11 Fast-Growing Trees for Quick Privacy and Lasting Beauty

flowering japanese tree — Credit:
Fabiano Lacerda Dossanto

Trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape, no matter the size. Whether you only have room for a small focal tree or you want to layer several varieties for maximum impact, no garden design is complete without at least one tree. The only downside? Trees often take decades to reach full maturity. But it doesn't have to be that way. Many varieties grow up to 5 feet tall in a single year, filling in your landscape without a long waiting period. Ahead, we're sharing several fast-growing trees that experts say offer shade, privacy, color, and so much more to any outdoor space.

01 of 11

Crape Myrtle

Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia) encompasses a range of perennial, deciduous, and evergreen trees and shrubs that are perfect for small landscapes. Plants from this genus are recognized by their beautiful blooms that fill gardens with interest from summer to fall. "There are many varieties available, allowing you to choose a size that works best in a beautiful accent color to add to your garden," says Allison Futeral, owner and buyer of Crimson Horticultural Rarities.

Zones: 7 to 9
Size: 3 to 20 feet tall x 3 to 20 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil; moderate watering

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02 of 11

Peach Tree

While it may take a few years to bear fruit, peach trees (Prunus persica) are fast-growing and put on a beautiful show while you wait. Peach trees produce showy pink flowers in spring, filling your yard with seasonal color. These trees need proper attention to grow to their full potential—pruning is essential, as is being diligent against pests.

Zones: 4 to 10
Size: 15 to 25 feet tall x 15 to 25 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; moist, acidic, well-draining soil; moderate watering

03 of 11

Flowering Cherry Tree

Flowering cherry trees (Prunus serrulata) are one of the most highly anticipated plants to see in full bloom every spring—by people with and without a green thumb. "This tree is famous for its floral decoration in the season of spring and the outstanding colors that appear in the season of autumn," says Nathan Thorne, a horticulturist at Handy Flowers in the United Kingdom. "They are perfect for giving a garden a little more color." One downside to flowering cherry trees is that they are usually short-lived, having an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

Zones: 5 to 8
Size: 15 to 25 feet tall x 15 to 25 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil; moderate watering

04 of 11

Weeping Willow

Weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is beloved for its beautiful arching branches that add a touch of whimsy to any landscape. The best part? You don't have to wait long for this tree to reach maturity. But keep in mind that, because of this tree's rapid growth, it has weak wood that can easily crack or break. Pruning helps prevent this, and the branches are relatively easy to propagate.

Zones: 6 to 8
Size: 30 to 40 feet tall x 30 to 40 feet wide
Care requirements: Full to part sun; acidic, moist soil; moderate watering

05 of 11

Tulip Poplar

Liriodendron Tulipifera Tulip tree — Credit:
Getty Images

Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) gets its name from its attractive, greenish-yellow flowers that resemble tulip blooms. It's a native deciduous tree that can grow quite tall in the right growing conditions. "It needs watering on a regular basis, especially in its young years," says Samuel Davis, a horticulturist and the CEO of London Gardeners. "This poplar type benefits from applying a thick mulch layer to keep the soil moisture at an ideal level and ensure proper soil temperature."

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 80 to 120 feet tall x 30 to 60 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining, slightly acidic soil; moderate watering

06 of 11

Eastern Redbud

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a fast-growing ornamental tree that looks beautiful as a focal point in small landscapes or as an understory tree in large ones. "Regular watering is a must during dry periods and yearly pruning to maintain shape and remove dead branches," says Davis. In early spring, it gives way to beautiful clusters of pink flowers that are beloved by pollinators.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 20 to 30 feet tall x 25 to 35 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; fertile clay or sandy soil; regular watering

07 of 11

Sweetgum Tree

American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is often found growing in wet river bottoms, swamps prone to flooding, and drier uplands. "The very signature glossy green leaves offer a show from spring as they emerge to the spectacular fireworks display in fall with colors of red and orange," says Mark Canney, director of landscape and horticulture at Arbor Day Farm. It has a shallow root system and should be planted in spring to give the roots time to recover from the stress of transplanting.

Zones: 5 to 10
Size: 60 to 100 feet tall x 40 to 50 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-draining soil; moderate watering

This tree produces spiky, gumball-sized fruits that fall on the ground between December and April that can be troublesome to homeowners.

08 of 11

Crabapple Tree

Crabapple trees (Prunus) are perfect for smaller yards and gardens, adding a cheerful note thanks to their pink flowers. While these trees have unparalleled curb appeal, they can be prone to diseases, including powdery mildew and fire blight. To avoid these concerns, consider growing a variety that is disease-resistant.

Zones: 3 to 8
Size: 6 to 30 feet tall x 6 to 30 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining, slightly acidic soil; moderate watering

09 of 11

Blue Spruce

blue colorado spruce — Credit:
Getty / Adrienne Bresnahan

Blue spruce (Picea pungens), also known as Colorado spruce, is native to the central Rocky Mountains. Because of its native climate, it does best in cooler regions and won't survive in hot, humid areas. While it needs consistent moisture when it is first planted, it will become relatively drought-tolerant as it matures.

Zones: 3 to 7
Size: 30 to 60 feet tall x 10 to 20 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil; moderate watering

10 of 11

Paper Birch

Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) offers multiple seasons of interest and is often grown for its white exfoliating bark that turns yellow in autumn. In spring, small flowers appear, followed by cone-like fruits in late summer. Birch trees are considered a pioneer species, meaning they grow quickly when they're young.

Zones: 2 to 7
Size: 50 to 70 feet tall x 25 to 50 feet wide
Care requirements: Partial sun; loam or sandy, well-draining soil; moderate watering

11 of 11

River Birch

River birch (Betula nigra) is a fast-growing deciduous tree known for its distinctive, peeling bark that adds texture and visual interest—especially in winter. This variety is more heat-tolerant than other birches and thrives in low-lying or flood-prone areas thanks to its ability to handle wet soils. It's a great choice if you're looking for a shade tree that matures quickly and looks striking year-round.