Is your backyard too hot to handle? Mine was too! After watching my kids run inside sweating every afternoon and dealing with crazy high AC bills, I knew we needed some serious shade – fast!
Here are my top 10 trees that grow super quick, so you won’t have to wait forever for a cooler yard.
1. American Sweetgum: A Show-Stopping Starter
I fell in love with the American Sweetgum the moment I saw one at my neighbor’s house. This beauty grows an impressive two feet per year, and oh my goodness, those star-shaped leaves are something else!
In fall, it’s like having your own personal fireworks display as the leaves transform from green to a stunning array of red, orange, yellow, and purple.
Fun fact: Those spiky balls that my kids love collecting actually produced resin that was historically used for chewing gum! Just be warned – they can be a pain to rake up (I learned that lesson the hard way).
2. American Sycamore: The Gentle Giant
If you’re looking for serious shade coverage, the American Sycamore is your tree. Growing two feet annually and reaching heights of 100 feet, it’s like nature’s umbrella!
I adore its uniquely mottled bark that peels to reveal creamy white patches underneath – it’s like a living art piece in our landscape.
Just keep in mind that these beauties need their space. Trust me, you don’t want to plant them too close to your house or driveway, as their roots can be quite adventurous.
3. Arborvitae: The Perfect Privacy Partner
When our nosy neighbors built their two-story deck, I needed a quick solution. Enter the Arborvitae! Growing 3-4 feet yearly, these elegant green giants quickly became our backyard saviors.
Their soft, fragrant needles add such a lovely touch to our landscape. Plus, they’re perfect for creating natural barriers and windbreaks.
Just a heads up from my winter experience – you might want to gently brush off heavy snow to prevent branch damage. I learned this the hard way during last year’s blizzard!
4. Empress Tree: The Speed Champion
Oh my goodness, if you’re as impatient as I am, you’ll love this one! The Empress Tree is like the superhero of fast-growing trees, shooting up an incredible 10-15 feet annually.
Those heart-shaped leaves are absolutely massive – my kids use them as natural fans during summer playdates! And when it blooms? Those lavender-blue flowers create the most magical spring display.
Just check your local regulations before planting, as these beauties can be a bit too enthusiastic about spreading in some areas.
5. Hackberry: The Ultimate Survivor
Living in an area with unpredictable weather, I needed something tough. The Hackberry has been my reliable friend through everything Mother Nature throws at us.
This urban warrior grows steadily at 1-2 feet per year and handles everything from drought to floods. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of trees!
I’ve watched mine thrive through three summers of brutal heat waves without breaking a sweat (if trees could sweat, that is!).
6. Washington Hawthorn: The Wildlife Wonder
Want to bring more life to your yard? My Washington Hawthorn has turned our garden into a neighborhood bird sanctuary!
Those clusters of white spring flowers are absolutely dreamy, but the real show happens in winter when bright red berries attract all sorts of colorful visitors.
At 25-30 feet tall and wide, it’s the perfect size for smaller yards like ours – not too big, not too small, just right!
7. Northern Catalpa: The Conversation Starter
Every time someone visits our backyard, they ask about our Northern Catalpa. Those huge heart-shaped leaves and long seed pods (my kids call them “tree hot dogs”) always get attention!
The fragrant white blooms in late spring make our patio smell amazing. It’s like having a natural air freshener!
Just be ready for some cleanup duty when those flowers fall – I’ve made it into a game with my little ones, complete with prizes for whoever fills their basket first.
8. Tulip Poplar: The Gentle Giant
Don’t let the name fool you – this cousin to the magnolia family is one impressive tree! Growing 3-5 feet annually, our Tulip Poplar quickly became the neighborhood landmark.
Those unique green-and-sunset colored flowers in spring are like nothing else in our garden. And come fall? The golden leaves create the most magical atmosphere.
We’ve found it to be surprisingly low-maintenance for such a large tree – perfect for busy families like ours!
9. Weeping Willow: The Dreamy Dancer
There’s something so romantic about a Weeping Willow, and with growth over 3 feet annually, you won’t have to wait long for that fairytale feel.
Our willow has become my daughter’s favorite reading spot – she calls it her “secret hideout” when those graceful branches sweep down to create natural curtains.
Just remember what I learned: keep it away from water lines and foundations. Those roots are as ambitious as my toddler in a candy store!
10. Red Maple: The Grand Finale
We saved the best for last! Our Red Maple (specifically the October Glory variety) puts on a show that makes our neighbors stop and stare.
Spring brings delicate red flowers, summer offers cooling shade, and fall? Oh my goodness, the orange and red display is better than any autumn decoration I could buy!
With a spread of 35 feet and height over 40 feet, it’s become our yard’s crown jewel and my absolute favorite spot for afternoon tea while the kids play below.