Weeping Willow, Lombardy Poplar and Silver Birch are among the UK's fastest-growing trees.
Gardening experts have compiled a list of fast-growing trees that will rise most quickly in British gardens. Trees add interest, create shade and are great habitats for wildlife, but while some trees take decades to mature – like the traditional Oak tree – the trees named in this list can reach their full height in just a few years.
The Lombardy Poplar climbs a staggering 3.6 metres a year, reaching its full height of 20 metres in just over five years, while the Weeping Willow grows up to 2.4 metres a year reaching its mature height of 15 metres in around six years.
"Trees are a great addition to any garden and waiting for them to grow and look their very best takes time and patience," said Charles Walton from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk. "We’ve researched those that grow quickly and will bring additional interest to your garden in years, rather than decades."
Take a look at the UK's fastest growing trees...
The weeping willow is often found on the banks or lakes and rivers. The low branches form beautiful canopies, creating lots of shade. The tree grows between 1.2 metres and 2.4 metres per year and will reach around 15 metres high.
You’ll often find this towering tree planted in tight rows to from a screen. It grows around 3.6 metres a year and reaches around 20 metres tall.
This tree, which originates from China, can grow up to 30 metres tall and seven metres wide. It grows well in most soil and weather conditions and can often be found in parks and large open spaces.
This evergreen gives your garden a year-round burst of colour and grows up to 2.4 metres a year. Left untrimmed, the tree can grow to 20 metres.
Native to the UK, this hardy tree is easy to spot by its white peeling bark, triangular leaves and catkins. It reaches a height of 30 metres and grows around 40cm per year.
This is a durable tree which can grow anywhere. It does need lots of water – up to 90 litres a week as a sapling – but will reward you by growing up to a metre a year, reaching 27 metres.
The Italian Cypress is great as a privacy screen and property divider. It looks like a column and will grow around 60cm a year, reaching 12 metres.
There are lots of maples to choose from and they all grow quickly, apart from the Japanese maples or Acers. These grow to 24 metres tall, around 60cm a year.
The tulip poplar is a leafy tree which can grow as tall as 30 metres, gaining over 90cm a year. The wide leaves offer lots of shade during the summer.