Spring is the best time to plant trees, right as the ground thaws. During the winter, you should consider and plan what trees you want to plant and where. Trees, of course, can be a great long term investment for beautifying your property. With proper care, they will live for decades and even centuries. However, they can also grow slowly, and you probably want that lovely canopy or privacy screen sooner rather than later. Here are some of the fastest growing trees to plant in Ontario. All of them are beautiful, and rather easy to care for so long as you meet their planting needs.
Consider Location and Soil
Before we get into the fastest growing trees, consider where you want to plant the trees. Plan for how a tree grows in relation to your home. A tree’s branches could grow into your house and its roots into your plumbing if you don’t plan accordingly. You will want to ensure the tree will receive the proper amount of sun. Some trees enjoy long days of direct sunlight, while others do better with indirect light. You will also want to be certain the soil’s nutrient level, moisture, and acidity will support the tree’s growth. If your soil lacks nutrients, book a soil enhancement with Advanced Tree Care to give that tree a proper start. We’ll explain the optimal conditions for each kind of fast-growing tree we recommend.
Importance of Pruning
All these trees will only grow to their full potential and stay one of the fastest growing trees, if they receive a regular annual or semi-annual pruning. Pruning helps a tree develop fresh growth, as well as shaping its overall mature shape and size. If you want a professional touch, be sure to schedule regular pruning with Advanced Tree Care.
Weeping Willow
Weeping Willows are famous for the wide canopies that sway elegantly in the breeze and turn a vibrant yellow in the fall. Their 50–70ft (15–21m) wide canopy provides your home with a shady lounging area and excellent nesting space for birds. They also grow incredibly fast, averaging up to 6–8 feet per year up to a height of 50ft (15m). Weeping Willows grow best in full sun and are tolerant of most soil types. They love partially acidic and moist, well-drained soil, which is why they are often found near bodies of water. Be sure to plant them at least 50 feet away from your home and septic system. Willow roots are infamous for invading drains and foundations.
Eastern White Pine
This fast growing tree is also Ontario’s provincial tree and called the “tree of great peace” by the Haudenosaunee First Nation: the Eastern White Pine. This evergreen can grow up to an impressive 100 ft (30 m) tall with the crown growing 40 ft (12 m) wide. Eastern White Pines are recognizable for their long lustrous needles and narrow, curved chartreuse pine cones that grow 5 inches (20 cm) long. In general, they grow quickly, at least 2 ft annually and up to 5. Because of their speedy growth, plant them 20-30 ft away from other trees, plants, and your home. They do well with full sun and partial shade and grow best in acidic and moist soil but will tolerate dry and even rocky areas.
Autumn Blaze Maple
Many species of maple can grow quickly, but we’re giving attention to the Autumn Blaze Maple. Their green leaves turn a radiant red in the fall that blazes among the more common oranges and yellow. This maple can grow up to 3 ft (1m) or more in a year and up to 55ft (17 m) tall with a canopy 40 ft (12 m) wide. The tree is also hardy. It thrives in a variety of soil types, needs little water (except when first planted), and is pollution resistant.
Canadian or Carolina Poplar
Another one of the fastest-growing deciduous trees is the Canadian Poplar, also commonly known as the Carolina Poplar. While the willow and maple grow shorter with dense canopies, the Canadian/Carolina Poplar grows 5–8 ft (1.5- 2.4 m) annually to magnificent 100 ft (30 m) with an elegant and narrow crown spreading to 40 ft (12 m). The tree’s bark is white, and the triangular leaves start reddish before becoming a vibrant green. In April and May, male trees also bloom reddish flowers that hang down in bunches and shed a seed wool that falls like snow. Canadian/Carolina poplars prefer sandy, loamy, and slightly alkaline soil, and they grow well with sun to partial shading.
Tulip Tree
While not as fast as the others, the Tulip Tree is majestic and still grows at least 2 ft (61 cm) annually. They reach heights of over 100 ft (30) and spread 50 ft (15m) around. The tree is named for its tulip shaped flowers that bloom on mature trees in vibrant yellows, greens, and oranges throughout May and June. It also has distinctive, bright green leaves with points like a maple leaf. Tulip trees grow best in moist, well-drained soil in a variety of acidic, neutral, or alkaline soils. They should be planted where they will receive full sun for at least 6 hours of the day.
Caring For Your Fastest Growing Trees
We love these trees because they grow fast and won’t require constant, intensive care so long as they are planted in the right conditions. When they’re young, all trees need extra care, nutrients, and ample watering to foster their growth. They are also far more vulnerable to predators, so sure to help them reach their maximum potential. If you have more questions about how to care for your trees or are unsure whether a certain area on your property is suitable for a tree, be sure to contact the Advanced Tree Care consulting team for their services. Alternatively, if you’re short on time (or patience), Advanced Tree Care can also source and plant mature established trees.
