Compare Fast-Growing Trees

Tree	Relative Growth	Foliage	Best Use	Main Consideration
Silver Birch	Relatively fast	Deciduous	Naturalistic gardens	Allow for mature height
Common Alder	Fast	Deciduous	Moist ground	Large eventual size
Hybrid Poplar	Very fast	Deciduous	Large landscapes	Vigorous roots and canopy
Dawn Redwood	Fast	Deciduous conifer	Architectural specimen	Needs substantial space
Leyland Cypress	Very fast	Evergreen	Screening	Ongoing pruning and height control
White Willow	Fast	Deciduous	Large moist sites	Size, roots and proximity to structures

Why Choose Fast-Growing Trees?

Quicker Garden Structure

Vigorous species can establish visible height and canopy more quickly than slow-growing alternatives.

Faster Screening

Selected species can help reduce overlooking, although crown density and seasonal foliage remain important.

Landscape Impact

Fast-growing trees can be useful in large new landscapes where early structure is desirable.

Wildlife Value

Suitable native species such as Birch and Alder can provide habitat and ecological benefits.

Fast-Growing Trees for Privacy and Screening

Rapid growth can be useful where privacy is a priority.

However, the fastest-growing species are not always the most suitable screening trees.

Leyland Cypress can provide dense evergreen foliage, but it requires ongoing maintenance and careful height control.

Silver Birch grows relatively quickly but has a lighter canopy and loses its leaves in winter.

The best choice depends on the height of overlooking, available space, maintenance requirements and desired appearance.

Explore our Trees for Screening Neighbours guide.

Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees

Evergreen trees retain foliage throughout the year and can provide permanent garden structure.

Leyland Cypress is one of the best-known vigorous evergreen screening conifers.

However, its speed of growth means that regular trimming and sufficient growing space are essential.

For many domestic gardens, a slower-growing evergreen species may provide a more manageable long-term solution.

See our Evergreen Specimen Trees guide.

Fast-Growing Deciduous Trees

Deciduous trees can provide rapid summer canopy development and seasonal interest.

Silver Birch, Common Alder, Hybrid Poplar and White Willow are examples of relatively vigorous species.

Dawn Redwood is also deciduous, despite being a conifer.

These trees differ greatly in mature size and soil requirements, so species selection should be based on the site rather than growth rate alone.

Explore our Deciduous Specimen Trees guide.

Fast-Growing Trees for Small Gardens

The fastest-growing tree is rarely the best choice for a small garden.

Vigorous species can quickly outgrow restricted spaces, creating problems with shading, maintenance and proximity to buildings.

Silver Birch may be suitable for some gardens where its eventual size can be accommodated, but it is not a compact tree.

For restricted plots, choosing a smaller species at a more advanced nursery size can be a better solution than choosing an exceptionally vigorous tree.

Read our Trees for Small Gardens guide.

Fast-Growing Trees for Large Gardens

Large gardens and country properties can provide the space required for vigorous trees to develop naturally.

Common Alder, Dawn Redwood, Hybrid Poplar and Willow can all become substantial landscape features.

Their eventual height, crown spread and rooting requirements must be considered before planting.

See our Trees for Large Gardens guide.

Fast-Growing Trees for Wet Ground

Some vigorous trees are particularly well suited to moist growing conditions.

Common Alder is a useful native species for appropriate wet ground.

White Willow also tolerates moist conditions, while Dawn Redwood prefers adequate soil moisture during growth.

Persistent waterlogging, seasonal flooding and poorly drained clay are not identical conditions, so the planting site should be assessed carefully.

Read our Trees for Wet Ground guide.

Fast-Growing Trees for Clay Soil

Some fast-growing species tolerate heavier soils, provided their individual requirements are met.

Common Alder can perform well in moist, heavier ground.

Silver Birch can adapt to a range of soils but should not be planted in persistently waterlogged conditions.

Compaction and poor drainage can restrict root development and reduce growth even in vigorous species.

Explore our Trees for Clay Soil guide.

Fast-Growing Trees vs Semi-Mature Trees

There are two different ways to achieve a more established garden appearance.

Fast-growing trees are selected for their potential rate of development after planting.

