A tree-filled yard creates a captivating landscape that provides shade, privacy, and visual interest. If you’re considering adding trees to your outdoor space, you might be drawn to fast-growing varieties for their quick growth. However, not all fast-growing trees will enhance your landscape.
While these trees quickly offer the privacy and shade you desire, they also have the potential to dominate your space, encroaching on other plants and interfering with power lines and structures, especially in smaller yards.
Additionally, some fast-growing trees can be more challenging to manage than others. They often have shorter lifespans once they reach full height and may possess weaker wood compared to slower-growing varieties, posing a potential hazard.
Ahead, experts highlight the fast-growing trees you might want to avoid to prevent unnecessary trouble.
Silver Maple
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The silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is a fast-growing, large deciduous tree known for its distinctive silvery-white underside on its dark green, five-lobed leaves. In the spring, tiny red flowers bloom before the leaves appear, creating a stunning visual display. While this tree grows quickly, Kristi Baldini of Windswept Gardens notes that it has very weak wood that tends to snap during storms. Additionally, Baldini notes that its shallow, spreading roots can invade lawns, septic systems, and sidewalks, posing challenges for homeowners.
Weeping Willow
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Weeping willows (Salix babylonica) are admired for their distinctive, gracefully drooping branches, which curve downward and are adorned with lance-shaped leaves. This elegant tree thrives in low-lying areas where water tends to accumulate. However, Melissa Higgins, wholesale manager at Sprague’s Nursery & Garden Center, warns that the tree’s large size and messy foliage may cause you to reconsider planting it in smaller or residential spaces. “Its roots can be somewhat invasive and are always in search of water,” she explains. Additionally, this tree is prone to breakage during high winds and is particularly vulnerable during ice storms.
Quaking Aspen
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Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) is a deciduous tree known for its stunning fall foliage and smooth, white to gray bark. According to Higgins, this tree provides benefits such as promoting biodiversity in ecosystems and stabilizing soil.
Nonetheless, it is not recommended for the average residential yard. “These trees grow incredibly fast and can reach heights of up to 80 feet, with most of the canopy on a tall, narrow stem,” explains Higgins. She also notes that in high winds, the tree is prone to breaking in half, causing the top canopy to tumble to the ground. “This can result in significant structural damage and an expensive cleanup,” she says.
White Pine
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White pines (Pinus strobus) are large, long-lived trees recognized by their soft, flexible needles, which grow in clusters of five. “Maine’s state tree is an excellent choice for expansive fields in need of substantial windbreaks,” says Higgins. However, it is not recommended for use as a residential yard tree. “Due to climate change and the increasing frequency of heavy, wet snow or ice, these trees can grow to substantial sizes, making them prone to significant branch breakage.” This can result in property damage and challenging cleanup efforts when limbs fall to the ground.
Black Locust
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Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a large, deciduous tree recognized by its thorny branches and fragrant, white, pea-like flowers that bloom in the spring. “Although it is hardy and quick to establish, the Black locust spreads aggressively through underground suckers,” explains Baldini. She also notes that this tree can quickly take over a yard and is very difficult to remove once established.
Poplar
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Poplar trees (Populus spp.) are fast-growing deciduous trees, with some species capable of growing up to 8 feet per year. While this rapid growth makes them beneficial for landscaping, providing shade and privacy, Baldini points out that they have a short lifespan, typically lasting only 15 to 25 years. Additionally, they are susceptible to diseases and breakage, and their aggressive roots can lead to foundation and drainage issues.
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