3 min read
Confession: I love to garden, but up until recently I’d never planted a tree. I grow everything from garden roses and boxwoods to hydrangeas and herbs, but for some reason the idea of planting a tree felt overwhelming to me. Perhaps it’s that seeds or plants cost a lot less, so if I accidentally killed them, I wouldn’t feel as guilty? Or maybe it’s that trees live a long time—sometimes for hundreds (or even thousands!) of years—but tend to grow much slower than other plants, which feels like a commitment I wasn’t sure I was ready for.
However, last year, we had to cut down one of the beautiful mature oaks in our backyard. It was dying and at risk of falling on our house, so it needed to be done, but it broke my heart nonetheless. It sounds silly, but I loved the provenance of that tree—it had likely been there for half a century and had provided a home for animals and shade for the families who’d lived there before us. Since we removed the tree, I’ve been searching for some beginner-friendly options that would add some character and shade to our backyard without needing much upkeep.
I reached out to the garden experts at Fast Growing Trees for their foolproof tree recommendations. I ended up going with a Japanese maple (spoiler: A few weeks in, and it’s thriving and already about 4 feet tall!). I can’t wait to see its striking foliage change throughout the year—and I think my backyard critters will appreciate it too. Here are the other easy-to-grow trees they recommend for instant backyard beauty.
Emerald Sunshine Elm
Tamara Hogan, plant expert at Fast Growing Trees, says this is a “tough and hardy elm that works great as a shade and a street tree.” She adds, “With a compact, upright canopy, it is a fantastic option for use throughout a landscape or near structures.”
Plus, it adds beautiful visual interest to your garden. Its leaves are corrugated and emerge bronze, but deepen to a glossy green and then turn into a striking yellow-red in the fall. Bonus: It’s happy in most soil types and is resistant to common problems such as elm leaf beetle, Japanese beetle, and Dutch elm disease.
Mature height: 35 feetMature width: 25 feetSunlight: Full sunGrowing zones: 5–8
Credit: Fast Growing TreesFig Trees
Looking for a low-maintenance fruit tree? A fig might be your best bet. As long as you have a sunny spot in your yard, they’ll basically thrive on neglect and can be grown in most parts of the United States. They don’t even need another tree to fruit; they’re self-pollinating and will reward you with pints of delicious fruit (though if you plant more than one, it’ll increase your bounty).
Mature height: 15–30 feetMature width: 15–30 feetSunlight: Full sunGrowing zones: 5–10
Credit: Fast Growing TreesRoyal Star Magnolia
Hogan says this is a “showstopper of a magnolia” and unlike other magnolias—which can grow up to a whopping 80 feet tall—Hogan says this is a “great medium-size tree” at 10–20 feet.
Plus, it’ll add beautiful fragrance and flowers to your garden without much work. Hogan says, “Delicate double blooms give the blossoms a unique shape compared to other magnolias. But these magnolias can handle a range of planting locations, especially when it comes to light needs. With open branching as it matures, very little management needs to be done.”
Mature height: 10–20 feetMature width: 8–15 feetSunlight: Full sun, partial shadeGrowing zones: 4–9
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Credit: Fast Growing TreesEmperor Japanese Maple
This tree lives up to its strong moniker: It grows effortlessly and is one of the hardiest Japanese maple trees available. Plus, care couldn’t be easier. Simply water during the hot summer months in the early morning or evening, fertilize once a year, and prune after three years (though it’s not required), and you’ll be rewarded with brilliant crimson red color in your garden.
Mature height: 12–15 feetMature width: 12–15 feetSunlight: Partial shadeGrowing zones: 5–8Emperor Japanese Maple Tree
Credit: Fast Growing TreesSpartan Juniper
Hogan notes that this versatile juniper tree is ideal for more humid locations where other junipers may not thrive. She says they’re “great as a standalone plant as well as a privacy line.” She adds, “These are great trees for locations with higher deer populations. This tree can be shaped and managed or left alone to have its natural form, which doesn’t require management to keep it tight and well formed.”
Mature height: 15–20 feetMature width: 4–5 feetSunlight: Full sun, partial shadeGrowing zones: 4–9
Credit: Fast Growing Trees
Jaime Milan (she/her) is the deputy digital editor for VERANDA, where she manages the brand’s cross-platform digital strategy. She also writes and edits dozens of stories each month about design, architecture, gardening, jewelry, travel, entertaining, shopping, news, and trends. Prior to joining VERANDA, Jaime was a digital editor for over 10 years at national news and lifestyle brands and has written everything from in-depth packages and celebrity news to features and holiday gift guides. In her spare time, she can be found shopping at the antique store, cooking, gardening, or teaching her mini Australian Shepherd, Gumbo, new tricks. Follow her on Instagram at @jaimemmilan.
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