Hey there, fellow Texan (or soon-to-be one)! đ If youâre anything like me, you donât have the patience to wait ten years for a shady yard or some beautiful greenery. I get it.
We want trees that grow fast, look good, and can handle Texas weather without throwing a tantrum.
So, I put together a list of 10 fast-growing trees that are perfect for Texas yards.
Whether you’re in Dallas, Austin, Houston, or chilling down in the Valley, these picks are tried, tested, and tree-hugger approved.
Letâs dig in (pun 100% intended). đ
1. Texas Red Oak (Shumard Oak)
I remember planting this beauty out front and watching it shoot up like a rocket. It gave us solid shade in just a couple of years, which was a lifesaver during the summer months.
Youâll love the brilliant red foliage in the fall, itâs truly showstopping and makes your whole yard pop. It adds that Pinterest-worthy touch without needing extra landscaping.
Plus, itâs tough. This oak is super resistant to heat, drought, and poor soil, which makes it ideal for the unpredictable Texas climate.
- Grows up to 2 feet per year
- Brilliant red leaves in fall
- Thrives in full sun and dry soil
2. Eastern Red Cedar
Eastern Red Cedar is my go-to privacy screen. I planted a few along the fence line, and theyâve made a huge difference. They grow close together and block noise, wind, and nosy neighbors.
They also stay green year-round, so your yard never looks bare, even in the middle of winter. And let me tell you, theyâre incredibly low-maintenance.
The best part? Theyâll grow just about anywhere in Texas, sandy, rocky, or clay soil, they donât complain.
- Grows up to 2 feet per year
- Evergreen with thick foliage
- Great for privacy and wind protection
3. Mexican Fan Palm
I always say this tree brings vacation vibes home. I planted two near our patio, and every time I see them swaying, I feel like Iâm at a beach resort.
They grow ridiculously fast, seriously, you can get 3â4 feet of height per year. They shoot up into the sky and make a dramatic focal point in any space.
Best part? They require almost zero maintenance once established and tolerate full Texas sun with ease.
- Grows up to 3â4 feet per year
- Iconic tropical look
- Perfect for hot, sunny areas
4. Desert Willow
If you love hummingbirds and butterflies, youâll adore the Desert Willow. I planted one next to my driveway, and now I get a mini wildlife show every morning.
It has these stunning, orchid-like blooms in shades of pink, purple, or lavender, and they last all summer long, no exaggeration.
And donât let the âwillowâ fool you, itâs not fussy at all. Itâs drought-tolerant and loves Texas heat.
- Grows 2â3 feet per year
- Blooms spring through fall
- Attracts pollinators and resists drought
5. Montezuma Cypress
This tree has majestic written all over it. If youâve got a big yard and a little extra moisture, youâre in for a treat.
It grows fast, like, 4 feet per year fast, and creates fantastic shade over time. Plus, the elegant, soft needles give it a luxurious texture.
It thrives near ponds, creeks, or even just well-irrigated spots, and it brings that peaceful riverside vibe right into your yard.
- Grows 3â4 feet per year
- Ideal for moist or irrigated areas
- Delivers deep shade and vertical height
6. Chinese Pistache
This oneâs tough, reliable, and surprisingly colorful. I planted one in the back and it quickly became the star of fall with its bold orange-red leaves.
Itâs a perfect urban tree, it handles pollution, compact soil, and poor drainage like a champ. And once established, it practically grows on autopilot.
It also develops a beautiful round canopy, giving you even shade and a gorgeous silhouette.
- Grows 2â3 feet per year
- Spectacular fall color
- Tolerates heat, drought, and poor soil
7. Arizona Ash
This tree is your fast-shade solution. We planted three in the backyard, and they exploded with growth within just two seasons, talk about instant shade
It has a nice rounded canopy that spreads fast, making it a go-to for patios and yards with full sun exposure.
Itâs ideal for hot, dry Texas regions, especially if you want a lot of cover fast without spending a fortune.
- Grows over 3 feet per year
- Provides broad, dense shade
- Low-cost, high-speed growth
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8. Chinese Elm (Lacebark Elm)
This is what I call a city-smart tree. It looks great, doesnât complain, and survives the harshest Texas conditions, including urban smog and drought.
Its bark is one of its best features, mottled and textured, adding character year-round. It also has a naturally elegant form, so minimal trimming is needed.
Itâs a great option for sidewalks, driveways, or any narrow spaces, and it grows fast without making a mess.
- Grows up to 3 feet annually
- Drought-tolerant and low litter
- Beautiful peeling bark
9. Vitex (Chaste Tree)
This one was love at first bloom. Vitex is both a tree and a flowering shrub, giving you the best of both worlds.
Its lavender-like blossoms smell amazing and show up consistently from late spring through early fall. Iâve had butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds stop by constantly.
Itâs also super low maintenance and perfect for small yards or corner garden beds.
- Grows up to 15 feet quickly
- Blooms with fragrant purple flowers
- Loved by pollinators and gardeners alike
10. Bald Cypress
If you want that iconic Texas river look, go with the Bald Cypress. It has these soft, feathery needles that turn a gorgeous bronze in fall.
It grows fast, usually 2â3 feet per year, and works well in soggy or dry spots alike. Plus, it lives for decades if you give it some love.
I especially like it near ponds or as a centerpiece tree in a large yard. Itâs both graceful and grand.
- Grows 2â3 feet yearly
- Thrives in wet and dry soils
- Offers seasonal color and unique roots
đż Wrapping It All Up: Your Yardâs About to Glow Up
Thereâs something magical about planting a tree and watching it growâespecially when it doesnât take forever.
Whether you want shade, privacy, or just a little drama in your yard, these fast-growing trees will transform your Texas landscape faster than youâd think.
Iâve tested many of these in my own yard and with neighbors, and trust meâthey work. Just remember to plant smart, water wisely, and give those trees a little love in the beginning.
Happy planting! đłđ