Looking to add some greenery to your yard without waiting a decade for it to fill in? Small fast-growing trees are honestly one of the best backyard secrets I’ve ever discovered.
Whether you’re craving shade, privacy, or just want something pretty to look at, these trees grow quickly and stay compact enough for small spaces.
I’ve planted a few of these in my own garden, and let me tell you, the results were so satisfying.
Let’s talk about why these trees are worth your time, and which ones deserve a spot in your yard.
Why Small Fast-Growing Trees Are a Game-Changer
So here’s the deal, I used to think trees took forever to grow. Like “I’ll be retired before this gets big” kind of forever. But then I found these beauties.
Here’s why they’re a must-have:
- Instant Gratification: You’ll start seeing real growth in just a season or two.
- Perfect for Smaller Yards: No need to worry about giant roots or branches wrecking your setup.
- Boosts Curb Appeal Fast: Want a prettier property? These trees get the job done quickly.
- Ideal for Privacy Screens: Some grow thick and leafy fast, perfect for blocking nosy neighbors.
Honestly, if you’re like me and can’t wait 15 years to see results, these trees are your backyard MVPs.
1. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia)
This was my first love in fast-growing trees. It’s like the tree version of fireworks, colorful and bold.
- Why I love it: The blooms are unreal. Pink, purple, white, you get options.
- Growth rate: Up to 3 feet per year.
- Mature height: Around 15–20 feet.
Key Features:
- Beautiful, papery bark that peels for extra texture.
- Blooms all summer long.
- Very drought-tolerant once established.
Design Tip: Try planting 2–3 in a row for a vibrant hedge that flowers like crazy in summer.
2. Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Oh, Redbud. You had me at “heart-shaped leaves.” This tree is basically nature’s valentine.
- Why I love it: It blooms bright pink in early spring, before the leaves even come out.
- Growth rate: About 2 feet per year.
- Mature height: Typically 15–25 feet, but still feels cozy.
Key Features:
- Delicate pink-purple flowers in spring.
- Adapts well to shade and sun.
- Leaves turn golden in fall, bonus points!
Pro Tip: Redbuds look amazing when underplanted with ferns or hostas.
3. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
Need a fast privacy screen? This is your go-to. It’s evergreen, soft-looking, and grows like it’s in a hurry.
- Why I love it: It’s like a fluffy green wall.
- Growth rate: Easily 2–3 feet a year.
- Mature height: Usually 50+ feet, but there are dwarf versions too!
Key Features:
- Soft, blue-green needles.
- Grows in clusters for a full, bushy look.
- Tolerates poor soil.
Quick Tip: For small yards, look for compact cultivars like ‘Blue Shag.’
4. Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
If you want a tree that does it all, meet the Serviceberry. It’s got flowers, fruit, fall color, total triple threat.
- Why I love it: It blooms white in spring and has edible berries in summer!
- Growth rate: Roughly 1–2 feet per year.
- Mature height: 15–25 feet, perfect for patios.
Key Features:
- White spring blossoms attract pollinators.
- Tasty berries loved by birds (and humans!)
- Fiery red-orange fall foliage.
Fun Idea: Use them as a focal point in a cottage-style garden.
5. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Okay, this one’s a slower grower, but some varieties still earn a spot for their compact shape and stunning looks.
- Why I love it: That foliage is basically garden jewelry.
- Growth rate: About 12–24 inches per year.
- Mature height: Around 10–15 feet.
Key Features:
- Gorgeous leaf shapes and colors (red, green, even purple).
- Some stay naturally dwarf.
- Perfect for containers or small garden nooks.
Design Tip: Try the ‘Bloodgood’ variety for rich, dark red leaves that pop.
6. River Birch (Betula nigra)
This tree is perfect if your yard gets soggy. It loves moisture and grows like crazy.
- Why I love it: That peeling bark is such a cool texture.
- Growth rate: 1.5 to 3 feet per year.
- Mature height: Can hit 30–40 feet, but multi-trunk options look smaller and sculptural.
Key Features:
- Great for wet or clay soil.
- Beautiful cinnamon-colored bark.
