10 Fastest Growing Trees for Rapid Landscape Transformation

Trees play an important role in providing shade and habitat for various species. Regarding landscaping and greening projects, choosing fast-growing trees can expedite the transformation of a barren area into a lush, thriving ecosystem. This article will explore the ten fastest-growing trees that can radically change any landscape.

Hybrid Poplar (Populus spp.) 

Hybrid poplars are renowned for their impressive growth rates, often reaching heights of 5 to 8 feet annually. These deciduous trees are excellent choices for providing quick privacy screens, windbreaks, or shade. They thrive in moist soils and full sun. One well-known hybrid poplar is the "Nimbus," a hybrid of Eastern Cottonwood and European Black Poplar.

Quaken Aspen Poplar

Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia Glyptostroboides) 

The Dawn Redwood is a living fossil that grows exceptionally fast. Native to China, these deciduous conifers can grow 2 to 3 feet annually. Known for their unique feathery foliage, they provide a stunning focal point in any landscape. Their growth rate, combined with their distinct appearance, makes them a sought-after choice for quick landscaping.

Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) 

The Weeping Willow is famous for its gracefully drooping branches, creating an elegant and picturesque appearance. It is a deciduous tree that thrives in wet areas. With growth rates of about 3 to 8 feet per year, it quickly establishes a strong presence near water bodies, preventing erosion and enhancing the beauty of the surroundings.

Leyland Cypress (Cuprocyparis leylandii) 

If you need a rapidly growing evergreen tree for privacy screens or windbreaks, the Leyland Cypress is an excellent choice. Its dense foliage and quick growth make it a favorite for creating living barriers in a short period.

It’s a hybrid between the Monterey Cypress and the Alaskan Cedar, and boasts an impressive growth rate of 3 to 4 feet per year under optimal conditions. This vigor makes it an ideal candidate for quickly creating dense barriers that shield properties from prying eyes or provide adequate shelter from strong winds. Its tall, columnar form and lush, dense foliage contribute to a beautifully structured screen that serves its practical purpose and enhances the surrounding landscape's aesthetics.

One of the Leyland Cypress's key advantages is its adaptability to various soil types and growing conditions. Its tolerance to various soil conditions makes it a versatile choice for different regions and climates. While the Leyland Cypress offers numerous benefits, there are a few considerations to consider. Its rapid growth requires regular maintenance, including pruning, to maintain its shape and prevent overgrowth.

Additionally, the tree is susceptible to certain diseases and pests, such as root rot and cypress aphids. Therefore, proper care, including monitoring signs of issues and implementing appropriate treatments, is essential to ensure long-term health and vitality. In conclusion, the Leyland Cypress is a top-tier option for those seeking a rapidly growing evergreen tree for privacy screens and windbreaks.

Bald Cypress Tree

Royal Empress Tree (Paulownia tomentosa) 

Also known as the Princess Tree or Foxglove Tree, the Royal Empress Tree is famous for its large, heart-shaped leaves and impressive growth rate. This deciduous tree provides rapid shade and adds a touch of exotic beauty to the landscape. This tree grows 15 feet each year and can get to a mature height of 50 feet and width of 30 feet in only 10 years! It is considered one of the fastest-growing trees in the world.

Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) 

Quaking Aspen trees are known for their distinctive leaves that shimmer in the slightest breeze, creating a captivating effect. These deciduous trees across North America can grow around 2 to 3 feet annually. They are often planted in clusters, making a stunning visual impact in urban and wilderness landscapes.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) 

Eucalyptus tree's refreshing fragrance and unique appearance. Native to Australia, these evergreens can grow anywhere from 6 inches to 6 feet per year, depending on the species and growing conditions. Their rapid growth makes them suitable for reforestation and commercial purposes.

Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) 

Silver Maples are known for their striking silver undersides of leaves and their adaptability to various soil types. These deciduous trees, native to North America, can grow around 2 to 3 feet annually. They are particularly well-suited for urban environments due to their pollution tolerance and quick shade provision.

Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) 

The Tulip Tree's distinct tulip-like flowers and vibrant foliage add to its appeal. Its striking appearance, rapid growth, and adaptability to different soil types make it a popular choice for homeowners, parks, and public spaces. Beyond its visual allure, it is highly valued for its rapid growth rate. The tulip tree can reach impressive heights relatively quickly, making it an excellent choice for creating natural shade and privacy screens. This rapid growth also means it can quickly establish itself as a dominant presence in a landscape design, filling out empty spaces and providing a lush canopy that shelters other plants and wildlife.

Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum) 

The Paperbark Maple is renowned for its unique peeling bark that adds visual interest all year round. Native to China, this slow-growing maple still manages a growth rate of around 1 to 2 feet per year. While not the fastest on this list, its distinctive features and manageable size make it an attractive option for small-scale landscaping projects.

Choosing suitable trees for landscaping depends on various factors, including climate, soil conditions, and intended purposes. When rapid transformation is the goal, opting for fast-growing trees can significantly expedite the process and yield impressive results.

From the towering heights of hybrid poplars to the graceful elegance of weeping willows, It's important to note that while fast growth is a desirable trait, ongoing care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of these trees as they continue to thrive and enhance their surroundings.

Shop Our Trees

Visit our online shop for a wide selection of plants and trees, or come say hi at our store location in Tennessee!

We offer fast shipping nationwide so you can start transforming your garden today!

If you have any questions about fast-growing trees or if you have any other plant needs, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected], we’d love to hear from you!

Quaken Aspen (Lombardy Poplar) - TN Nursery

Quaken Aspen (Lombardy Poplar)

The Quaken Aspen is a deciduous tree native to North America. It is recognized for its shimmering, heart-shaped leaves that flutter and quiver in the slightest breeze, giving it its distinctive name and appearance. It is a valuable and unusual addition to landscaping, offering many benefits encompassing aesthetic, ecological, and functional dimensions. Its unique attributes contribute to a harmonious interplay of visual allure, environmental support, and practical value, making it a favored choice among landscape designers and homeowners. Quaken Aspen (Lombardy Poplar) is a lovely addition to any property. It's an impressively large tree with a slender, vertical appearance. Full-grown trees can reach 110 feet in height and 30 feet in width. The tree has a very long, bare trunk with a thick cluster of leaves around the top. Usually, the crown of the tree is somewhere between 25 and 60 feet tall. The Appealing Bark of the Quaken Aspen One of the many other names for this tree is the white poplar due to its unusual bark. This tree's bark ranges from a pale, silvery color to a bright, white color. The light color helps it stand out from all the darker plants around your property. Its bark is often mottled with black stripes or spots to make the tree even more eye-catching. This appealing pattern adds a lot of visual interest to any location. The Stunning Colors Of Quaken Aspens Foliage  This tree has small, round leaves with gently serrated edges. During spring and summer, the leaves are multi-colored. They have a green top and a silver bottom, so waves of color ripple through the tree as the wind blows. These trees react strongly to temperature changes. They turn a bright golden color and stay that shade for weeks as soon as it gets a little colder. Some trees may eventually darken to a rich, red tint, but most keep sunshine yellow throughout the fall. Landscaping With Quaken Aspen Since Quaken Aspen is such a showstopper, many landscapers like to use it for decorative stands of trees. A cluster of this tree on a lawn creates a solid focal point for your landscape. Their narrow shape also makes them look quite elegant when planted in lines. A row of this tree is the ideal border for a long drive or fence length. They also work well when planted singly, so you can use a single tree or two to frame your doorway or patio.

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Redwood Tree - TN Nursery

Redwood Tree

Redwood Tree one of the most striking features of this giant specimen is its remarkable growth pattern. When young, this tree can reach towering heights of up to 100 feet, with a narrow, pyramidal shape, gradually maturing into a more rounded, conical form as it ages. Metasequoia glyptostroboides is a remarkable tree with several distinctive landscaping attributes, making it a sought-after choice for gardens and public spaces. Native to China, this deciduous conifer has a unique blend of characteristics that sets it apart from other trees, making it a valuable addition to any landscape design. The Redwood Tree is among the most recognizable species, garnering appreciation for its size and magnificence. Several species, including the Sequoia and the Seqoiadendron, are recognized for growing more than 300 feet tall with massive trunks and broad foliage. Smaller species of this conifer can grow 60 feet or more. What can you expect with this new addition thriving in your yard? The Beauty Of Redwood Tree While several species grow to different heights and branch circumferences, all are admired for their grandeur and beauty. They can live for hundreds of years or more, so their beauty can be appreciated as long as you own your house. The pine needles have a unique, fascinating look with short, downturned needs that grow thickly in a bunch. The bark has a distinctive look with its solid texture and reddish-brown coloring. Excellent Shade With Redwood Tree If you are searching for a species that provides ample shade for your yard, it is challenging to find a more suitable species than this one. This is the tallest species in the world. The tallest one known stands 379 feet tall. With most other common species growing only 20 to 50 feet tall, this option produces far greater shade for you. As a result, it can enhance how you use your yard. With their stunning size, the sequoias are a habitat for many animal species. These include salamanders, newts, and slugs. They also include raccoons, spotted owls, pine martens, and murrelets. Larger mammals, such as elk and deer, are also attracted to them and are familiar with habitats with sequoias. The Rapid Growth Of Redwood Tree Depending on the Redwood Tree selected for your yard, you can take advantage of annual growth of two to 10 feet per year. Even when grown from a seedling, you could have a 50-foot sequoia in your yard within five years. This rapid growth is ideal for those who want to enjoy the beauty and functionality of a large shade tree in their yard without a long wait.

