The 7 Best Fast Growing Native Trees for a Healthy Landscape
Q: “I want a shady yard NOW, and my neighbor is planting a bunch of trees. How can I make my yard shady fast? !”
Q: “We bought a new house and there’s no privacy! Can I plant trees to block our neighbors NOW?”
Q: “Can I help reforest a fire-devastated area by planting fast-growing trees?”
If you’ve ever asked a fellow gardener or a garden center employee one of these questions about how to plant trees quickly, then this post is for you. From years of planting many trees in my native forest garden, I’ve compiled a list of my 7 favorite native trees that grow at a crazy fast rate (most trees included are superfast growers of 2 feet or more per year). That means they’ll help you establish your naturalized yard at top speed, without sacrificing climate suitability, support for wildlife, or long-term value.
Why Fast-Growing Native Trees Are Your Best Bet
First of all, native trees are the most climate-tolerant and long-lived trees you can find. Because they’ve been in the area for hundreds or even thousands of years, they’re well adapted to the soil, rainfall, temperature, and local pests. In fact, some state extension offices (like this one from the University of Florida IFAS Extension) will actually recommend using native trees instead of non-native species, due to ecological and long-term cost savings.
Why fast-growing trees? If you don’t want to wait until middle age to see a big payoff from your trees, then a fast-growing species is the way to go. They’ll fill in your space, provide shade and privacy, and support local wildlife at breakneck speed.
The 7 Best Native Trees That Grow Very Fast
In this list, you’ll find some of my favorite fast-growing hardwood trees, conifers, and evergreens that are native to the eastern United States. I’ve chosen some giant trees, some fast-growing conifers, and some compact shade trees that grow quickly. Some are hardy from coast to coast while others are more regional.
The best part? Planting fast-growing trees doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty, wildlife support, or long-term value. These fast-growing beauties are not only for show, they also grow quickly enough to make a noticeable difference in your landscape in as little as a few years.
Check out the TN Nursery trees section to find all of these trees, as well as other regional natives that grow fast.
1. Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Hailing from the East Coast and Southeast, the Tulip Poplar is one of the most majestic large shade trees around. The large, tulip-shaped yellow flowers in spring are a real showstopper, and provide tons of nectar for bees. This giant grows in full sun to partial shade and once established can grow more than 2 feet per year! Tulip Poplar trees eventually reach a towering 70–100 feet tall, with a straight trunk and a large, spreading crown.
Ideal Uses for the Tulip Poplar Tree
* Shade tree in large yards or for reforestation projects
* Excellent streamside tree due to its fast growth and rapid establishment
* Great source of privacy and windbreak
Best Place to Buy the Tulip Poplar
🌳 Get it at TN Nursery , one of the fastest growing hardwood trees in North America
2. River Birch (Betula nigra)
River Birch is one of my favorite native trees for average garden soil. This medium-large tree has a unique, papery, peeling bark that looks great year round. Its feathery foliage provides a nice dappled shade, making it an good choice for patios, decks, or garden areas where you need a bit of cooling shade. It’s also a super-hardy tree that grows fast in full sun or partial shade, adding 1.5 to 2 feet annually.
Ideal Uses for the River Birch Tree
* Shade tree in yards of all sizes
* Great for multi-season interest due to its peeling bark and changing foliage
* Highly tolerant of wet soil, making it an excellent choice for low-lying areas where other trees don’t thrive
Best Place to Buy the River Birch Tree
🌳 Get it at TN Nursery , one of the fastest growing birches in North America
3. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
The Eastern Redbud is a favorite for good reason. Grown for its early-season magenta-pink blooms, which appear before the leaves even unfurl in early spring. This native small tree or large shrub is one of the most popular ornamental trees in the country. Not only does it grow quickly (up to 1–2 feet per year), but it’s also easy to establish and care for.
Ideal Uses for the Eastern Redbud Tree
* Shade tree in small yards or for urban plantings
* Fantastic for creating multi-season interest in any yard
* Ideal for wildlife support, as its flowers and seedpods attract a variety of pollinators and small birds
Best Place to Buy the Eastern Redbud Tree
🌳 Get it at TN Nursery , one of the fastest growing trees in North America
4. Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
The Sycamore is one of the largest shade trees out there, so it’s best for large yards or rural plantings. In my opinion, it’s also one of the most beautiful because of its intricate, camouflage-patterned bark and its enormous, spreading canopy. Expect fast growth, with annual increases of over 2 feet in ideal conditions.
