Fast-growing trees
Looking for a tree that will grow fast? Here are some speedy species to consider.
Many trees can take a while to establish, so if you're impatient, need an area to look good in a hurry, want some fast growing privacy trees, or are creating a garden from scratch, you might want to choose a fast-growing tree or two.
Bear in mind that most fast-growing trees will reach a considerable size, so make sure you have plenty of room for them to grow, and don't plant them too close to a boundary or a house. Some large trees may have more compact cultivars available if you have limited space. Others can be grown as a hedge, which is a good option if you need to create a boundary.
Want more inspiration for trees to plant in your garden? Discover our pick of the best 20 trees for small gardens and 15 of our favourite ornamental trees.
Trees will establish quicker if they are planted correctly, getting them off to the best possible start. Find out how to plant a tree.
Here are 10 fast-growing trees to consider.
Rowan
Fast-growing rowan or mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) is a British native that grows well on a range of soils. It has pretty, feathery leaves which turn yellow in autumn. Clusters of white flowers give way to berries, which are popular with birds, making it a great choice for a wildlife garden.
Height x Spread: 15m x 7m
Growth rate: 20-40cm a year
Silver birch
Another speedy grower, silver birch (Betula pendula) is a favourite with garden designers. It is often planted in groups or as multi-stemmed tree – the white stems look especially good in winter and are perfect for showing off woodland planting underneath.
H x S: 18m x 10m
Growth rate: around 40cm a year
Hornbeam
Hornbeam trees (Carpinus betulus) are British natives, with pretty, crinkled leaves and good autumn colour. Carpinus betulus 'Fastigiata', shown here, is a fastigiate variety, which means it has an upright, pyramidal shape when young, wider as it matures. They can also be pleached to create a boundary and make useful fast growing privacy trees.
H x S: 15m x 7m
Growth rate: 30-60cm a year
Eucalyptus gunnii
Eucalyptus gunnii (cider gum) is a fast-growing evergreen tree that hails from Tasmania. It has grey-green, glaucous leaves, which have a strong menthol aroma when crushed, and attractive, peeling coppery bark. It can be coppiced or pollarded to keep it within bounds.
H x S: 20 x 10m
Growth rate: 1m a year
Alder
Alder (Alnus glutinosa) is a fast-growing native tree that thrives in wet conditions. It's often found growing next to rivers and can reach 20m in under 40 years. This vigorous grower is good for wildlife, with catkins that provide early nectar for bees, and seeds for birds such as goldfinches and siskins. It's also a food plant for the caterpillars of several moths.
H x S: 20m x 8m
Growth rate: around 60cm a year
Weeping willow
Golden weeping willow (Salix 'Chrysocoma') is a vigorous grower with arching branches. Plant it in moist soil in full sun. It's a popular ornamental tree for a large garden and has attractive yellow catkins in late spring.
H x S: 15m x 15m
Growth rate: around 60cm a year
White poplar
Populus alba should only be grown in large gardens, and well away from buildings, as it's fast growing and has vigorous roots. For large spaces, it makes a useful windbreak. It has attractive leaves that are white on the underside and look fluffy, as well as catkins in the spring. Plant in moist soil in a sunny spot.
H x S: 20m x 15m
Growth rate: around 1m a year
Foxglove tree
Native to China, Paulownia tomentosa has scented lilac flowers in early summer that have a shape similar to foxgloves. Young trees grow at a tremendous rate and can be coppiced after a couple of years to keep them under control. This will result in larger leaves. Grow in full sun in well-drained soil.
H x S: 12m x 8m
Growth rate: young trees can grow more than 1-1.8m a year
Hazel
Hazel trees (Corylus avellana) not only make a feature in the garden with pretty catkins in the spring and attractive leaves, but can provide a crop of nuts. They're also valuable to wildlife such as the hazel dormouse and birds such as woodpeckers and jays. Hazel also makes a fast-growing hedge.
H x S: 12m x 8m
Growth rate: 40-60cm a year
Common beech
Common beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a large tree that is only suitable for very big gardens. When mature it can reach at least 25m tall. There are columnar or weeping types of beech that are more compact, and it also makes a useful, fast-growing and attractive hedge.
H x S: 25m x 15m
Growth rate: 30-60cm a year
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