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weeping willow tree

Weeping Willow

Weeping Willow is a towering and graceful deciduous tree known for its long branches that sweep downward, creating an elegant appearance commonly found near water bodies. It is a stunning deciduous tree renowned for its graceful, drooping branches that form a cascading effect, making it an excellent addition to any landscape. The weeping willow is a stately tree that needs no introduction. This type of tree features cascading branches that give it its unique moniker. But despite this, there are plenty of reasons why you'd likely be quite content to plant one of these gorgeous trees in your yard. Let's look at some of the top benefits of these trees and why they are so popular.   Weeping Willow Appreciate Excessive Moisture While it's always possible to overwater any plant, these trees thrive in moister areas, making them the perfect plant to incorporate into swampier regions where you're having trouble growing some of your other favorite flowers. Better yet, they look stunning over a pond or small body of water, captivating passerby with their delicate yet powerful presence. The Weeping Willow Offers Sustenance For Local Wildlife The branches and leaves of these trees fall often, and it's good as they offer food for local wildlife. It's a significant bonus for anyone looking to create a natural space that benefits the environment. They get the free cleanup offered by small rodents and animals like deer, a show when they stop by to feed, and the animals get a quick meal whenever needed. The most significant benefit of these trees is the sheer amount of shaded space underneath them. If some plants thrive better in darker areas, this tree might be the perfect spot to position them. Of course, you could always enjoy the tree, sitting under it to read a book and enjoy a reprieve away from the summer sun. Enjoy Weeping Willows Dreamy Looks  Weeping Willow are among the few that do not explain why they enter. They have an almost dream-like appearance that quickly pulls you in, further enhanced by the yellow flowers that appear towards the end of winter and the beginning of spring. If you're looking for a tree that immediately pulls you in and enhances the look of your surroundings, this is the one.

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Bald Cypress Tree - TN Nursery

Bald Cypress Tree

The Bald Cypress tree has leathery, fern-like foliage that turns a stunning reddish-brown in the fall before dropping; they add a touch of grace to any landscape. They are magnificent deciduous conifers with many pleasing attributes incorporated into landscaping designs. Native to the southeastern United States, these are highly adaptable, making them an excellent choice for various environments. Here are some of the critical reasons why these are a perfect addition to any landscaping project: Why Choose a Bald Cypress Tree The tall Bald Cypress tree is calm and peaceful, making it one of the most popular trees to grow in residential landscapes. With its feathery needle-like leaves and knobby (knees), the Bald Cypress Tree, aka the swamp cypress, looks nothing less than a living sculpture when planted in your yard. Native to southern North America, this tree is commonly found in wet and swampy areas from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Coastal Plain. One of the most interesting facts about the swamp cypress tree is that with each season, it changes colors. When you buy a bald cypress tree in spring and summer, you will notice light to dark green leaves with a whitish undercarriage that is soothing to the eye and adds lush greenery to the yard. In the fall, the tree is wrapped around tan, cinnamon, and orangish-red leaves before dropping them to the ground during the same season. Even in the winter, the tree does not stop being the center of attention with its bare branches and rough bark, adding undefined beauty and texture to your garden. Features of Bald Cypress Tree The Bald Cypress Tree features distinctive feathery foliage that turns into a reddish-brown bark when the tree is “bald” during the winter. Ideally, this fast-growing tree can gain one or two feet yearly and grow up to 60 to 70 feet in height. In many cases, the tree can even reach 100 feet in height, depending on the growing conditions. The Bald Cypress Tree Loves Shade The tree thrives remarkably well in partially shaded, entire sunlight areas with poorly drained and wet muck. While other trees refuse to grow in wetland environments, the swampy cypress thrives, making them best for damp and swampy areas. In addition to getting a bald cypress tree for sale from TN Nursery, you can also check out our top 3 best sellers, including Redwood Tree, River Birch Tree, and Swamp Rose Mallow as they also thrive in wet and moist environments.

