by Karon Brandt

Created on: August 31, 2008   Last Updated: May 29, 2010

Beginning with trees that grow 10 to15 feet per year, to "slower growing" trees that grow at least 2 feet per year, here is a list of 22 popular trees grown in the U.S. For photos of individual trees, see www.fast-growing-trees.com.

Select healthy trees that are at least 3 to 5 feet tall for planting. Best choices are balled-in-burlap or container-grown trees with an already-strong start. Eventual tree heights are given for 3 years and at maturity.

1) One of the fastest growing trees is the Empress or "Princess tree" (paulownia). This tree can grow 10 to 15 feet in one year. In fact, in a personal story by one homeowner, their tree was flooded out the first year, run over by a car the second, and came back to grow 10 feet tall in the third year.

At 3 years, the tree can grow to 35 to 50 feet, close to its mature height. It grows lovely, fragrant purple flowers.

2) Hybrid poplars (populus deltoides) are popular shade trees often planted around homes to increase property values. They grow at a rate of 8 to10 feet per year, up to 30 or 40 feet by the third year. At maturity, they reach 50 to 70 feet.

3) The Nuttall Oak (quercus nuttalli) grows 7 to 8 feet per year, up to 25 - 30 feet in three years. It is the fastest growing oak tree and reaches 50 feet at maturity.

4) The Eucalyptus tree (eucalyptus polyanthemos) is easily identified by its fragrant leaves. It grows 6 to 8 feet the first year. By the third year, it should stand around 20 to 30 feet tall and reach 40 feet by maturity.

5) The common weeping willow (salix babylonica) is easily grown in various soil and moisture conditions and will grow about 4 to 8 feet the first year, reaching 15 to 30 feet in three years. This beautiful, swaying tree dances in the wind, and reaches a mature height of 40 to 50 feet. It loves to be near water, and its roots will seek underground pipes and sewage systems.

6) The American Sycamore (platanus occidentalis) will grow about 6 feet per year, up to 20 - 25 feet in three years. Its shedding bark exposes a visually attractive trunk, but cleaning up the peeling bark can be annoying to homeowners. A row of sycamores along a roadway creates a stately appearance that commands a second look. Its winter fruits look like Christmas ornaments. This tree needs room to grow to its mature 70 foot height.

7) The Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron Tulipifera) grows bright yellow foliage in the fall and creates dense shade at the rate of up to 6 feet per year. It should reach about 15 to 20 feet

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