5 Fast Growing Trees to Give You Shade in a Small Backyard

Hey there! Want a shady spot in your small backyard to relax on hot summer days? Planting fast-growing trees is a great way to get shade quickly without taking up too much space. In this post, we’ll talk about the best trees that grow fast, provide shade, and fit perfectly in a small backyard. Let’s make your yard cool and cozy!

Quick Answer: Best Fast-Growing Trees for Shade in a Small Backyard

• Red Maple (Acer rubrum): Grows 1-2 feet per year, vibrant fall colors, 20-40 feet tall.
• River Birch (Betula nigra): Grows 1.5-2 feet per year, attractive peeling bark, 30-50 feet tall.
• Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica): Grows 1-2 feet per year, colorful blooms, 15-25 feet tall.
• Dwarf Willow (Salix spp.): Grows 1-3 feet per year, compact size, 15-20 feet tall.
• Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): Grows 1-2 feet per year, stunning foliage, 10-25 feet tall.

Why Choose Fast-Growing Trees for a Small Backyard?

A small backyard needs trees that don’t take forever to grow and won’t take over the whole space. Fast-growing trees give you shade in just a few years, making your yard a comfy place to hang out. Plus, the right trees can add beauty, privacy, and even attract birds! Since your backyard is small, we’ll focus on trees that stay manageable in size and are easy to care for.

Top 5 Fast-Growing Trees for Shade

Here are five awesome trees that grow quickly, provide shade, and work well in small spaces. Each one has something special to offer, like pretty leaves or flowers.

1. Red Maple

The Red Maple is a superstar for small backyards. It grows about 1-2 feet per year and can reach 20-40 feet tall. Its leaves turn bright red in the fall, making your yard look amazing. This tree loves full sun or partial shade and does well in most soils. Just give it some room to spread its branches, and you’ll have a shady spot in no time!

2. River Birch

River Birch trees grow 1.5-2 feet per year and can get to 30-50 feet tall. They have cool, peeling bark that adds a fun texture to your yard. These trees like moist soil and can handle a bit of shade. They’re perfect if you want a tree that looks unique and grows fast to provide lots of shade.

3. Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtle is a smaller tree, growing 1-2 feet per year and reaching 15-25 feet tall. It’s great for small backyards because it doesn’t get too big. Plus, it has beautiful flowers in summer—pink, purple, or white! It loves sunny spots and is super easy to care for. This tree is like a colorful umbrella for your yard.

4. Dwarf Willow

Dwarf Willow trees are perfect for really small spaces. They grow 1-3 feet per year and stay around 15-20 feet tall. Their soft, green leaves create a nice, shady canopy. These trees like wet soil, so they’re great if your yard has a damp spot. They’re low-maintenance and grow fast, giving you shade quickly.

5. Japanese Maple

Japanese Maples are smaller trees, growing 1-2 feet per year and reaching 10-25 feet tall. They have delicate, colorful leaves that make your backyard look like a painting. These trees do well in partial shade and don’t need much space. They’re a great choice if you want shade and a tree that’s pretty all year round.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Your Trees

To help your trees grow fast and stay healthy, follow these simple tips

• Pick the right spot: Make sure your tree gets enough sun (check if it likes full sun or partial shade).
• Water regularly: Young trees need water a couple of times a week until they’re settled.
• Use mulch: Put mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and protect the roots.
• Prune carefully: Trim dead branches to help the tree grow strong and look nice.
• Check the soil: Some trees, like River Birch, like wet soil, while others, like Crape Myrtle, prefer it a bit drier.

Things to Consider for Small Backyards

Before you plant, think about these things

• Size matters: Choose a tree that won’t outgrow your yard. Check the mature height and width.
• Roots: Some trees have big roots that can mess with patios or pipes. Pick trees with smaller root systems, like Crape Myrtle or Japanese Maple.
• Mess: Trees like River Birch drop leaves or bark, so be ready to clean up a bit.
• Climate: Make sure the tree grows well in your area. Check your USDA hardiness zone (you can find this online).

Conclusion

Planting a fast-growing tree is an easy way to add shade to your small backyard and make it a relaxing spot. Trees like Red Maple, River Birch, Crape Myrtle, Dwarf Willow, and Japanese Maple grow quickly, fit in small spaces, and look beautiful. Pick one that matches your yard’s style and needs, and you’ll be enjoying shade in just a few years. Happy planting!