10 Best Fast Growing Trees for Your Yard

Top 10 Fast Growing Trees for Your Yard (As an Australian Expert)

When landscaping your yard, adding fast-growing trees can transform the space quickly, providing shade, privacy, and beauty. In Australia, with its diverse climate zones, it's essential to choose trees that not only grow rapidly but also thrive in your specific environment. Here are the top 10 fast-growing trees to consider for your yard, tailored to Australian conditions.

1. River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)

• Growth Rate: Fast
• Max Height: 20-45 meters
• Best for: Rural properties, large gardens
• The iconic River Red Gum is one of Australia’s most well-known trees. It thrives in a wide range of climates, from arid to tropical regions. Its fast growth and tolerance to flooding make it ideal for large spaces, providing excellent shade and wildlife habitat.

2. Sydney Blue Gum (Eucalyptus saligna)

• Growth Rate: Very Fast
• Max Height: 30-50 meters
• Best for: Coastal and subtropical regions
• Sydney Blue Gum grows quickly and can adapt to a range of soils, particularly in coastal regions. It's great for creating a quick canopy and is a favorite among landscapers for its towering beauty and ability to support biodiversity.

3. Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)

• Growth Rate: Fast
• Max Height: 15-25 meters
• Best for: Moist areas, near water features
• While not native to Australia, Weeping Willows have become popular for their dramatic, cascading branches. These trees grow rapidly, especially near rivers or ponds, where they can enjoy plenty of moisture. They create beautiful focal points in the yard but require regular maintenance due to falling leaves and twigs.

4. Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha)

• Growth Rate: Fast
• Max Height: 4-8 meters
• Best for: Small to medium yards
• As Australia's national flower, the Golden Wattle grows quickly and is suitable for smaller gardens. It’s highly adaptable, thriving in various soil types, and provides beautiful yellow flowers in spring. This hardy tree also supports local wildlife and is excellent for erosion control.

5. Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)

• Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
• Max Height: 10-15 meters
• Best for: Warmer climates, urban gardens
• Jacarandas are known for their stunning purple flowers and quick growth in warmer regions. Ideal for urban settings, these trees offer shade and striking seasonal beauty. Although they can be messy during their flowering season, their aesthetic appeal makes them worth the effort.

6. Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

• Growth Rate: Fast
• Max Height: 10-15 meters
• Best for: Dry and temperate climates

The Chinese Elm is a durable, fast-growing tree well-suited to Australia’s drier regions. It has attractive bark and can handle poor soil conditions, making it a popular choice for urban areas. It grows into a lovely shade tree, perfect for providing relief from Australia’s hot sun.

7. Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides)

• Growth Rate: Fast
• Max Height: 8-15 meters
• Best for: Coastal and subtropical areas
• Tuckeroo is perfect for coastal environments, handling salty air and sandy soils with ease. This Australian native grows quickly and has a rounded shape, providing shade and privacy. Its small yellow flowers and bird-attracting seeds make it a wonderful tree for gardens that support local wildlife.

8. Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta)

• Growth Rate: Fast
• Max Height: 20-30 meters
• Best for: Large gardens, rural properties
• The Silky Oak is a stunning tree with golden-orange flowers that bloom in spring. Its fast growth makes it a favorite for quick landscaping projects. Although it’s large and best suited for expansive spaces, the Silky Oak’s beauty and resilience make it a valuable addition to any Australian yard.

9. Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata)

1. Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
2. Max Height: 25-40 meters
3. Best for: Coastal, rural, and suburban gardens

Spotted Gum is another popular Australian native known for its tall, straight trunk and smooth, dappled bark. It grows well in a variety of soils and climates, especially along the coast. With its rapid growth and stately appearance, it is often used in parks and large gardens.

10. Leopard Tree (Caesalpinia ferrea)

• Growth Rate: Fast
• Max Height: 15-20 meters
• Best for: Subtropical and tropical areas
• Leopard Trees are known for their unique spotted bark and quick growth. They thrive in subtropical and tropical climates, making them a great choice for northern Australia. With their airy canopy and beautiful bark, they add both shade and ornamental value to any yard.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Fast-Growing Tree

When selecting fast-growing trees for your yard, consider factors such as climate, soil type, and the space available. It's also essential to ensure the tree species is suitable for your area to avoid issues like invasiveness or poor growth. Native species like the Golden Wattle or Tuckeroo are often the best choices, as they are adapted to Australia’s unique conditions and support local ecosystems.

Fast-growing trees can provide shade, reduce energy costs, attract wildlife, and create a beautiful landscape in a short time. Whether you’re looking for a towering gum tree or a colorful flowering jacaranda, these trees will quickly enhance your outdoor space with the right care and attention.

FAQs About Fast Growing Trees for Your Yard (Australia)

Here are some common questions and answers for homeowners considering fast-growing trees for their yards in Australia:

What are the benefits of planting fast-growing trees?

Fast-growing trees provide several benefits:

• Quick shade: They offer relief from the harsh Australian sun in a shorter time.
• Increased privacy: Fast-growing trees create a natural screen, offering privacy in just a few years.
• Erosion control: Some fast-growing species are excellent for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on sloped properties.
• Wildlife support: Many fast-growing native trees attract local birds and pollinators.

Are fast-growing trees more prone to damage?

Fast-growing trees can sometimes have weaker wood compared to slower-growing species, making them more vulnerable to wind or storm damage. However, choosing species like Spotted Gum or Sydney Blue Gum, which are both fast-growing and sturdy, can mitigate this issue.

How fast do these trees grow?

The growth rate of trees varies depending on the species and conditions like soil quality, water availability, and climate. On average, fast-growing trees in Australia can grow anywhere from 1 to 3 meters per year.

Which fast-growing trees are best for small yards?

For smaller spaces, choose trees that don’t grow too tall or wide, such as:

• Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) – grows 4-8 meters tall.
• Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) – grows 8-15 meters tall, with a compact shape.

Are any fast-growing trees drought-tolerant?

Yes, several fast-growing trees are drought-tolerant once established, making them perfect for Australia's dry climate:

• Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
• River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)

These species can withstand dry spells and require minimal watering after their roots are well-established.

Do fast-growing trees require special care?

Most fast-growing trees require regular watering and mulching when young to establish strong roots. Once mature, they typically need less maintenance, though pruning may be necessary to shape the tree and remove deadwood.

Are there fast-growing trees that flower?

Yes, some fast-growing trees also produce beautiful flowers, adding color to your garden:

• Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) – known for its striking purple flowers.
• Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha) – produces vibrant yellow flowers.
• Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta) – features golden-orange blooms.

8. Will fast-growing trees damage nearby structures?

Some fast-growing trees, particularly those with invasive root systems like the Weeping Willow, should be planted away from buildings, driveways, or underground pipes. Trees like the Tuckeroo or Golden Wattle are less likely to cause structural issues and are better for smaller yards.

How do I know which trees are suitable for my region?

The best fast-growing tree for your yard depends on your region’s climate and soil conditions. For example:

• Sydney Blue Gum and Jacaranda thrive in coastal and subtropical regions.
• River Red Gum is ideal for arid areas.
• Consult local nurseries or arborists to find trees suited to your local conditions.

Can I plant fast-growing trees near my home for shade?

Yes, but it’s important to select trees with non-invasive roots and to plant them at a safe distance from your home. Trees like the Chinese Elm or Spotted Gum provide excellent shade without posing a risk to foundations if planted appropriately.