Fast Growing Trees

As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago! Trees take time to become established and grow to maturity, they are an investment of time and money, and every tree has its own growth parameters depending on type and growing zone. Needing a fast growing trees can be for many reasons, but generally it’s to create quick beauty in a garden, provide a wind screen or a privacy barrier.

Planting a larger tree is one way to create instant impact, but be aware that larger trees first priority is to grow roots and may not put on much structural growth the first couple of years, a smaller tree start can settle in more quickly and start showing growth sooner. Pushing a tree to grow quicker by over-fertilizing can cause structural problems, pest and disease problems, invasive roots, and a short lifespan. There are trees that do put on quick growth quite naturally and are worth considering when the need arises.

Some fast growing trees that Blue Grass recommends: Ash, Aspen, Birch, Elm, Poplar, Russian Olive, Schubert Chokecherry, Sensation Maple, Siberian Larch and Willow.