Choosing fast growing trees for your landscape can add immediate structure, privacy, shade, and seasonal color. This guide highlights five top fast growing options from reputable nursery sources, based on growth rate, hardiness, and overall landscape value. Each selection includes a brief overview, key features, and a direct link to purchase. Use the Buying Guide below to compare growth habits, soil needs, and care considerations to find the best fit for your yard.
| Product | Type | Approx. Size | Key Benefit | Nursery / Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Maple Autumn Blaze Tree | Maple | 40-50 ft height / 30-40 ft spread at maturity | Vibrant fall color, fast growth | Generic |
| Red Delicious Apple Tree | Fruit Tree | 2-3 ft height (1 gal pot) | Edible fruit, decorative foliage | Generic |
| Weeping Willow (7 gal) | Willow | Large shade tree | Graceful cascading branches, rapid growth | Generic |
| Willow Hybrid Austree Cuttings | Hybrid Willow | Cuttings for fast column growth | Excellent privacy and screening | CZ Grain |
| Autumn Blaze Maple (1 gal) | Maple | 1 gal established container | Brilliant fall color, quick establishment | Arbor Day Foundation |
The Maple Autumn Blaze Tree
The Maple Autumn Blaze Tree is a fast-growing deciduous maple valued for its vivid autumn display. At maturity, maples reach a broad canopy, offering substantial shade and seasonal color. This variety is noted for its striking orange and red fall foliage. Availability may be restricted by agricultural laws in certain states, with potential order cancellations if shipped to restricted regions.
- Typical mature size: 40-50 ft tall, 30-40 ft wide
- Fall foliage transitions from green to bright oranges and reds
- Moderate to high drought tolerance once established
- Challenging for restricted states; check shipping eligibility
Red Delicious Apple Tree
The Red Delicious Apple Tree offers a classic fruit-bearing option with a deep red appearance and mild, crisp flesh. This deciduous selection is known for reliable growth and ornamental value, making it suitable for landscape plantings as well as fruit production. Shippable restrictions apply in some areas due to agricultural laws.
- Height at maturity varies with planting conditions
- Sweet, crisp flesh ideal for fresh eating or sauces
- Grows well in full sun with well-drained soil
Weeping Willow (7 gal)
The Weeping Willow is a fast-growing deciduous tree known for its cascading branches and graceful silhouette. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and is commonly found along waterfronts. It plays well as a shade tree and adds a distinctive, ornamental look to landscapes.
- Prefers moist soil; tolerant of wet conditions
- Rapid early growth supports quick shade
- Usually suited for larger yards due to mature size
Willow Hybrid Austree Cuttings
Willow hybrids, such as Austree cuttings, are among the fastest growing trees, capable of robust annual height gains. This option is ideal for privacy screens or windbreaks. Cuttings arrive ready to root and establish quickly with basic care, making them suitable for impatient gardeners or projects with a tight timeline.
- Rapid initial growth; potential to reach great height quickly
- Great for visual or sound barriers
- Rooting in water-based setups is common for quick establishment
Autumn Blaze Maple (1 gal)
The Autumn Blaze Maple from the Arbor Day Foundation arrives in a 1-gallon container and is known for fast growth and strong establishment. It offers brilliant scarlet-red fall color, delivering a striking seasonal display and versatile shade potential as it matures.
- Height growth of up to 2 feet per year
- Vivid fall color enhances landscape interest
- Smaller container at purchase reduces transplant shock
Buying Guide
Growth speed and mature size
Consider the target area: a fast growing tree can fill space quickly, but it may require frequent pruning or eventual thinning. Some maples and willows reach substantial heights and spreads within a few decades, while others in this list establish strong canopies early in life.
Soil, moisture, and climate
Most willow varieties prefer moist or wet soils and tolerate a range of conditions. Maples generally prefer well-drained soils and full sun. Fruit trees need adequate sunlight and space for root expansion. Always verify local climate compatibility and irrigation needs for your region.
Maintenance and care
Fast growers benefit from regular pruning to maintain structure and health. Drought tolerance varies by species; maples often require supplemental watering during establishment, while willows may tolerate wetter sites. Mulching helps conserve moisture and reduce weed competition.
Privacy, shade, and aesthetic value
Austree willow cuttings and hybrid willows excel for privacy screens and noise reduction. Willows provide rapid shade with dramatic, cascading branches, while maples offer seasonal color and can serve as focal landscape specimens. Fruit trees add functional beauty and harvest potential where allowed by local regulations.
Regulatory considerations
Several listings include shipping restrictions to certain states due to agricultural laws. Before purchase, confirm eligibility for delivery to your location to avoid order cancellations and ensure compliant planting.