Patience is a virtue when it comes to gardening. But in the Lone Star State, gardeners often look for fast-growing trees that shade them from the extreme summer heat. These trees’ canopies offer protection from the elements while blossoming flowers add a bit of color to your backyard. Besides their aesthetic appeal, these trees play a crucial role in Texas’ ecosystem. In this guide, we’ll discuss the types, benefits, and care of fast-growing trees in Texas.
Types of Fast-Growing Trees in Texas
Shade Trees
Shade trees are the most desired type of fast-growing tree due to their broad canopies and the broad shadows they cast. Common shade trees include Live oak, green ash, and sycamore trees. They require little to no maintenance and are known for adding fall colors to your backyard. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, shade trees with large trunks and canopies can lower the air temperature by 6 degrees Fahrenheit, making the Texas heat more bearable.
Fruit Trees
Enjoy fresh, homegrown fruit while enjoying the shade with fruit trees like the Apache and Gala apple trees or the Texan Fig. Fruit trees need plenty of sunlight and water, so choose where you place your fruit trees accordingly. These trees grow quickly, so make sure you know how tall and far out your fruit tree will stretch out before planting them.
Flowering Trees
These fast-growing trees are a great way to add a splash of color to any backyard. Crape myrtles and southern magnolias are common throughout Texas. We recommend planting flowering trees in early spring or fall before winter starts. They can be grown in your backyard or a container, making them one of the easiest types of trees to maintain.
Top Fast-Growing Tree Species in Texas
Live Oak
The live oak tree is a Texas native known for its sprawling canopy and massive strength. These evergreen trees grow relatively fast, especially in their early years. They can grow 2-4 feet per year to over 50 feet tall after 70 years. Live oak trees have become popular in Texas because they’re easy to maintain and drought-resistant, and their branches create large canopies perfect for shade.
Mexican Sycamore
Mexican sycamore is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree that can grow in most types of soil. It can grow up to 50 feet tall and has a canopy as wide as 30 to 40 feet. With its large sweeping branches and maple-shaped leaves, these majestic trees are perfect for shading backyards throughout Texas.
Crape Myrtles
These Texas favorites are beautiful flowering trees that are perfect for landscaping. Known for their vibrant and colorful flowers, crape myrtles are easy to maintain and love the sun. Texans love crape myrtles because they come in various colors (white, pink, red, and purple) and make any garden look great!
Montezuma Cypress
Montezuma Cypress is a native tree found in deep South Texas. It can be as tall as 165 feet and 50 feet across. Montezuma Cypress are known for their tall, straight trunks, broad reach, and sprawling branches. Found near swamps, streams, and rivers, these trees thrive in wet environments and can survive areas that experience severe flooding.
American Elms
American Elms are large trees found throughout Texas and the Midwest. They are known for their vase-shaped trunk and broad canopy. Their jagged-edge leaves turn into a beautiful golden-yellow color in the fall. These fast-growing trees can grow anywhere from 60 to 80 feet tall and 40 to 70 feet wide. Due to their large stature, they can survive the harsh Texas weather.
Cherry Laurel
Due to their size, Cherry Laurel is often used in hedges or as a shrub. These trees can grow up to 20 ft tall and spread up to 10 ft wide. While these trees might look cute, especially when they bloom in the spring, they are toxic, so be weary if you have any pets.
American Sycamore
American Sycamore can easily be distinguished by its gray, greenish bark. This tree can grow 100 feet tall and 40 to 70 feet wide. It likes moist soil and can be found in wetter climates like wetlands and streams. Don’t be fooled. These trees still enjoy the Texas heat and can survive the harshest weather conditions.
Benefits of Fast-Growing Trees
Instant Shade
One key benefit of fast-growing trees is their ability to provide shade quickly. They are ideal for creating shaded areas in gardens or around homes, providing much-needed relief during hot Texas summers.
Added Privacy
Homeowners will love the privacy that fast-growing trees provide. These trees are perfect whether you want to add privacy from neighbors or create a secluded area.
Environmental Benefits
These fast-growing trees support the local environment by providing oxygen, reducing carbon, and combating air pollution. They also significantly absorb water and stabilize the soil. Furthermore, they shelter and feed local wildlife.
How to Choose The Best Fast-Growing Trees to Plant
When choosing the perfect fast-growing tree for your yard, consider how much sun it will receive, the soil used, and maintenance. Flowering trees like Crape Myrtles need a lot of sun. You must know what soil you’ll be using and how well your drainage is. Texans are no strangers to drought, so selecting drought-resistant species and implementing a regular watering schedule will extend a tree’s life. Regular maintenance will ensure your tree looks its best. Pruning will help make sure your tree grows healthy and strong. In Texas, winter is the best time to prune your trees.
Conclusion
While patience may be a virtue in gardening, planting fast-growing trees is a great way to protect you and your family from Texas’ harsh weather. These trees provide shade and privacy and play a crucial role in Texas’ ecosystem. Planting these trees has many benefits, from reducing air pollution to conserving water. They indeed are a valuable addition to any yard. Each fast-growing tree has its own unique characteristics. So whether you prefer the vibrant flowers from a Cherry Laurel or the towering stature of a Live Oak, there is a tree for everyone. So go ahead and plant that tree – just remember to be patient and enjoy watching your tree grow into a thriving, vibrant addition to your yard.