While this season’s warmer climate can be a blessing to colder states, it can also bring an unforgiving - and almost unbearable - heat during peak summer months, and that’s why many homeowners end up relying heavily on air conditioners.
It sure feels great to be comfortable again, but the downside to running the AC all day and night is that it will end up costing an arm and a leg by the end of the season in electricity costs.
That’s why a growing number of households is turning to fast growing shade trees and flowering shrubs that’ll keep the heat of the sun out of their homes the natural way.
This is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your home cool without racking up a huge electricity bill in the summer. Granted they are well-positioned, shade trees and shrubs are a great way to block the sun and filter the heat.
In addition to protecting you from the harsh sun, they also attract birds and all manner of beautiful wildlife habitat into your environment.
Shade trees and shrubs come in different sizes and shapes. They’re also designed for different climates and may depend on your particular location.
However, one of the most popular varieties of shade trees are those that are fast-growing. People pick them due to the fact that they grow fast and offer a quick and long-lasting solution to a yearly problem.
If you’re wondering what are the best fast-growing shade trees, keep reading and you’ll surely find a great option for your home!
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. – Lao Tzu
Nuttall Oak
Also referred to as pin oak and red oak, this type of tree offers a combination of leafy canopy for shade as well as lots of acorns every year, attracting a fair amount of turkeys, deer, and squirrels.
American Sycamore
The American Sycamore is one of the best shade trees available as it can grow to 70 feet or more when fully grown.
It has a white mottled bark that looks absolutely beautiful in any backyard and it usually thrives near ponds and rivers. However, it has also been shown to grow just as well in urban areas and its height can increase by 6 feet each year.
Hybrid Poplar
The Hybrid Poplar is one of the most popular fast-growing shade trees and for good reason. It can reach a height of 8 feet in a year and can grow to up to 40 or 50 inches high.
This shade tree comes in different types including the Populus deltoides x Populus nigra variety, which looks very beautiful but does require some maintenance to keep the yard clean.
Northern Catalpa
The Northern Catalpa is one of the most beautiful fast growing trees around, as you can see from the picture above.
It’s commonly referred to as the Catawba or the cigar tree and it flowers in beautiful blooms that attract bees and birds. The best part is that it has a cornucopia of lush leaves each year that provides plenty of shade for your home and yard.
Weeping Willow
The Weeping Willow is another famous shade tree that grows really fast. It’s known to grow by a height of 3 to 8 feet every year and it does really well when you place it near the water.
The best part is that there are various hybrid varieties of this tree available to suit different climates, so surely there will be a perfect type for your home.
Red Maple
Red maple flowers in colorful red leaves during the fall that look absolutely stunning and makes your home the focal point of the neighborhood. It grows by 3 to 5 feet each year, which is quite impressive and is often a preferred choice for those who want a fast-growing tree to plant.
It can reach a height of up to 40 inches, making it ideal for anyone who wants to provide shade and privacy around the yard.
Paper Birch
The paper birch tree has a beautiful white bark that perfectly complements most backyard decor schemes, making your house look even more interesting.
It has beautiful droopy leaves and you can tap the tree for its sap and make your very own birch syrup if you’ve planted a few of them in your yard.
Considerations before planting
Whether you opt for small shade trees or larger options that can grow up to a height of 70 feet, the most important thing is to ensure that you pick a tree that’s compatible with the soil in your yard.
Consider other factors as well, such as the annual rainfall levels of your area, its temperatures, and the length of each tree’s growing season. If you’re new to growing trees and caring for them, visit your local nursery and speak to an expert to get advice on the right trees to grow in your area to ensure success.
They’ll help you identify fast-growing trees that are easy to take care of and avoid invasive, exotic tree varieties.
Contact an expert to find out the best fast growing shade trees for your area and request a free quote for planting and maintenance!
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