7 of the Fastest Growing Trees in Texas

Want something in your garden that spreads in no time? Here are some beautiful and Fast Growing Trees in Texas!

Although plants grow at their own pace but with these species, you don’t have to wait for long. Add extra shade and privacy, and enhance the landscape with these Best Fast Growing Trees in Texas. 

Check out the best purple flower trees in Texas here

Fast-Growing Trees in Texas 

1. Live Oak                                                                                               

Botanical Name: Quercus fusiformis

The Live Oak is native to Texas and Florida and is one of the fastest-growing trees in its youth in Texas. The tree grows 2-2.5 feet yearly and slows down with age.

This tree can live for 60-75 years and is one of the most popular in the Texas region. It is easy to grow and drought-resistant, and the huge, twisting branches provide abundant shade. 

2. Bald Cypress                                                                                       

Botanical Name: Taxodium distichum

This Fast Growing Tree in Texas can naturally grow in standing water around rivers and lakes. This relatively low-maintenance tree can thrive well in moderately moist soil and grow up to 1-2 feet yearly. It can grow to 80-120 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide.

The needles turn a warm shade of red in autumn and add lovely color to the garden. 

Here is a list of purple plants in Texas

3. American Elm                                                                                       

Botanical Name: Ulmus americana

American Elm is native to the Chicago area and thrives best in North Texas. It can grow at a rate of 3-6 feet yearly and reach up to 50-60 feet on maturity.

The fountain-like-shaped canopy can spread 30-60 feet wide, providing plenty of shade. This tree is also famous for its golden yellow color of the leaves in the fall. It is a hardy tree that does not mind much temperature variation. 

4. Cherry Laurel                                                                                       

Botanical Name: Prunus laurocerasus

This Fast Growing Tree in Texas is native to Texas, Carolina, and Florida. It can grow as fast as the others in the capacity of 2-2.5 feet each year and reach the maximum height of 35-40 feet quickly. 

The glossy evergreen tree produces fragrant, off-white flowers and inedible, attractive-looking fruit. However, birds love the cherry fruits that ripen in fall and are attracted to the yard. Cherry Laurel is drought-resistant and also does not mind the shade. 

Here are the Best Privacy Plants That Can Become Perfect Screen for Outdoors

5. Green Ash                                                                                           

Botanical Name: Fraxinus pennsylvanica

The Green Ash tree is native to North America, Colorado, Florida, and Texas. It can grow 2-4 feet yearly and reach its maximum height of 60-70 feet in 20-25 years. The foliage is reasonably dense, and you can enjoy its yearly flowers that add ornamental value. 

However, keep an eye out for the emerald ash borer, an invasive pest from Asia. This pest can kill ash trees, and a few have been spotted in Texas. 

Want to know which pine trees are native to Texas? Click here

6. Texas Red Oak                                                                                     

Botanical Name: Quercus buckleyi

This Fast Growing Tree in Texas is native to the United States and Canada and can grow 2-3 feet a year for the first 10-12 years. This Oak provides a gorgeous fall color, with leaves changing their shade from russet-red to bright red.

This incredible tree offers a large canopy in a pyramidal shape and a jaw-dropping red color in the fall. 

Here are the Best Types of Oak Trees

7. Sycamores                                                                                           

Botanical Name: Platanus occidentalis

Arizona Sycamores is native to Texas, Quebec, Mexico, and Central America and grows about 2-2.5 feet a year, and is a long-lived species.

This massive deciduous tree can grow up to 70-100 feet tall and wide, providing a spreading canopy. The stunning bright green leaves on top of the whitebark look interesting all year round. The autumn color changes to a gorgeous golden color. 

Check out our article on pine needle uses in the garden here