Good shade trees for backyard
The best fast-growing shade trees for your yard
When it comes to your landscaping, “throwing shade” has nothing to do with slick comments and side-eyes. Rather, it’s all about selecting the right trees to provide protection from the sun and create an environment that offers serenity and boosts curb appeal.
Other benefits of shade trees include:
- Increased property value
- Reduced cooling costs (in summer) and heating costs (in winter)
- Added privacy
But, some of these trees grow a bit slowly, taking years to provide the benefits you want. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best fast-growing shade trees to plant in your front yard or backyard. Let’s take a look.
11 Fast-Growing Shade Trees for Your Yard
1. Red maple (
acer rubrum)Photo Credit: PikrepoNamed for its brilliant fall color — red-orange leaves against even redder stems — this deciduous tree makes an excellent choice for an accent in your landscape design. Depending on the type, red maples may produce golden-yellow leaves, instead of red ones. Besides fall interest, this tree also offers bursts of small, red blooms in early spring.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
Examples of red maple cultivars: Autumn Blaze, Brandywine, and Embers
Care: Low-maintenance. Needs full sun or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Growth rate: 13 to 24 inches per year; matures at a height of 40 to 70 feet.
Flowering: Yes; small, red blooms in early spring
Cost: Purchase a bare-root tree ($19) or potted plant ($53) at the Arbor Day Foundation.
2. Tulip poplar (
liriodendron tulipiferal)Photo Credit: PixabayOne of the largest, fast-growing shade trees, the tulip poplar reaches heights of up to 120 feet. When choosing a location, make sure it’s one that offers plenty of room for this tree to grow and spread. Thriving in full sun or partial shade, this deciduous tree does tend to drop petals and sap, so keep that in mind, too.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
Examples of tulip tree cultivars: Arnold, Little Volunteer, and Fastigiatum
Care: Water and fertilize regularly until established. Mulch to protect roots/maintain moisture.
Growth rate: 3 feet per year.
Flowering: Yes; yellow, green, or orange flowers in spring to early summer.
Cost: Live plants range from around $20 to more than $100.
3. Weeping willow (
salix babylonica)Photo Credit: PixabayQuite the statement maker, weeping willows boast a rounded crown of drooping (“weeping”) leaves that are green in spring and summer and yellow in fall, just before they drop. Give this deer-resistant tree a large area to grow — bonus points if that area is near standing water, such as a pond or lake.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 8
Examples of weeping willow cultivars: Scarlet Curls, Tristis, and Umbraculifera
Care: Fertilize until established.
Grow in full sun.
Growth rate: 10 feet per year; maturing to a height of about 40 feet.
Flowering: Yes, but yellow blooms are not of any decorative value.
Cost: Prices range from $15 to more than $100, depending on size.
4. Nuttall oak (
quercus texana)Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek / CC BY-SA 4.0Of the more than 500 species of oak trees, there are several that work well as shade trees and also have a rapid growth rate. The nuttall oak, for instance, adds up to 2 feet of height each year. Characterized by its reddish-brown acorns, this deciduous tree provides bursts of fall color with red-orange leaves.
Other fast-growing oak trees that provide shade include:
- Pin oak
- Northern red oak
- Sawtooth oak
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
Examples of oak tree cultivars: Sangria and Arcade
Care: Easy. Soil can be wet or dry, but preferably acidic.
Plant in full sun.
Growth rate: Up to 4 feet per year; matures to a height of 40 to 60 feet.
Flowering: Inconspicuous, brown flowers in spring.
Cost: Live plants cost around $100.
5. Silver maple (
acer saccharinum)Photo Credit: PixabayCourtesy of its green leaves’ silvery undersides, the silver maple not only offers nice shade to your landscape design, but also a hint of shimmer. And, since this tree can flourish in just about any soil condition — including super wet ones — it makes an excellent choice for a rain garden.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 9
Examples of silver maple cultivars: Blair, Lutescens, and Silver Queen
Care: Requires full sun or partial shade and 10 feet of space for roots to spread.