Ideal Uses for the Sycamore Tree
* Shade tree in large yards or for reforestation projects
* Excellent streamside tree due to its fast growth and rapid establishment
* Great source of privacy and windbreak
Best Place to Buy the Sycamore Tree
🌳 Get it at TN Nursery , one of the fastest growing hardwood trees in North America
5. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
If you live in the southern states, then you may be used to seeing Bald Cypress trees along riverbanks and in swampy areas. But did you know this deciduous conifer is also very adaptable, and can even grow in average soil? Grown for its feathery foliage and fiery orange fall color, Bald Cypress trees are fast-growing, easy to establish, and even become beautiful habitat trees.
Ideal Uses for the Bald Cypress Tree
* Shade tree in yards of all sizes
* Great for multi-season interest due to its peeling bark and changing foliage
* Highly tolerant of wet soil, making it an excellent choice for low-lying areas where other trees don’t thrive
Best Place to Buy the Bald Cypress Tree
🌳 Get it at TN Nursery , one of the fastest growing Bald Cypress trees in North America
Fast-Growing Trees for Privacy or Windbreaks
If you’re looking for a native fast-growing privacy hedge, then one of these evergreens is for you. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is an extremely popular fast-growing evergreen tree that can grow a foot or more per year. It’s dense foliage provides quick screening and privacy. It’s a native tree, so it thrives in Eastern conditions, and its berries provide food for local wildlife.
Best Place to Buy the Eastern Red Cedar Tree
🌳 Get it at TN Nursery , one of the fastest growing evergreen trees in North America
6. American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
American Arborvitae is an evergreen tree that is often used for hedging due to its fast growth and easy maintenance. In full sun or part shade, it can grow 1–2 feet per year. It’s cold-hardy, making it an ideal choice for northern areas. Grown for its tall, conical shape and rich green color, Arborvitae trees are very popular in modern landscapes.
Ideal Uses for the American Arborvitae Tree
* Privacy or windbreak tree in yards of all sizes
* Easy to establish and care for, making it ideal for first-time gardeners or busy homeowners
* Great for landscaping due to its classic shape and rich green color
Best Place to Buy the American Arborvitae Tree
🌲 Order your American Arborvitae tree here and get a green wall that’s both functional and beautiful
Why Native Trees Are a Better Investment Than Non-Native Ones
Let’s talk for a minute about why native trees are better for your wallet (and the environment) than their exotic cousins.
Fast growth is not the only reason to plant native trees. They are also much easier to establish and require far less long-term maintenance. Their root systems are adapted to the local soil and they often have native insects, birds, and mammals that pollinate and disperse their seeds. Non-native or exotic trees may grow faster initially, but in the long run, they often need more fertilizer, more watering, and more pest control.
Native trees support the local ecosystem. Every leaf that falls feeds a native caterpillar that in turn feeds a native bird. Acorns and nuts feed squirrels and jays, while berries and seeds feed pollinators and songbirds. By planting natives, you’re supporting a whole community of wildlife.
Native Trees for Fast Cover and Instant Landscape Impact
So you see, fast-growing native trees are a win-win for gardeners and the planet. They grow quickly, require less care, and provide a habitat for local wildlife. They’re also available at many garden centers and nurseries. So if you’re looking to add shade to your yard quickly and without a lot of fuss, be sure to check out these trees next time you’re out and about.
Final Thoughts on Planting Trees That Grow Quickly
Trees that grow quickly are ideal for people who want to see instant results in their yards. They’re also great if you want to establish a naturalized or native landscape, as they quickly create a shaded, wooded feel. Fast-growing trees also have other benefits, including attracting wildlife and helping to cool the environment. The best part is, you can often find native fast-growing trees at local nurseries or garden centers. So what are you waiting for? Start planting your fast-growing native trees today and enjoy the benefits for years to come.
Need to find fast-growing native trees for your area? Explore TN Nursery’s selection of regional trees that ship bare root or fresh to your door, and are ready to start growing on planting day.