Semi-mature trees are selected because they already have substantial height and crown structure when supplied.

A slower-growing semi-mature tree may provide more immediate screening than a small fast-growing tree.

For customers prioritising immediate results, nursery size can be more important than natural growth rate.

Compare our Semi-Mature Specimen Trees and Mature Specimen Trees guides.

How Quickly Do Fast-Growing Trees Grow?

Tree growth is influenced by species, climate, soil, rainfall, sunlight and establishment.

Some vigorous trees may produce more than a metre of extension growth during a favourable growing season.

However, newly planted trees may initially grow more slowly while their root systems establish.

Growth rates should therefore be treated as indicative, not guaranteed annual increases.

Are Fast-Growing Trees More Likely to Cause Problems?

Fast growth does not automatically make a tree unsuitable.

However, some vigorous species develop substantial crowns and extensive root systems.

Poplars and Willows require particular care when considering planting distances from buildings, drains, services and other structures.

Soil type, building foundations, species and local conditions all influence the appropriate planting distance.

For sites near buildings or infrastructure, obtain appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a universal distance rule.

Planting Fast-Growing Specimen Trees

Choose the correct species. Consider mature size and long-term space.
Assess soil conditions. Check drainage, moisture and compaction.
Plan planting distances. Allow for roots and eventual crown development.
Plant at the correct depth. Keep the root flare at the appropriate finished level.
Provide suitable support. Use staking or anchoring appropriate to the tree size.
Water during establishment. Monitor rootball moisture and weather conditions.
Mulch correctly. Reduce weed competition while keeping mulch clear of the trunk.
Plan maintenance. Consider future pruning and access requirements.

See our Planting Guide for further advice.

Professional Fast-Growing Tree Supply and Planting

Landscaping Emporium supplies selected specimen trees for private gardens, country properties and landscaping projects.

Through Kirman Design, professional planting may be available across selected areas of Lancashire, the Ribble Valley, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside and Cumbria.

Our usual installation postcode areas include:

BB, BL, CH1–CH5, CW8, CW9, FY, L, LA1–LA6, M, OL, PR, SK1–SK12, WA and WN.

Availability depends on tree size, site access, ground conditions and project requirements.

Telephone: 01942 604976

Email: hello@landscapingemporium.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions About Fast-Growing Trees

What are the fastest-growing trees in the UK?

Hybrid Poplar, Willow and Leyland Cypress are among the more vigorous options, although suitability depends on available space and conditions.

Which fast-growing trees are best for privacy?

Leyland Cypress can provide dense evergreen screening, but requires regular maintenance. Other species may be preferable depending on the site.

Are there fast-growing evergreen trees?

Yes. Leyland Cypress is a well-known vigorous evergreen screening conifer.

Which fast-growing trees suit small gardens?

Many very fast-growing species are unsuitable for restricted plots. Choosing a smaller species at a larger nursery size may be preferable.

How quickly does Silver Birch grow?

Silver Birch is relatively fast-growing in suitable conditions, although annual growth varies with soil, weather and establishment.

Do fast-growing trees need more water?

Vigorous growth can create substantial moisture demand, but watering requirements depend on species, soil and weather.

Which fast-growing trees tolerate wet ground?

Common Alder and White Willow can be suitable for appropriately moist sites.

Do fast-growing trees have invasive roots?

Some vigorous species, particularly Poplars and Willows, develop extensive root systems. Planting distances should be assessed for the individual site.

Are fast-growing trees suitable near houses?

Suitability depends on species, mature dimensions, soil and building conditions. Professional advice is recommended where structures may be affected.

Can fast-growing trees be planted as semi-mature specimens?

Yes, where suitable nursery stock is available. Larger specimens can provide immediate structure as well as future growth.

When is the best time to plant fast-growing trees?

Planting periods depend on species, nursery stock type, weather and site conditions.

Can Landscaping Emporium supply and plant fast-growing trees?

We can discuss suitable specimen trees, nursery availability, delivery and professional planting for appropriate projects across our North West England service area.

Six Fast-Growing Trees to Consider

Silver Birch

Common Alder

Hybrid Poplar

Dawn Redwood

Leyland Cypress

White Willow

What Is Considered a Fast-Growing Tree?