Growth rate: More than 2 feet per year; matures up to 80 feet tall/50 feet wide.
Flowering: Non-showy gold, green, or red blooms in winter and spring.
Cost: Get a bare-root tree for around $15.
6. Sycamore (
platanus occidentalis)Photo Credit: PixabayBrimming with majesty, the towering sycamore graces large landscapes with shade in spring and summer and bursts of fall color in autumn. Deer-resistant, but attractive to birds for food and shelter, this deciduous tree needs full sun and well-drained soil. Surround it with coniferous evergreens to protect it from the wind.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 9
Examples of sycamore cultivars: Howard, Bloodgood, and Liberty
Care: Water regularly to avoid pest/disease problems and encourage growth; mulch in winter to maintain moisture; and prune occasionally.
Growth rate: About 2 feet per year; can grow as tall as 100 feet.
Flowering: Yes; inconspicuous yellow, green, or red flowers in spring.
Cost: Live plants typically cost between $100 and $150.
7. Japanese zelkova (
zelkova serrata)Photo Credit: David J. Stang / CC BY-SA 4.0If you’re looking for a shade tree that will thrive in an urban setting, consider the Japanese zelkova. Tolerant of pollution, wind, heat, drought, and a variety of soil types, this deciduous tree is perfect as a specimen plant. Come fall, enjoy watching the usually green leaves turn copper, gold, orange, and reddish-purple.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
Examples of zelkova cultivars: Autumn Glow, Spring Grove, and Wireless
Care: Full sun/partial shade and well-drained soil; prune every fall.
Growth rate: 1 to 2 feet per year; can reach height of 80 feet.
Flowering: Non-showy, green flowers in spring.
Cost: Young, bare-root trees will run you about $20.
8. Northern catalpa (
catalpa speciosa)Photo Credit: Plant Image Library from Boston, USA / CC BY-SA 2.
0 The northern catalpa, with its name derived from the Native American word kutuhlpa (which means “head with wings” and describes the flashy bell-shaped blooms), is a drought-tolerant tree that is a welcome addition to a spring landscape. The catalpa’s very large, green leaves are another showstopper. Plant it in full sun or partial shade for best results.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
Examples of northern catalpa cultivars: Hiawatha 2, Aurea, Nana
Care: Easy. Water when soil is dry; fertilize and prune yearly in spring.
Growth rate: 1 to 2 feet each year; matures at up to 60 feet tall/ 40 feet wide.
Flowering: Yes; showy and fragrant white flowers in spring and summer seven years after planting.
Cost: Plan to spend around $12 to $15 for a small, live plant.
9. Quaking aspen (
populus tremuloides)Photo Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters/CC BY 2.
0 At the slightest breeze, and because of this tree’s flattened stalks, the quaking aspen’s leaves tremble, triggering a calming, rustling sound. Boasting “the widest natural range of any tree in North America” (and being the largest living organism in the world), the quaking aspen also can produce clones that are able to live for thousands of year. One in Minnesota is thought to be about 8,000 years old! Another plus? The quaking aspen’s brilliant, yellow fall foliage.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 1 to 7
Example of quaking aspen cultivar: Prairie Gold
Care: Plant in moist, well-drained soil.
Growth rate: More than 2 feet per year; reaches a height of up to 50 feet.
Flowering: Blue or silver ones in spring.
Cost: Depending on size, live plants can run between $9 and more than $100.
10. Dawn redwood (
metasequoia glyptostroboides)Photo Credit: PixabayA deciduous conifer, the dawn redwood is deer-resistant and tolerant of standing water, which makes it an optimal choice for a water garden.
Flourishing in the world since the dinosaur era (literally), this tree offers ornamental interest in fall when its bright green leaves turn an orange- or reddish-brown color.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
Examples of dawn redwood cultivars: Miss Grace, Ogon, and Gold Rush
Care: Low; needs full sun and well-drained soil.
