Many trees can take a while to establish, so if you’re impatient, need an area to look good in a hurry, 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 quite a 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.
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 some fast-growing trees to consider.
Mountain ash
Fast-growing 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 very popular with birds, making it a great choice for a wildlife garden.
Height x spread: 15m x 7m
Silver birch
Another speedy grower, silver birch (Betula utilis) is a favourite with garden designers. It is often planted in groups or as multistemmed tree – the white stems look especially good in winter and are perfect for showing off woodland planting underneath.
Height x spread: 18m x 10m
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.
Height x spread: 15m x 7m
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.
Height x spread: 20 x 10m
Holm oak
Evergreen holm oak (Quercus ilex) – seen here on the far right of the picture – has small, holly-shaped leaves and a rounded, domed habit. It’s native to the Mediterranean but blends well with British natives and is often used as a screening tree. It also lends itself to topiary.
Height x spread: 12m x 8m
More fast-growing trees to grow
- Weeping willow
- Poplar
- Hazel
- Alder
- Paulownia