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Silver Maple Tree - TN Nursery

Silver Maple Tree

The Silver Maple tree is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree native to North America. It is known for its distinctive silver underside of leaves and its adaptability to various soil and moisture conditions. They offer many landscaping advantages, adding aesthetic and functional value to outdoor spaces. These trees are renowned for their impressive size, distinctive foliage, and ecological contributions, making them a popular choice for various landscape designs. The silver maple tree is native to North America. In the wild, it can often be found along rivers and creeks. Arborists and horticulturists know it as the Acer Saccharinum. Its names include water, swamp, Silverleaf, white, and soft maple. It's beloved for its large canopies and foliage. Identifying the Silver Maple Tree Acer Saccharinum is considered large. It can grow up to 70 feet with a width of 50 feet. Gardeners and landscapers can expect it to grow between three and seven feet per year. The bark is gray and smooth. As it ages, the bark develops lines or stripes. Its leaves grow to lengths of between three and six inches. They are green in the spring and summer, change colors in the fall, and fall to the ground in the winter. Where To Plant Silver Maple Tree  Due to its mature height and spread, the Acer Saccharinum looks best in a large yard. Planting it next to rivers, lakes, or streams is often most beneficial. It also does well in shade gardens, the primary shade-providing plant. Due to its large size, the Acer Saccharinum attracts a variety of wildlife. Birds can often be found around it, including finches, wild turkeys, wood ducks and grosbeaks, squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, beavers, and deer.  What to Plant Next to Silver Maple Tree Acer Saccharinum has a wide canopy and a large spread of roots that grow close to the soil's surface, so it's best to plant greenery and shade-tolerant flowers. Some great plants to grow next to the Acer Saccharinum include Pennsylvania sedge, hepatica, columbine, and Canada violets. If you're a gardener looking to plant at the edges of the canopy, Solomon's seal, columbine, ostrich ferns, and lady ferns make great choices. Silver Maple Trees can add a focal point to large yards and shade gardens. Landscapers and gardeners love them because they grow well around water and provide a lot of shade with their large canopy.

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Tulip Tree - TN Nursery

Tulip Poplar Tree

The Tulip Poplar Tree is recognized for its distinctive tulip-shaped leaves, vibrant yellow-green flowers, and straight trunk, making it a valuable timber and ornamental plant. It is magnificent and versatile, with numerous landscaping benefits. Its striking appearance, rapid growth, and adaptability to different soil types make it a popular choice for homeowners, parks, and public spaces. One of its most noticeable benefits is its aesthetic appeal. Tulip Poplar trees, known as Liriodendron tulipifera, are among the tallest conifers in eastern North America. They can grow to a height of 192 feet. Interestingly, they typically grow limbs once they're at least 80 feet tall, which makes them one of the most valuable timber conifers in the world. The Poplar Tree In All Seasons  Although most grow their buds in the spring, these begin with a winter bud. Throughout the winter season, the buds are dark red. However, once the growing season returns, they'll slowly unfold until leaves are revealed. When fully grown, they are simple leaves that grow up to six inches and have four lobes. Additionally, they become a vibrant, bright green when seen from above. Meanwhile, their underside is a paler green with visible, downy veins. In the fall, these leaves turn a bright yellow that really stands out. The flowers are stunning and begin to unveil themselves during May. Each solitary flower begins as greenish-yellow, although they'll transform into yellowish-red as autumn approaches. Once again, they truly go out in style. Be sure to pay close attention to the multiple transformations they undergo as summer turns into fall. The Fruit, The Tulip Poplar Tree, Produces In September and October, the fruit will appear like many samaras. The wind quickly disperses these light brown, narrow cones and helps propagate the species. As a result, they do not provide a food source for wildlife, although they are home to 28 different species of moths. Tulip Poplar Tree Has A Huge Trunk Once the Tulip Poplar Tree is developed, it can have a trunk at least four to six feet wide! The bark is furrowed, brown, and bitter, though aromatic. When branchlets first begin to grow, they'll be reddish. Over time, these branchlets will turn dark gray before settling into a rich brown color. Planting one of them is a fantastic investment for future generations. After all, they'll still be growing in 200 years. Give them just 15 years, though, and you'll see them grow to 40 feet.

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