- Offers dappled shade without feeling dense.
Try This: Plant three in a triangle layout for a sculptural grove effect.
7. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
If you’re in a dry climate like me, this one’s a lifesaver. It thrives in heat and poor soil but still puts on a floral show.
- Why I love it: It feels tropical but doesn’t need coddling.
- Growth rate: 2 to 3 feet per year.
- Mature height: Around 15–25 feet.
Key Features:
- Long, narrow leaves with orchid-like blooms.
- Loves hot, dry spots.
- Attracts hummingbirds!
Design Tip: Use this as a bold statement in gravel or desert-style landscapes.
8. Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry (Amelanchier × grandiflora)
Yes, another Serviceberry, because I couldn’t pick just one! This cultivar is especially known for insane fall color.
- Why I love it: The fall foliage is out-of-this-world vibrant.
- Growth rate: About 1–2 feet per year.
- Mature height: Tops out around 20–25 feet.
Key Features:
- Bright red-orange leaves in fall.
- Same tasty berries and flowers as regular Serviceberry.
- Compact and multi-stemmed for a bushy feel.
Landscaping Idea: Plant in front of darker evergreen trees for a dramatic contrast when fall hits.
9. Purple Leaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera)
This tree is all about drama in the best way. It brings dark foliage to the table and makes your yard look professionally designed without the effort.
- Why I love it: That deep purple color really pops, especially near green shrubs.
- Growth rate: Around 1.5–2 feet per year.
- Mature height: Reaches about 15–25 feet.
Key Features:
- Gorgeous purple to reddish leaves.
- Light pink flowers in early spring.
- Adds striking contrast in any garden bed.
Design Tip: Plant near lighter-colored flowers or gravel for a bold, moody vibe.
10. Olive Tree (Olea europaea)
This one’s for my warm climate friends. It grows fast, stays compact, and gives off total Mediterranean vacation energy.
- Why I love it: It looks high-end but is surprisingly easy to care for.
- Growth rate: 1–2 feet per year, depending on sun and warmth.
- Mature height: About 15–20 feet, but can be pruned smaller.
Key Features:
- Silvery-green foliage that looks gorgeous in full sun.
- Drought-tolerant once established.
- Can fruit with the right conditions!
Tip: Works beautifully in a minimalist or modern landscape layout.
11. Vitex or Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
Honestly, this is one of the most underrated flowering trees out there. It grows like a weed—in a good way—and blooms like crazy.
- Why I love it: It’s like a lilac bush turned into a tree.
- Growth rate: Up to 3 feet per year.
- Mature height: Typically 10–15 feet.
Key Features:
- Purple or bluish flower spikes from summer through fall.
- Aromatic foliage that deer don’t love.
- Thrives in full sun and heat.
Fun Idea: Use it as a summer centerpiece near patios or porches.
12. Dwarf Fruitless Mulberry (Morus alba ‘Chaparral’)
If you want shade and speed without fruit mess, this is a fantastic pick. It’s a cleaner cousin of the traditional mulberry.
- Why I love it: Big umbrella-like canopy that fills out fast.
- Growth rate: Insanely fast, up to 3–4 feet per year.
- Mature height: Around 15–20 feet.
Key Features:
- Broad canopy offers excellent shade quickly.
- No fruit = no mess!
- Great for lawn areas or over garden seating.
Design Tip: Use it to shade a sitting area or sunny backyard corner.
13. Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo)
It’s compact, evergreen, and has the most unexpected fruit ever. You’ll get color, texture, and year-round beauty.
- Why I love it: It’s always got something going on—flowers, berries, or bark.
- Growth rate: Roughly 1–2 feet per year.
- Mature height: Usually 10–20 feet.
Key Features:
- Evergreen with white flowers and red-orange fruit.
- Peeling bark adds winter interest.
- Attracts pollinators.
Pro Tip: Pairs well with native or Mediterranean-style plants like lavender and sage.
14. Weeping Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis)
Looking for bold texture and fire-red blooms? This one’s your star. It’s fast, unique, and hummingbird-approved.
- Why I love it: The arching red blooms are ridiculously eye-catching.