Growth rate: Up to 3.5 feet per year; matures to height of up to 100 feet.
Flowering: Yes; inconspicuous copper-colored flowers.
Cost: Buy a bare-root tree for around $30.
11. Paper birch (
betula papyrifera)Photo Credit: PixabayThe dazzling part of this tree? The paper birch’s peeling, white bark. Revealing another layer that’s an orange-brown color, the paper birch tree is a known water-lover that thrives best in cooler climates. Its thin canopy of leaves provides patches of shade, and its dark green leaves turn bright yellow in autumn.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 7
Examples of paper birch cultivars: Snowy, Chickadee, and Renaissance Reflection
Care: Full sun or partial shade in a variety of soil types; fertilize and mulch every spring.
Growth rate: 1 to 2 feet per year; matures at up to 70 feet tall and 35 feet wide.
Flowering: Ornamental catkin flowers in copper or green each spring.
Cost: Prices range from $15 to $50, depending on size.
Fast-Growing Shade Trees: Other Things to Know
What is the fastest-growing shade tree?
Of the 11 listed here, the one that grows the fastest is the weeping willow — it adds about 10 feet to its height each year, topping out at 40 feet. Next in line are the nuttall oak at 4 feet per year, the dawn redwood at 3.5 feet per year, and the tulip poplar at 3 feet per year.
When to Call a Landscaping Pro
Ordering and planting young trees can be a DIY job, and as long as you’re sure you’ve chosen the right tree for the right place, you should be good to go.
But, if the idea of planting a whole entire tree, no matter the size, overwhelms you, get help from a certified arborist or landscaping pro.
A landscaping pro or certified arborist will help you select a location, choose the right tree to match your design goals, and ensure the tree(s) are planted correctly.
The perfect shady spot for reading and sipping iced tea? Coming right up!
Main Photo Credit: Unsplash
Andréa Butler
Descendant of the Fulani tribe, Gettysburg-obsessed Marine Corps brat, and lover of all things writing and editing, Andréa Butler launched Sesi magazine and has penned articles for sites, such as LivingSocial, Talbot Digital, Xickle, Culturs magazine, and Rachel Ray. Andréa holds a B.A. in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and an M.A. in magazine journalism from Kent State University.
Posts by Andréa Butler
12 Fast-Growing Shade Trees for 2022
Ah, shade.
It’s what we all crave from our trees, but it can often take a long time to achieve it. Looking for faster results? Check out these 12 fast-growing shade trees.
If there were a Guinness Book of World Records for trees, the quaking aspen would be in it — several times. First, it has the widest natural range of any tree in North America, spanning 47 degrees of latitude (equal to half the distance from the equator to the North Pole), 110 degrees of longitude (nine time zones) and elevations from sea level to timberline. It is also the largest living organism, growing in clones that reproduce primarily by sending up sprouts from their roots. And as far as the oldest … a clone in Minnesota has been estimated to be thousands of years old!
It is not a tree for all places. But planted in the right location, the quaking aspen is a delight of color, movement, and sound.
Zones 1-7
2. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)The northern red oak has been called “one of the handsomest, cleanest, and stateliest trees in North America” by naturalist Joseph S.
Illick, and it is widely considered a national treasure. It is especially valued for its adaptability and usefulness, including its hardiness in urban settings. This medium to large tree is also known for its brilliant fall color, great value to wildlife.
Whether you’re selecting a tree to plant in your front yard or out on the farm, it’s a fast-growing species worth keeping in mind.
Zones 3-8
3. Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)The paper birch is one of the best-loved trees of the New England landscape, even serving as the state tree of New Hampshire. This fast-grower is often planted for the beauty of its most distinctive characteristic — smooth, white bark that curls and peels once the tree matures. It also provides a splash of brilliant yellow color every fall. Being highly deer-resistant and tolerant to a wide range of soil conditions only add to the popularity of this tree.
