining soil
Proper Planting and Upkeep for Fast-Growing Trees
Here are a few tips to boost tree growth and yield faster results.
- Choose Appropriate Trees: Consider height, width, growth rate, preferred climate, and required soil conditions to pick a tree that will thrive in your region.
- Prepare the Soil: Plant your trees in nutrient-rich soil that has adequate pH levels for the species and drains well.
- Plant the Tree: Dig a hole double the size of the root ball, planting it at the same depth as when you bought it. Water to settle the soil.
- Routine Watering: Experts recommend watering growing trees once a week, taking care not to overwater them to avoid root rot.
- Trimming and Pruning: Routine pruning and trimming keeps trees healthy and aesthetically pleasing.
- Fertilizing: Select a fertilizer that has ample potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus in a balanced ratio. Apply twice a year in late fall and early spring.
FAQs About Shade Trees
A View from Below a Mature Shade Tree - Image by Jan Mallander from Pixabay
1. What is the best spot to plant trees in my landscaping?
Situate deciduous trees to the west and south of your home to create shade during hot times of the day. In winter, trees that shed their leaves let some sunshine come through to provide passive heating.
2. What is the optimal size tree to buy for my lawn?
Small caliper trees around an inch and half in diameter are easy to establish and grow rapidly to catch up with larger trees that take longer to establish after planting.
3. What are the best shade trees to support wildlife?
Organic forestry involves planting native fast-growing shade trees that support wildlife. Oak, walnut, and hickory are crucial for species like deer and squirrels. Many shade trees host various insects, and berry-producing trees are key food sources for birds and other animals.
Choosing the Best Native Fast-Growing Shade Trees
Fast-growing shade trees are available in a wide array of shapes, colors, and sizes. Most of them feature pros and cons that help determine whether they’ll thrive in your yard. Be sure to consider your USDA grow zone and follow these tips to choose the perfect tree.
For help with tree selection, planting, and long-term care, contact Arborist Now! Our certified arborists are dedicated to nurturing and preserving trees in the San Francisco Bay Area.
