Trees are an essential part of nature. They provide oxygen and give us shade, keeping us safe from the scorching sun.
But that’s not all — trees protect us from storms and hurricanes by breaking their force before it reaches us.
Now, trees can be divided into two segments:
- Slow-growing trees
- Fast-growing trees
Hence, when choosing a tree to plant, ensure you know whether you want a fast or slow-growing type.
In this article, we will examine some of the 15 fastest-growing trees on the planet. Let’s dive right in!
Read: 10 Slowest Growing Trees
15 Fastest Growing Trees in The World
The fastest-growing trees in the world are all evergreens. They grow at an alarming rate because they are perennial plants that live for many years and have a very high rate of photosynthesis. Some include black bamboo, pin oak, Thuja green giant, weeping willow, dawn redwood, etc.
Let’s dive deeper into each of these:
1. Thuja Green Giant
Thuja Green Giant is an evergreen that grows extremely fast, reaching heights between 20 to 40 feet in just a few years. Its sturdy branches will provide plenty of shade and privacy, while the lush green leaves year-round will also give you something pretty to look at.
Also, This evergreen tree grows quickly enough to be used as a windbreak or privacy screen, but it can also make an attractive ornamental tree. It has a pyramidal habit and dark green needles 1 to 2 inches long.
2. Black Bamboo
Black bamboo is one of the fastest-growing and most cold-hardy bamboo. It can reach heights of up to 100 feet, but its average growth is around a quarter of that. Black Bamboo tends to take five or 6 years till maturity, and when it does start growing quickly, it grows about 2.91 feet per day.
This bamboo is native to Japan, China, and Taiwan but is now a popular ornamental plant in many parts of the world. It is also used for structural purposes such as building fences and scaffolding.
This fast-growing grass grows best in rich soil with plenty of moisture, but it will tolerate almost any type of soil if given enough water during dry periods. It does best in full sun or partial shade and grows well in USDA zones 7 through 11.
3. Baby Giant Arborvitae
The Baby Giant Arborvitae grows at an average rate of 3 feet per year until maturity and can reach up to 10 feet tall. The average green giant will grow at least 24 inches per year and, in some cases, as many as 60 inches in one year.
The Baby Giant Arborvitae is a small-to-medium-sized evergreen tree with attractive, dark green leaves. It grows fast and can reach heights of up to 50 feet tall. In addition to being easy to maintain, this tree is also resistant to diseases, pests, and environmental changes.
4. Autumn Blaze Red Maple Tree
The Autumn Blaze Red Maple tree grows at a fast rate. Its height can increase by more than 24 inches per year, so it can easily reach 50 feet or more in just a few years. The Autumn Blaze Red Maple Tree is a beautiful addition to any yard and can be used for shade and accent.
The Tree is known for its bright red leaves in the fall and its glossy green leaves in the springtime. Additionally, the leaves change color in the fall, making them a beautiful addition to any landscape.
5. Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree
The rainbow eucalyptus is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of 50 to 100 feet in its first decade. The fastest growth rate is during the first several years, although it depends on the tree’s variety.
This tree is native to Australia and was brought to California by people who wanted to grow it there because of its density. It is often found in warm climates like Southern California, where it can grow naturally without extra human help.
Besides rapid growth, this tree is that it is resistant to pests and diseases — yet another remarkable trait. Therefore, you do not have to worry about keeping it healthy because it is easy to grow and maintain. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a quick way to add greenery to their yard or garden.
6. Weeping Willow
This tree grows fast, with height increases of more than 24 inches per year. However, the growth rate varies, sometimes adding massive heights of 6 to 8 feet in one year. The plant features an attractive shape, and that’s why it’s popularly used as a shade tree for streets and lawns.
This variety has branches that hang down from its trunk as it grows taller. It is also known as the “weeping willow” because its long, thin branches droop toward the ground like tears.
The plant does well in full sun and can tolerate various soil types and pH levels. Plus, it tolerates compacted soils and dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for scarce water.
