11 Fast-Growing Trees for Shade at Home

Growing a tree in your backyard takes a few years but with fast-growing ones, you can achieve results sooner. Growing large plants beautifies a landscape and at the same time serves as a remedy for reducing stress and anxiety.

Trees are natural air filters and nature’s best gift to have around. Fast-growing shade trees become sizeable within a shorter period.

Specifically, you must choose shade trees with rapid growth to create your desired shade on your property. The environmental benefit of having these trees around is that they can control temperatures in hot summer months. They are a natural asset that improves each year for long-term benefits.

We have listed some fast-growing shade trees recommended for planting in your home.

Fast-Growing Shade Trees to Plant at Home

#1. Red Sunset Maple (Acer ruburm)

Red Sunset Maple with its superior red fall can grow in cold temperatures and thrive in wet soils. It grows quickly and has a naturally structured form with good branching and an amazing red colouring.

Red sunset maple prefers full sun, but can also thrive with partial sunlight. Strategic planting is important as this deciduous tree prefers nutrient-rich, moist, and acidic soil.

Planting is best done in spring or fall. During planting, cover the top layer of the soil with 2 to 3 inches of mulch. This protects the root bed to ensure the tree’s roots are moist, insulated, and cool.

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#2. American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

The American Sycamore is a sturdy tree capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and pollution. It guarantees longevity and natural cover with its broad canopy.

This tree requires space to thrive in nature as it can grow up to 70 feet in height and over 50 feet wide. It can grow up to 6 feet within a year, so within a couple of years, it can reach a considerable size ensuring a cooler temperature in no time.

The American Sycamore cools the temperature during hot summer months and sheds its leaves as the temperature drops allowing sunlight to heat your home. Wildlife also rely on these trees for shelter and as food sources during winter months.

#3. Weeping Willow

Although they are short-lived, weeping willows are fast-growing shade trees, naturally growing by 2 or more feet each year. With a dense cover, the best place for these trees is near a body of freshwater. This should work better for you if you live near a river or a pond.

A considerable distance for strategic planting should be at least 50 feet away from your house. Weeping willows can grow quickly to 30 to 40 feet in height.

For first-time planting, get a stem wide enough, like the size of a pencil. You will need to cut a length of 12 to 18 inches. Take the stem and plant the bottom end of the cutting. Plant it deep, up to 6 to 8 inches. Cover the soil, water it, and ensure it stays moist. The plant should start to leaf out within a couple of weeks.

#4. Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

The tulip tree is one of North America’s native trees known for its unique tulip-shaped flowers. A member of the magnolia family, this deciduous tree can reach a height of over 90 feet.

Their trunk is naturally tall and straight, with a bark that appears light grey to light brown on a smooth surface. The tulip tree can grow rapidly under perfect conditions.

They are the tallest of the eastern hardwoods in North America and they do not suffer from many pest problems. The best place to plant is in a well-drained and loamy soil. Full sun to partial sun is enough for the normal growth of the tulip tree.

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#5. Bald Cypress (Taxodiun distichum)

Being a canopy tree, the bald cypress is a good choice to plant in your yard. It naturally needs space to grow into a tall deciduous tree. The bald cypress is an excellent option to add to your landscape.

The deciduous tree grows an average of one to two feet each year and reaches 60 to 70 feet in height when fully mature, but it can also reach up to 100 feet tall. The best part is that they are a long-lived tree.

The bald cypress requires full sun and damp or swampy soil to grow. Strategic planting should also be prioritized—a bald cypress should not be planted close to a house foundation or near water lines.

#6. Thuja Green Giant (Arborvitae)

Thuja Green Giant is known for its pyramid shape and dark green foliage. This tree is considered the most popular and easy-to-grow evergreen species to add to your landscape.

“Evergreen” means that this tree stays green throughout the year as it grows into maturity. The growth rate is estimated at 3 feet per year, and the fully matured size can reach 50 to 60 feet tall.

Plant in spots where they are exposed to full or partial sun in well-draining soil.

#7. American Elm (Ulmus Americana)

American elm is a deciduous tree native to the eastern region of the continent. It’s a fast-growing tree that naturally reaches a height of 60 to 80 feet. Its growth rate is about 2 feet per year, naturally growing in an umbrella-shaped canopy.

This native North American tree is sold in plant nurseries, so you can get one to plant in your backyard. Strategic planting should be done in a spot with full sun exposure. Choose well-drained, rich soil for planting to ensure a good growth rate.

#8. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Considered “one of the cleanest, most handsome, and stateliest trees” by experts, the northern red oak is a Midwest native. It is a rapidly growing tree that is tolerant of air pollution and salt, making it suitable for thriving around your home. Whether you are planting in your backyard or front yard, the landscape changes with the seasons.

The northern red oak’s leaves are handsome all year round. The leaves change to dark green in the hot summer months and appear russet-red to bright red in the fall. The best place to plant it is in well-draining soil that gets full sunlight.

#9. Hackberry (Celtis occeidentalis)

Hackberry is a sturdy tree that can withstand strong winds, just as it can tolerate air pollution. It’s a native North American tree, usually used in parks. It produces tough purple-brown berries that attract birds, which later find a nesting site on its branches. It prefers a suitable planting site rich in moist soil and full sun to partial shade. It is a good choice to add to your landscape.

#10. River Birch (Betula nigra)

Like the weeping willow, the river birch prefers to grow near a water body. They naturally grow along riverbanks, but this doesn’t mean you can’t plant one at your home. Buy a river birch tree from the nearest plant nursery. You will need to dig a hole 1.5 times the diameter of the plant container. The hole shouldn’t be deeper than the root ball. Place the tree inside the hole and make sure the root flare is level with the soil surface.

The best place to plant is in well-draining soil in full to partial sun.

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#11. Chinese Pistache Tree (Pistacia chinensis)

Lastly, the Chinese pistache tree is another tree you can plant in your backyard for shade. It’s a great choice for shade, turning bright red in the fall with its umbrella-shaped canopy. Starting small, a Chinese pistache can grow to a height of 80 feet. This tree is a fine choice to plant along driveways, streets, and lawns. It’s also well-suited for homes, whether you decide to plant it in your backyard or driveway.

Conclusion

Trees are one of nature’s best gifts, a remedy for stress, physical health, and anxiety. Fast-growing trees for shade are perfect for controlling the temperature in a home during hot summer months.