Zones 2-7
Read More: 10 Drought-Tolerant Trees That Will Throw Shade
4.
Red Sunset Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’)Known as one of the best red maple cultivars, this tree delivers on color. Winter buds, clusters of small winter/spring flowers, leaf stems, twigs and winged summer fruits all carry a red hue. And of course, the fall show is breathtaking, with red and orange leaves blending to give a sunset effect.
The lovely red coloring, a good branch structure and a faster growth rate make the red sunset maple a welcome enhancement to any yard or public space.
Zones 4-8
5. Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)The hackberry, while often forgotten by casual consumers, is commonly heralded by tree experts as “one tough tree.” Found on a wide range of soils east of the Rockies from southern Canada to Florida, these trees thrive in a broad span of temperatures and on sites that vary from 14 to 60″ of annual rainfall. They can even stand up to strong winds and tolerate air pollution.
All of this hardiness adds up to a good landscape choice, particularly if you’re looking for an energy-conserving shade tree that doesn’t require watering.
Zones 3-9
Read More: Tree Planting: How to Choose the Right Planting Site
6. Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)“The pin oak pleases me for reasons I cannot wholly explain,” wrote nature writer Hal Borland in A Countryman’s Woods.
But homeowners and city foresters are pleased with this tree for very specific reasons: strong wood; dense shade; tolerance of many soil conditions, heat, soil compaction and air pollution; free from most major pests; pleasing to the eye in all seasons; and easy to plant. Needless to say, this faster-growing oak is a common sight in yards, along streets and throughout parks.
Zones 4-8
7. River Birch (Betula nigra)As its name suggests, the river birch naturally grows along riverbanks. But as a landscape tree, it can be planted almost anywhere in the U.S. The species is valued for its relatively rapid growth, tolerance of wetness and some drought, unique curling bark, spreading limbs, and relative resistance to birch borer.
This tree also puts on a nice fall show, adding a splash of brilliant yellow fall color.
Zones 4-9
8. Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)This is a tree that demands your attention. White, showy flowers. Giant heart-shaped leaves. Dangling bean-like seed pods. Twisting trunk and branches. How could you not stop to take it in? And with all of these unique features, the northern catalpa is popular with kids as well.
While not ideal for every location, this unique and hardy tree is a fast grower that finds a home in parks and yards throughout the country.
Zones 4-8
Read More: 5 Stunning Flowering Trees
9. American Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)The American sweetgum — with its star-shaped leaves, neatly compact crown, interesting fruit, and twigs with unique corky growths called wings — is an attractive shade tree. It has become a prized specimen in parks, campuses, and large yards across the country.
If you’ve got the space and are looking to add some fall color, this tree is a sure bet. The glossy green leaves turn beautiful shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple in the autumn.
Zones 5-9
10. Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera)One can argue about whether the “tulips” are the outline of its leaves or its cup-shaped flowers. But both undoubtedly contributed to the fanciful name given to this tree by early settlers. And the tuliptree is still beloved for its beauty today, serving as the state tree of Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. It is the tallest of the eastern hardwoods — and a rapid grower when conditions are right.
This is a stunning tree that grows quickly and doesn’t suffer from many pest problems.
Zones 4-9
11. Dawn Redwood (Salix babylonica)An impressive tree by any standard, the dawn redwood is relatively carefree and fast-growing. Its fine, feathery leaves are certainly a standout feature, and even though this tree is deciduous, it produces rounded cones.
The dawn redwood was long thought to be extinct — with evidence of its existence found among dinosaur fossils — until it was discovered alive and well in a rural, mountainous area of China. It is now grown worldwide.
Zones 5-8
Read More: Small Trees Can Provide Shade Too
12. Sun Valley Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Sun Valley’)Wanting the quick-growing shade and fall beauty of a maple tree without the “helicopters”? Look no further. The sun valley maple offers brilliant red fall color and a symmetrical oval crown — but it won’t produce any seeds. This tree is also a low-maintenance choice that is easy to grow.