7. Lombardy Poplar
The Lombardy poplar is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 6 feet per year. This Poplar tree can withstand extreme cold weather and heat, making it a popular choice for planting in areas where other trees may not survive. If you want a fast-growing tree with an average lifespan of between 30 and 50 years, you can go for the Lombardy Poplar.
This tree grows pyramidal and has long, dark green leaves that turn yellow in the fall. It produces small, yellow flowers in the spring. The tree has white bark with black stripes and proliferates as a young tree but slows down as it ages.
8. Leyland Cypress
The Leyland cypress is a fast-growing coniferous tree that can grow to heights of 70 feet with a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet.
It is considered one of the most popular trees for landscaping because it requires minimal maintenance, tolerates drought and poor soil conditions, and has a natural sheen to its foliage.
In addition to the fast growth rate of Leyland cypresses, these trees tend to be hardy plants that are resistant to pests and diseases and wind up to 90 miles per hour.
The cypress is the fastest growing in the world and one of the most beautiful. It has a dense, symmetrical canopy perfect for creating a hedge or privacy screen.
9. Dawn Redwood
The dawn redwood is one of the fastest-growing trees in the world. It can attain 25 feet in height in 10 years and reach between 90 and 100 feet tall in 30 years, making it one of the tallest fast-growing trees on our list.
But all isn’t about the pace of its growth — another good thing about this tree is that it can survive many different soil conditions and climates, including drought, wind, and fire. However, it does not tolerate shade well, so it should be planted with plenty of sunlight.
Moreover, the Dawn Redwood also has beautiful red-orange leaves that turn yellow before falling off during fall. The tree grows best in well-drained soil with consistent moisture throughout the year.
10. Hybrid Poplar
Hybrid poplar is a cross between European and American poplars. It grows rapidly, as much as 5 to 8 feet per year. Other than the rapid growth, this tree is known for its excellent performance in polluted soil and urban areas, making it an ideal choice for landscaping projects that require fast growth.
Hybrid poplars grow best in areas with a lot of light and water. They are also very hardy and have few pests or diseases, making them a great option for urban environments.
The tree suffices in a variety of uses, including making furniture or paper products, with its most common use being newsprint production. Hybrid poplars are native to Europe and Asia but have been introduced in North America.
11. River Birch
The River Birch is native to eastern North America but is also found in Europe and Asia. This species is a fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous. Its growth rate can be anywhere from 40 to 70 feet, depending on the conditions.
River birch trees are known for their beautiful fall color, and their leaves turn shades of yellow and orange before dropping in the fall. The tree also exhibits excellent tolerance to heat and drought conditions.
12. The Empress Splendo
The Empress Splendo is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall in its first year and reaches maturity in just 10 years. The tree is known for its beautiful purple leaves, which turn a beautiful yellow during fall.
Although native to China, this tree has been planted in other areas worldwide as an ornamental plant. It is often planted along roads or parks because it looks beautiful.
13. Quaking Aspen
Quaking Aspen is a fast-growing tree, growing 24 inches per year on average. It grows best where soils are moist, and sunshine is plentiful. The tree can grow in most soils but does best in deep loam or clay loam that has been well drained by adequate subsoil drainage.
In addition, Aspens are known for their beautiful white bark and the way their leaves tremble in the breeze. You’re more likely to find them in the mountains and thrive in high altitudes, where they can get enough water to survive.
14. Paper Birch
Paper birch trees are native to the northern hemisphere and have a typical lifespan of 140 years. They grow between 12 to 24 inches over a single season.
Plant paper birch in full sun and well-drained soil, but keep their roots cool and moist. These trees typically reach 60 to 70 feet tall with a spread of about 20 feet at maturity.
15. Pin Oak
Pin oaks are the most common species of oak in North America. They grow best in areas with moderate moisture and can be found across the country’s eastern half.
Pin oaks are fast-growing trees with a growth rate of 24 inches or even more per year. They can live up to 200 years before reaching full maturity. The leaves are alternately arranged on the branches, with each leaf being roughly 2 inches long and 1 inch wide.
Conclusion
The fastest-growing trees are a great way to add instant green to your yard, but they are not always the most practical choice. Before deciding which trees to grow in your yard, you must consider where you live and your goals.
