Fast-Growing Trees for Your Garden – Best Species

A lush garden with shade-providing trees is a little paradise for many – but those planting from scratch often need patience. Not so with fast-growing trees!

These provide shade, privacy screening and structure for your garden in no time at all.

In this guide, we'll show you which tree species grow quickly, which are suitable for small gardens, and what you should bear in mind when caring for them.

Which fast-growing tree species are there?

Not all fast-growing trees are the same. The differences in growth rate, care requirements and garden impact are enormous.

Some tree species put on up to three metres per year, whilst others grow more compactly but still at a good pace. Particularly popular are:

• Deciduous trees such as the Norway Maple or the Goat Willow
• Evergreen shrubs, which also provide privacy screening in winter
• Exotic species such as the Indian Bean Tree or the Foxglove Tree

Some of these species quickly reach a height of 15 to 20 metres – perfect as shade providers or for natural privacy screening. Others remain relatively compact and are ideal for small gardens.

If you're specifically looking for fast-growing trees for your garden, you should pay attention not only to growth rate, but also to site requirements and tolerance of pruning.

In nutrient-rich soils and with regular care using the right tools, such as our cordless chainsaw FX-E2KS, fast-growing trees will truly reach their potential.

The best tree species for your garden – fast, strong and beautiful

Whether native species or exotic eye-catchers: if you want privacy and shade quickly, there are certain species you simply can't overlook.

Here is a short selection of particularly fast-growing tree species:

Tip: The Foxglove Tree is considered the fastest-growing tree in the world. Under ideal conditions, it can grow 3 metres per year!

Shrubs such as the Weeping Willow or fast-growing hedging species are also a great choice for dense, green structure. Remember to carry out regular formative pruning – for example with our garden shears FX-ASB72.

Site selection and care: how to help your trees grow as quickly as possible

For your trees to truly grow quickly, the site is crucial. Many fast-growing species prefer sunny to partially shaded positions, as well as nutrient-rich, free-draining soils.

Bear the following in mind:

1. Plant in spring or autumn – this allows the tree to establish well before extremes of cold or heat.
2. Regular watering, especially in the first year.
3. Feeding with compost or organic fertiliser.
4. Pruning in spring, to shape the crown and encourage growth.

Care is made easy with the right FUXTEC tools. Whether using the axe FX-AX3 or the log splitter FX-HS26 – timber needn't be an obstacle, but rather fuel for the next winter.

Fast-growing trees for small gardens

Short on space? No problem – there are suitable fast-growing trees and shrubs for small gardens too. Here, compact species are the answer – ones that grow upwards rather than outwards, or that can be kept in shape with regular pruning.

Particularly suitable are:

• Globe Maple – compact habit, decorative crown
• Copper Serviceberry – attractive foliage, beautiful blossom
• Salix species (e.g. Harlequin Willow) – colourful eye-catcher, fast growth
• Crab Apples – lovely blossom, compact habit

These species can be easily controlled with regular pruning in spring and yet still grow vigorously. Do consider evergreen alternatives too – they provide year-round privacy screening and often require less maintenance.

The FUXTEC pruning saw and axe combination is invaluable here: compact, efficient and ideal for confined garden spaces.

Privacy screening, shade and structure – what fast-growing trees can do for your garden

Fast-growing trees are not just a visual asset – they also fulfil very practical functions. Particularly in new-build areas, established structure is often lacking, and with the right tree species you can create a true garden paradise in a short space of time.

Want shade and privacy? No problem!

Some species that are perfectly suited:

• Indian Bean Tree: With its dense crown, a genuine shade provider.
• Norway Maple: Provides shade, has beautiful autumn colour and grows up to 50 centimetres per year.
• Goat Willow: Fast growing, and well suited to damper areas.
• Scots Pine: Robust, hardy and shapely – perfect for structured garden areas.

These species can reach 15 to 30 metres in height, depending on site and care.

Particularly useful: Some species provide both privacy and wind protection, helping you make your garden a calmer and more sheltered space.

If you're looking for a natural hedge, also consider fast-growing shrubs – such as Forsythia or Privet. Combined with fast-growing trees and shrubs, these create vibrant, low-maintenance garden spaces.

What to consider when buying trees

Want to buy trees that grow quickly and enhance your garden? There are a few important points to bear in mind:

• Position: Is it sunny, partially shaded or rather shady?
• Soil type: Sandy, clay or nutrient-rich?
• Maintenance: How often will you need to prune, water or feed?
• Final height: Some species can easily reach 20 to 30 metres – not suitable for every garden.

When planning trees and shrubs for your garden, think about the right tools for ongoing care. Our cordless chainsaws are ideal for formative or reduction pruning of larger branches. For regular maintenance, we recommend the robust garden shears FX-ASB72.

A tip for the colder months: if you're removing branches or even felling a tree, make good use of the wood – our guide to storing firewood will help you get the most out of it!

Exceptionally fast-growing trees for the garden

Some trees are true growth wonders. Under optimal conditions – good soil, sufficient light and regular care – they achieve impressive heights in a very short time.

These species are among the very fastest-growing trees:

Deciduous trees such as the Norway Maple and Foxglove Tree bring not only rapid growth, but also a spectacular display of autumn colour. Conifers such as the Scots Pine score points with their evergreen appearance and hardiness – ideal for those who want year-round privacy screening.

So if you want to encourage fast growth, consider:

• Your goal (shade, privacy, floral display)
• Space requirements and height
• Site requirements (sun, soil, moisture)

In our blog you'll find further ideas for garden design in small spaces – perfect for creating structure with fast-growing plants.

How to care for fast-growing trees properly – straightforward with the right tools

The faster a tree grows, the more regularly it needs attention. This applies above all to pruning, to shape a good crown and improve stability. Whether removing dead wood or shaping hedges, cutting simply cannot be avoided.

Our recommendations for caring for fast-growing trees:

• Prune in spring: encourages bushy growth and strong new shoots.
• Water during dry spells: young trees in particular need regular watering.
• Feed in spring with organic fertiliser or compost.
• Keep maintenance simple by using robust garden tools.

The quality of your tools matters greatly here: with our cordless chainsaw FX-E2KS or the garden shears FX-ASB72, you can prune precisely and without excessive effort. For thicker branches or fallen trees, the log splitter FX-HS26 is the right choice.

Tip: Avoid drastic hard pruning – it weakens the tree and encourages uncontrolled growth. It is better to make small, regular corrections instead.

Conclusion: Fast-growing trees are the perfect solution for a lush dream garden

Want more greenery, more shade and more privacy in your garden quickly? Then fast-growing trees and shrubs are exactly what you need.

They provide:

• privacy screening and structure in a short space of time
• a natural cooling effect on hot summer days
• beautiful blossom, autumn colour or evergreen foliage

Whether you have a small garden or a large plot to landscape – there is a suitable species for every situation. With the right position, a careful choice of species and a little know-how, saplings can become impressive trees in no time at all.

Don't forget: with our high-quality garden tools from FUXTEC, you'll be equipped not only for planting, but also for the long-term care of your fast-growing green giants.

And if you're still looking for inspiration – our guide to tidying up an overgrown garden shows you how to turn even the most unruly plot into a paradise.