Fast-Growing Trees: Quick Solutions for a Thriving Garden
If you’re starting a garden from scratch, looking to fill in a bare patch of land quickly, or just a little impatient for results (we’ve all been there), fast-growing trees can be a real game-changer. They offer quick impact—whether you’re after privacy, shade, or just something beautiful to look at.
That said, most fast growers don’t stay small for long. These trees tend to shoot up and can get pretty big, so it’s important to give them enough space. Try not to plant them too close to your house or property lines. If you’re working with a smaller area, keep an eye out for compact varieties or consider training them into a hedge for a more manageable boundary.
Looking for more ideas? You might enjoy our roundups of the best trees for small gardens or our favourite ornamental trees to add beauty and variety to your space.
And before you get planting, be sure to check out our guide on how to plant a tree properly—because getting it right from the start makes all the difference.
Here are 10 great fast-growing trees to consider:
1. Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
Also known as mountain ash, rowan is a UK native that adapts well to different soils. It has delicate, fern-like leaves that turn golden in autumn, clusters of white spring flowers, and bright berries loved by birds. It’s a fantastic choice for wildlife gardens.
2. Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
Silver birch is a favourite for its elegant, papery-white bark, especially striking in winter. It’s often planted in groups or as a multi-stemmed feature tree. Quick to establish and great with underplanting, it brings a light, airy feel to any garden.
3. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
With its crinkled leaves and rich autumn tones, hornbeam is both tough and attractive. The ‘Fastigiata’ variety grows upright when young, gradually spreading out over time. It’s great for creating a natural screen and can be pruned or trained into a formal hedge.
4. Eucalyptus gunnii (Cider Gum)
Native to Tasmania, this fast-growing evergreen has silver-blue leaves with a strong menthol scent and beautifully peeling bark. It grows quickly, but you can keep it in check by coppicing or pollarding—which also encourages fresh new growth.
5. Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
Perfect for wetter spots, alder is a native that thrives along riverbanks and damp ground. It grows tall in no time and supports loads of wildlife. Early catkins feed bees, its seeds attract birds, and it hosts several moth species. A real eco-friendly pick.
6. Weeping Willow (Salix ‘Chrysocoma’)
If you’ve got the space and moist soil, a golden weeping willow is a stunner. Its long, arching branches create a graceful silhouette, and yellow catkins appear in spring. This tree needs room but delivers serious wow factor in return.
7. White Poplar (Populus alba)
This one’s best for larger gardens only. It’s a strong, fast grower with silvery-backed leaves that shimmer in the breeze. White poplar also makes a great windbreak, but its vigorous roots mean it should be planted far from buildings or underground pipes.
8. Foxglove Tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
Originally from China, the foxglove tree puts on a real show with its large, lilac, scented flowers in early summer. It grows rapidly, and if coppiced after a few years, it produces huge, tropical-looking leaves. Best in full sun and well-drained soil.
9. Hazel (Corylus avellana)
Hazel is a versatile native that offers catkins in spring, lovely green foliage, and edible nuts in autumn. It’s also brilliant for wildlife—dormice love it, and so do birds like jays and woodpeckers. Use it as a standalone tree or grow it as a hedge.
10. Common Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
Beech is a majestic tree, but it needs plenty of space—mature ones can reach 25 metres or more. For smaller spaces, look for weeping or upright varieties. Beech also makes a stunning hedge, with dense foliage that holds its coppery leaves well into winter.
A Final Thought
Fast-growing trees are a great way to bring life, structure, and personality to your garden in a hurry. Just be sure to match the tree to your space and growing conditions, and you’ll enjoy the benefits for years to come.