Zones 4-7
fast-growing shade treesShade trees
15 Beautiful Garden Trees: Fast Growing Ornamental Trees
The backyard is not always the garden where you grow vegetables. Many homeowners prefer a shady garden to vegetable beds. Trees add much-needed shade, privacy, and beauty to your yard.
Here is a list of the most beautiful yard trees that can be grown quickly and without hassle.
Content
- Dogwood
- Magnolia Sulange
- Buy large-sized, for questions about which portal Rmnt.ru replied . Get a ready-made adult tree that immediately gives shade. This, of course, is more expensive, but you don’t have to wait until the seedling grows.
- Buy a young tree, a seedling at the age of a year or two, about a meter high. We'll have to wait, in this case, the growth rate is of great importance. There are fairly fast-growing breeds and varieties that will give shade in three to four years.
- Weeping willow. It will take root perfectly in lowlands, next to water bodies, in areas with high groundwater level .
- Chestnut. You can hide under its wide leaves and from the rain, it blooms very beautifully, but you will have to clean up in the fall not only foliage , but also numerous chestnuts with shells.
- Birch. A very beautiful tree, one might say, a symbol of Russian nature.
- Common bird cherry. An additional plus is the incredible aroma in the spring during the active flowering of the tree. And berries are useful.
- Very bright, beautiful red Canadian maple.
- Oak. A powerful tree that is able to strengthen the slope on the site, with a long lifespan. The main disadvantage is the size, the shadow will be too much for a small area.
Sulange Magnolia
Soulange magnolia, with pinkish-purple cup-shaped flowers in early spring, leaves no one indifferent. Growing from 5 to 8 meters tall and thriving in the temperate and southern regions, this decoration is suitable for almost any yard.
Sugar Maple
If you want to add color and vibrancy to your backyard, sugar maple is a great choice. At 20 meters tall, the sugar maple boasts a sprawling canopy that becomes a spectacular sight in autumn. It is considered both a shade tree and an ornamental tree, so it is not surprising that in some countries it is a top favorite with gardeners.
Silver Maple
In just five years, Silver Maple will transform your backyard into a shady retreat. The silver side of its leaves not only gave the name to this species of maple, but also gave the tree a shimmering appearance in the breeze.
It has an extensive root system and a large trunk, so be sure to plant it away from sewers and paths.
Backyard privacy is especially important between nearby houses and yards. Thuja has become a popular privacy protector for a variety of reasons: a fast growing evergreen, exceptionally hardy, tolerates almost any soil, and has a beautiful conical shape. Thuja is great for hedges, screens, or as the only specimen in the backyard.
Few trees can be as romantic and elegant as cherry blossoms. These graceful trees with cascading branches adorned in spring with white or pink flowers will quickly become the highlight of any yard. Growing from 7 to 9 meters in height and up to 8 meters in width, the tree will easily fit in almost any yard. Most types of sakura survive wintering only in the southern regions of the country.
Red Oak
Red Oak takes its name from the bright color of its leaves in autumn. Popular for both its hardiness and beauty, it also grows quickly, reaching up to 20-22 meters in height at maturity.
For large yards that require shade, red oak is a great choice. It feels best in the southern regions of the country, although it also grows successfully in the middle lane.
Whether you want to provide evergreen privacy to your backyard or decorate your property with an unusual ornamental plant, holly is here to help. Small white spring flowers in autumn give way to red berries that remain on the tree through the winter.
One of the first signs of spring is the brilliant purplish-pink bloom of the Cercis, but the branching pattern makes this tree as beautiful in winter as it is the rest of the year. Growing up from 6 to 9meters in height and a width of 7-9 meters, Canadian scarlet will look spectacular in any backyard.