- Growth rate: About 2–3 feet per year.
- Mature height: Around 15–25 feet, depending on pruning.
Key Features:
- Red “bottlebrush” flowers attract pollinators.
- Soft weeping form.
- Heat and drought-tolerant.
Design Tip: Let it spill over walls or pathways for dramatic flair.
15. Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)
If you want something cheerful and unusual, this is such a fun one to grow. It flowers, it drops lanterns, and it grows quickly.
- Why I love it: It blooms in bright yellow mid-summer when most trees are quiet.
- Growth rate: About 2 feet per year.
- Mature height: Usually 25–30 feet.
Key Features:
- Summertime yellow flowers followed by papery seed pods.
- Tolerates urban conditions and poor soil.
- Light dappled shade from lacy foliage.
Try This: Use it as a focal point in an open lawn or near seating areas.
16. Anacacho Orchid Tree (Bauhinia lunarioides)
This Texas-native gem is a small, fast-growing tree that’s elegant and showy without the drama. It fits easily into tighter yards.
- Why I love it: The white orchid-shaped blooms look delicate but this tree is tough.
- Growth rate: Around 1.5–2 feet per year.
- Mature height: About 10–15 feet.
Key Features:
- White flowers with a slight fragrance.
- Very drought-tolerant.
- Heart-shaped leaves add charm.
Landscaping Idea: Looks beautiful near boulders or in native/dry garden designs.
17. Chinese Fringe Tree (Chionanthus retusus)
This one’s like a cloud of blooms in late spring. It’s graceful, compact, and surprisingly hardy for such a delicate look.
- Why I love it: The fringe-like white flowers look like lace.
- Growth rate: 1–2 feet per year.
- Mature height: Around 12–20 feet.
Key Features:
- Clouds of white flowers in spring.
- Beautiful layered branching.
- Thrives in sun or part shade.
Design Tip: Place it where you can see it from a window during blooming season.
18. Palo Verde (Parkinsonia)
Native to the desert, this is a bold, sculptural tree with green bark and golden blooms that feels like modern art.
- Why I love it: It brings architectural structure and blooms to dry landscapes.
- Growth rate: Up to 3 feet per year.
- Mature height: Around 15–25 feet.
Key Features:
- Green trunk and branches photosynthesize.
- Bright yellow blooms in spring.
- Very drought-resistant.
Pro Tip: Works beautifully in xeriscapes or modern minimalist garden styles.
19. Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis)
Not to be confused with the Eastern version, this western native is perfect for hot, dry areas and bursts into color like confetti.
- Why I love it: Compact, tough, and surprisingly colorful.
- Growth rate: About 1–2 feet per year.
- Mature height: Around 10–15 feet.
Key Features:
- Pink-magenta blooms in early spring.
- Heart-shaped blue-green leaves.
- Handles drought and heat like a champ.
Design Tip: Tuck into rock gardens or use as a border accent tree
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest growing small tree for privacy?
Eastern White Pine is a solid bet for fast privacy, especially in cooler regions. If you’re in a warm area, Desert Willow or Crape Myrtle planted in a row can provide a quick leafy screen.
Can I grow these trees in containers?
Absolutely! Japanese Maple and even dwarf versions of Crape Myrtle or Serviceberry do great in containers. Just be sure your pot is big enough and drains well.
How often should I water fast-growing trees?
In their first year, water deeply once or twice a week. Once established, most of these trees are pretty drought-tolerant, but still appreciate a drink during dry spells.
Do fast-growing trees break easily?
Some do. Trees that grow too fast without strong root systems (like Silver Maples) can get brittle. That’s why proper pruning and spacing matter so much.
Can I prune these trees to keep them smaller?
Yes! Especially varieties like Redbud and Serviceberry. Light annual pruning will help you shape them without stressing the plant.
Final Thoughts
Adding a small fast-growing tree isn’t just a landscaping move, it’s a total vibe upgrade.
I’ve watched my garden go from “meh” to “wow” with just one tree. They bring life, shade, privacy, and personality, all without making you wait forever.
Pick your favorite from this list and give it a try. Trust me, you’ll be so glad you didn’t wait another year.