Trees are an integral part of the environment. They provide homes for birds and other animals, they give oxygen to the air, they reduce erosion on soil during heavy rains, they are even sources of food for some humans.
On top of all this, trees also help keep the ground cool by absorbing sunlight. And if you’re into gardening or landscaping then you know how important it is to have beautiful, thriving trees growing in your yard–not just because they look pretty but also because their leaves help create a natural barrier against sunlight so your flowers don’t get fried when summer comes around. But not all trees are created equal; some need less moisture than others, some require more sunlight than others and some trees grow like weeds!
So what are some North American trees that grow the fastest? Your list is going to include trees like the Mexican weeping bamboo, multiple types of poplar trees, and of course some aspen trees as well. If you want something a bit different, you can also take a look at a red oak as a great option for your property.
If you’re looking to add a little more green to your yard, make sure one (or all) of these North American trees makes it onto your “to-do” list.
1. Mexican weeping bamboo (Otatea acuminata aztecorum)
This tree isn’t technically bamboo but it grows at the same rapid rate–as much as three feet per day!–so its nickname shouldn’t surprise anyone. It’s also known for being extremely water efficient so if you have a brown thumb this is the perfect tree for you…if not, well, maybe hire someone who does?
Aztec Indians used this type of tree in their traditional weaving just because they knew that there was nothing that this tree couldn’t handle.
2. Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra ‘Italica’)
Another type of fast-growing tree is the Lombardy poplar, which only has green leaves for about three to four months out of the year; in autumn it sheds its leaves and gets to work growing stronger roots so that when spring arrives again it can once more flourish with green leaves.
While these trees grow very quickly they’re still relatively small (only about 20 feet high) so you don’t need to worry too much about them taking over your yard; in fact, many people plant them near their homes instead of in the ground because they look lovely when in flower in May or June.
3. Hybrid poplar (Populus x canadensis)
This hybrid poplar is actually a cross between the eastern cottonwood and the balsam poplar.
Because of its fast-growing rate, it’s considered to be one of the most water-efficient trees in existence (it only takes up about 18 inches of water per day even though it can grow to more than 100 feet high!) which makes it beneficial for farmers who require crops that consume less water without sacrificing too much growth.
4. Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides)
The name “trembling aspen” pretty much says it all; these trees don’t just shake when there’s a breeze–they also grow very quickly which means their roots need to keep them firmly planted in the ground. As you might imagine, this tree is common throughout North America and it thrives in dry soil.
5. European white birch (Betula pendula)
This beautiful tree, which was first introduced to North America in 1904, can grow up to 30 feet high but typically grows at about half that rate–not bad considering how quickly it spreads its canopy of leaves. If you decide to plant one of these trees make sure you have plenty of room because they can spread as much as 100 feet wide!
6. Sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima)
Native Americans were known for using this type of oak not just for wood but also because they found that chewing bark helped to alleviate pain from toothaches. While these trees are primarily found in North America, they’re also popular in parts of northern Africa and the Mediterranean.
They typically grow between 40-65 feet tall which makes them perfect for planting near buildings or on top of large hills because then you can enjoy their lovely shade all year round.
7. Red oak (Quercus rubra)
These gorgeous trees are primarily found throughout eastern North America; they can also be grown as bonsai trees outside of its native region but it’s important to note that there are specific red oaks for this purpose so make sure you check before planting! They typically only grow about 30 feet high which means they won’t take over your yard anytime soon however if you plant more than one then you’ll start to notice that your yard might appear smaller than it used to…no matter how much room you think you have there’s always an oak tree nearby!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest growing hardwood tree in North America?
What is the fastest growing tree for privacy?
The poplar variety of trees is one of the most widely used tree for privacy in North America! These trees not only grow extremely fast, helping new homes get privacy quickly, but they also are able to grow closely together, with minimal water, making them perfect for keeping nearby a home for privacy.
What trees don’t grow too tall?
If you are wanting to get a tree for your home, but don’t want it to grow too tall (most likely due to power lines), then you should take a look at fruit trees! Thankfully you can also get ornamental versions of many different fruit trees like apples, so that you don’t have actual fruit that you have to pick up off of the ground.
Conclusion
There are plenty of great options in North America if you are looking for trees that grow quickly! Some of my personal favorites on this list are the Trembling Aspen and the European White birch. Sure, trees can be expensive to get started, however they make for great shade, and can even help with resale value on your home.
