Here are some fast-growing species to consider

Many trees can take a while to establish themselves, so if you’re impatient, need an area to look beautiful in a hurry, want some fast-growing privacy trees, or are creating a garden from scratch, you may want to choose one or two fast-growing trees.

Remember that most fast-growing trees will reach a considerable size, so make sure you have plenty of room for them to grow, and don’t plant them too close to a border or house. Some of the larger trees may have more compact cultivars available if you have limited space. Others can be grown as a hedge, which is a good option if you need to create a border.

1. Rowan

The fast-growing rowan or mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) is a British native that grows well in a variety of soils. It has beautiful, feathery leaves that turn yellow in autumn. The clusters of white flowers give way to berries, which are popular with birds, making it a great choice for a wildlife garden.

2. Silver Birch

Another fast-growing tree, silver birch (Betula pendula) is a favorite of garden designers. It is often planted in groups or as a multi-stemmed tree – the white stems are particularly pretty in winter and are perfect for showing off woodland plantings below.

3. Hornbeam

Hornebeam trees (Corbinus betulus) are British natives with beautiful, wrinkled leaves and good fall color. The Corbinus betulus 'Fastigiata' shown here is a fastigiate variety, meaning it has an upright, pyramidal shape when young, becoming broad as it matures. They can be pruned to create a border and create fast-growing privacy trees.

4. Eucalyptus virginiana

Eucalyptus virginiana (cider gum) is a fast-growing evergreen tree native to Tasmania. It has grey-green, glossy leaves that have a strong menthol aroma when crushed, and attractive, peeling copper-like bark. It can be staked or staked to keep it in place.

5. Alder

Alder (Alnus glutinosa) is a fast-growing native tree that thrives in moist conditions. It often grows near rivers and can reach 20 metres in 40 years. This vigorous grower is good for wildlife, providing early nectar for bees and seeds for kittiwakes and birds such as goldfinches and siskins. It is also a food plant for the caterpillars of many moths.

6. Weeping Willow

Golden Weeping Willow (Salix 'Chrysocoma') is a vigorous grower with arching branches. Plant it in full sun in moist soil. It is a popular ornamental tree for a large garden and has attractive yellow catkins in late spring.

7. White Poplar

Populus alba should only be grown in large gardens and away from buildings, as it is fast-growing and has vigorous roots. For large spaces, it makes a useful windbreak. It has attractive leaves that are white and fluffy on the underside, and catkins in spring. Plant it in moist soil in a sunny spot.

8. Foxglove Tree

Native to China, Paulownia tomentosa bears fragrant pink flowers shaped like foxgloves in early summer. Young trees grow to enormous proportions, and can be pruned after a few years to keep them in check. It produces large leaves. Grows in full sun in well-drained soil.

9. Hazel

Hazel trees (Corylus avellana) not only create a feature in the garden with their beautiful catkins and attractive leaves in spring, but also provide a crop of nuts. They are valuable to wildlife such as the hazel dormouse, and to birds such as woodpeckers and jays. Hazel also makes a fast-growing hedge.