Fast growing trees
When a homeowner selects a tree, one of the first questions is: How fast will it grow? The reason is obvious—the homeowner doesn't want to wait 15 or 20 years to enjoy the benefits of a tree. People often prefer fast growing trees because they add beauty to the landscape in a short time.
Versatile landscape
Fast growing trees are a versatile part of our landscape design for many reasons. Since they mature quickly, they can provide us with many benefits in a relatively short time frame. Some benefits of fast growing trees include:
- Shade during hot summer months
- Placed close to our house, they help save energy costs
- Add beauty, texture and color to your landscape
- Help define outdoor spaces
- Used as a privacy screen
- Add substantial value to our homes
Informed decision
Many trees are advertised as fast growing. Some will be good selections others may not. You may be happy with the immediate fast growth, but there are some concerns associated with fast growing trees that you should be aware of. Knowing the problems that may arise will help in your decision making. Some concerns related with fast growing trees are:
- Require a large amount of growing space. Fast growing trees usually become large trees and require a large amount of growing space, both above ground and below ground. These trees may quickly grow beyond the space provided, requiring transplanting or removal. Make sure the tree you like will fit in the desired location.
- Relatively short lived. Fast growing trees may live for several decades, however, many mature within 20 or 30 years and then begin to decline.
- Maintenance problems. Because these trees grow so quickly, the junctions where the branches join the trunk are usually weaker. During winter storms, or heavy winds the branches tend to break creating maintenance problems.
Many homeowners want the immediate results of fast growing trees, which far outweighs any problems that may arise. If you make your decision knowing the benefits as well as the concerns, you will be happy with the outcome. The following information will assist you in making an informed decision.
Preferred environment
Every fast growing tree species will have a preferred environment for optimum growth. The more closely your planting site meets the tree's requirements, the faster the tree becomes established and grows. You can fairly easily amend the soil to make a better match, but you’re stuck with the above ground environmental conditions. Conditions that will influence a tree's growth performance include:
- Seasonal temperature extremes
- Humidity
- Sunlight exposure
- Precipitation
- Adverse weather conditions
Tree placement
Many fast growing trees have aggressive underground root systems as well as bigger surface roots. Because of this, you should not plant fast growing trees near septic tanks or sewer lines. Also, place these trees well away from overhead obstructions including power lines.
Depending on their ultimate size and location, fast growing trees can provide shade for the entire house or for smaller areas such as a patio or deck. Shade density is also an important consideration. Decide if you want the tree to provide you with maximum shade or just lightly filter the sunlight.
Planting procedure
Thorough soil preparation enhances good plant growth. Dig a planting hole twice as wide as and slightly shallower than the root ball and fill it with well-worked backfill soil. There are several important steps in the planting process. Follow the trees specifications and make sure to:
- Keep roots of trees moist at all times prior to planting
- Plant at the proper depth
- Avoid excessive packing of the fill soil
- Construct a water basin to hold water initially
- Water tree during and after planting
- Mulch with 2 to 3 inches of organic material
Fast growing trees can provide you with quick shade and privacy for your home as well as many other benefits. To maximize growth, make sure to evaluate the site, placement and environment before you buy.