Tulip tree
Tulip tree, Liriodendron tulipus, has a double function: both as a shade tree and as an ornament. In spring, it blooms with flowers in the form of tulips, and in autumn it flaunts bright yellow leaves.
This fast growing deciduous tree can grow over half a meter per year. It has few pest problems and can be grown in the southern regions, but it is worth remembering that the tree can reach a height of 35-36 meters.
If you're looking for a tree that will grow quickly and brighten up your backyard, consider birches. The tall and slender tree grows quickly and can reach 30 meters in height. Its green leaves turn golden yellow in autumn, contrasting with its white, flaky bark.
Apple trees
You can enjoy apple blossoms almost all year round. In spring, the flowers bloom in shades of white, pink or red depending on the variety. At the end of summer, you will notice small apples growing, which persist in winter even after the bright red and orange leaves fall from the tree. Grow apple trees in full sun with well-drained soil.
Snowflower (Chionanthus virginus)
This fringed tree feels good, blooms and bears fruit in central Russia. It looks spectacular in early spring with its feathery white flowers, hence its name.
Snowflower is resistant to pollution, making it a great choice if you live in a city or a high-traffic area. The tree will grow up to 6 meters in height and width.
If you want to attract birds and butterflies to your yard, consider planting a hawthorn tree. This small deciduous tree - no taller or wider than 10 meters - has fragrant flowers in spring and small red fruits from summer to winter that attract insects and birds. It also has gorgeous colorful fall foliage.
Irga is a small tree that looks great in the landscape at any time of the year. Resistant to most conditions, it can be grown in central Russia. This will be one of the first trees in your yard to flower in early spring and bear fruit in summer. In autumn, you can enjoy its bright red and orange leaves.
What shade trees do you grow in your garden? Share names and experiences in the comments! If you liked the article, share it with your friends on social networks!
Daniil Cherkasov.
Freelance writer
Shady trees for your site - WikiStroy
Shady trees for your yard A site with no trees at all will look bare and the landscaping will look unfinished. There are many benefits from trees, but it is important to choose what exactly is best to plant. The RMNT website will tell you which trees provide the most shade, grow fast enough, and are great for planting. https://www.wikistroi.ru/story/landscapedesign/tienistyie-dierievia-dlia-vashiegho-uchastka https://www.wikistroi.ru/story/landscapedesign/tienistyie-dierievia-dlia-vashiegho-uchastka/@@download/image/tsjKOzas.jpg
An area with no trees at all will look bare and the landscaping will look unfinished. There are many benefits from trees, but it is important to choose what exactly is best to plant. The RMNT website will tell you which trees provide the most shade, grow fast enough, and are great for planting.
Shady, shady trees are a popular choice. Their crown is spreading, looks like a cloud and casts a shadow over a large area. Such trees have both aesthetic and practical purposes. They are beautiful in themselves, you can put a table and a bench under the crown to relax in the shade, the microclimate in the area is improving, there is more oxygen. But shady trees can take up quite a lot of space. And according to standards , from a tall tree to buildings should be at least 4 meters, from a medium-sized tree - at least 2 meters. This point must be taken into account.
If there were no trees on the site initially or you failed to save them during construction and landscaping, you can go in two ways:
If you want to get a triple benefit - and shade, and beauty, and harvest - plant fruit trees. Residents of the southern regions, of course, have much more choice. They can plant quince, apricot, cherry, tall cherries. All these trees bloom beautifully in spring, bear fruit, give shade. Mulberries with a spreading crown are unpopular among southern gardeners - there is too much debris from falling berries. Apples and pears can be planted in many Russian regions, you only need to choose varieties that are best suited for the local climate.
Important! An excellent thick shadow gives a walnut. But, firstly, because of the powerful root system, it must be planted away from any buildings, and secondly, even the ubiquitous weeds .
Therefore, you will get a fairly large vacant plot of land.
In addition to fruit trees, for the sake of shade, beauty and aesthetics, you can plant on the site:
