DavidAustralia’s climate is unique, with a range of environments from tropical rainforests to arid deserts. Fast-growing trees are an essential part of Australia’s natural landscape and provide numerous benefits, including erosion control, carbon sequestration, and aesthetic value.
In this article, we will explore 15 of the fastest-growing trees in Australia. From the iconic eucalyptus to the exotic Norfolk Island Pine, these trees have adapted to thrive in the diverse Australian climate.
15 Fastest Growing Trees In Australia
Australia is home to a vast array of tree species, but some have a particularly rapid growth rate. If you’re keen to discover the fastest-growing trees in Australia, look no further than our top 15 choices listed below.
#1. Eucalyptus
If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree in Australia, the Eucalyptus is an excellent choice. This iconic tree is known for its distinctive scent and its characteristic bark that peels away in long strips.
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Eucalyptus trees can grow up to 30 meters tall and can grow up to 2 meters per year. They are drought-resistant and thrive in full sun, making them ideal for use as a windbreak or shade tree in a hot and arid climate.
The Eucalyptus is also highly valued for its essential oils, which are used in a range of products, including aromatherapy oils, cleaning products, and cosmetics.
More so, the tree’s wood is highly sought after for use in construction, furniture, and paper production.
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#2. Acacia
If you’re searching for a fast-growing tree in Australia, the Acacia is another great option. This tree is known for its beautiful yellow flowers and feathery leaves.
Acacia trees can grow up to 10 meters tall and can add around 1 meter of growth per year. They are adaptable to various soil types and can tolerate dry conditions, making them ideal for use as a windbreak, screen, or ornamental tree.
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Acacia wood is also highly prized for its durability and is commonly used in furniture making and construction.
The tree’s bark, leaves, and seeds are also used in traditional medicine, while its flowers are a popular source of honey.
#3. Bottlebrush
If you’re interested in a fast-growing tree that also boasts stunning flowers, the Bottlebrush is an excellent choice.
This tree gets its name from its unique cylindrical flowers, which resemble a bottlebrush. Bottlebrush trees can grow up to 5 meters tall and can add around 1 meter of growth per year.
They are easy to care for and can thrive in a range of soil types, making them a popular choice for hedging, screening, or as a specimen tree. Bottlebrush trees also attract birds and other wildlife to your garden.
The tree’s timber is also used in woodworking and is known for its durability and resistance to decay.
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#4. Red Oak
If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree in Australia with impressive autumn foliage, the Red Oak is a great choice. This deciduous tree is known for its vibrant red leaves in autumn, which make it a popular ornamental tree in parks and gardens.
Red Oak trees can grow up to 20 meters tall and can add around 1 meter of growth per year. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun exposure, making them an ideal choice for a shade tree in a larger garden or park.
Red Oak wood is also highly valued for its strength and durability, and is used in a range of applications, including furniture making, flooring, and construction. Also, Red Oak trees provide important habitat for a variety of wildlife species.
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#5. Brush Box
If you’re searching for a fast-growing tree in Australia that is also highly adaptable, the Brush Box is an excellent choice.
This tree is known for its dense foliage and attractive bark, which can range from grey to pinkish-brown in color. Brush Box trees can grow up to 20 meters tall and can add around 1 meter of growth per year.
They are highly versatile and can thrive in a range of soil types and climatic conditions, making them a popular choice for landscaping and street plantings.
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The Brush Box also provides important habitat for native wildlife, including birds and insects. The tree’s timber is also highly valued for its strength and durability and is commonly used in construction and furniture making.
#6. Magnolia Tree
If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree in Australia that boasts stunning flowers and fragrant aroma, the Magnolia Tree is an excellent choice.
This tree is known for its large, fragrant flowers that can be white, pink, or purple in color. Magnolia trees can grow up to 10 meters tall and can add around 1 meter of growth per year.
They prefer well-draining soil and partial to full sun exposure, making them ideal for use as a specimen tree or as part of a mixed planting.
Magnolia wood is not commonly used for commercial purposes due to its softness, but the tree’s flowers and leaves are used in traditional medicine for their various health benefits.
More so, the Magnolia Tree is a popular choice for attracting wildlife, including birds and butterflies.
#7. River Birch
If you’re searching for a fast-growing tree in Australia that is also highly adaptable to various soil conditions, the River Birch is a great option.
This tree is known for its attractive bark, which ranges from creamy white to reddish-brown in color and peels away in papery sheets.
River Birch trees can grow up to 20 meters tall and can add around 1 meter of growth per year. They prefer well-draining soil and partial to full sun exposure, making them ideal for use as a shade tree or as a specimen tree in a larger garden.
River Birch wood is not commonly used for commercial purposes due to its softness, but the tree’s bark is highly valued for its decorative properties and is often used in crafts and home decor.
Furthermore, River Birch trees provide important habitat for a variety of wildlife species.
#8. Silver Birch
If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree in Australia that is both ornamental and useful, the Silver Birch is a great choice.
This tree is known for its distinctive silver bark and delicate, airy leaves. Silver Birch trees can grow up to 20 meters tall and can add around 1 meter of growth per year.
They prefer well-draining soil and full sun exposure, making them an ideal choice for a shade tree or as part of a mixed planting.
Silver Birch wood is highly valued for its strength and durability and is commonly used in furniture making, flooring, and construction.
Also, the tree’s bark is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Silver Birch trees also provide important habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including birds and insects.
#9. Blackwood
If you’re searching for a fast-growing tree in Australia that is highly valued for its timber, the Blackwood is an excellent choice.
This tree is known for its attractive foliage and yellow flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring. Blackwood trees can grow up to 30 meters tall and can add around 1 meter of growth per year.
They prefer well-draining soil and full sun exposure, making them ideal for use as a shade tree or as part of a mixed planting.
Blackwood wood is highly valued for its strength, durability, and attractive grain patterns and is commonly used in furniture making, flooring, and construction.
Blackwood trees provide important habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including birds and insects.
#10. Paperbark Tree
If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree in Australia that is both ornamental and highly adaptable to various soil conditions, the Paperbark Tree is a great option.
This tree is known for its distinctive peeling bark, which ranges from cream to reddish-brown in color and is highly valued for its decorative properties.
Paperbark trees can grow up to 15 meters tall and can add around 1 meter of growth per year. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun exposure, making them an ideal choice for a shade tree or as part of a mixed planting.
Also, Paperbark Tree also has several practical uses. The tree’s bark is highly valued for its antiseptic properties and is commonly used in traditional medicine for its ability to treat various skin conditions.
#11. Brush Cherry
If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree in Australia that is both ornamental and produces edible fruit, the Brush Cherry is a great option.
This tree is known for its attractive glossy green leaves and small, edible red berries that are sweet and tart in flavor.
Brush Cherry trees can grow up to 5 meters tall and can add around 1 meter of growth per year. They prefer well-draining soil and partial to full sun exposure, making them an ideal choice for a small garden or as a hedge.
Aside from its ornamental and edible values, the Brush Cherry tree also provides important habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including birds and insects.
#12. Plane Tree
If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree in Australia that is highly adaptable to urban environments, the Plane Tree is an excellent option.
This tree is known for its large, maple-like leaves and attractive bark that peels away in patches, revealing a creamy white color beneath.
Plane trees can grow up to 30 meters tall and can add around 1 meter of growth per year. They can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and can adapt to both full sun and partial shade, making them an ideal choice for use as a street tree or in a public park.
More so, Plane trees have a long history of use in traditional medicine, with the tree’s leaves and bark being used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory and digestive issues.
#13. Dwarf Flowering Gum Tree
If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree in Australia that is both compact and ornamental, the Dwarf Flowering Gum Tree is an excellent choice.
This tree is known for its stunning display of flowers in shades of red, pink, and white, which bloom from late winter to early summer.
Dwarf Flowering Gum Trees can grow up to 6 meters tall and can add around 1 meter of growth per year.
They prefer well-draining soil and full sun exposure, making them an ideal choice for use in small gardens or as a specimen tree in a larger landscape.
The flowers of the Dwarf Flowering Gum Tree are an important source of nectar for birds and other wildlife, making it an excellent choice for creating habitat in your backyard.
#14. Grevillea
If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree in Australia that is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, the Grevillea is an excellent choice.
This tree is known for its attractive evergreen foliage, which ranges from fine and delicate to bold and robust.
Grevilleas can grow up to 6 meters tall and can add around 1 meter of growth per year. While thriving in soil that is well-drained and in areas with full exposure to sunlight, they can also manage with partial shade.
Grevilleas are highly valued for their nectar-rich flowers, which provide an important food source for birds, bees, and other pollinators.
Grevillea wood is highly prized for its durability and is often used for furniture, flooring, and other decorative purposes.
#15. Norfolk Island Pine
If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree in Australia that is also unique and exotic, the Norfolk Island Pine is an excellent choice.
This tree is known for its symmetrical, cone-shaped appearance and its soft, feathery foliage. Norfolk Island Pines can grow up to 60 meters tall in their natural habitat, but typically grow up to 20 meters tall in cultivation.
They can add around 50-60 cm of growth per year. T Preferring soil with proper drainage and full exposure to sunlight, they are also capable of enduring some degree of shade.
Norfolk Island Pines are often grown as ornamental trees in gardens and parks, and are also popular as indoor houseplants.
Their wood is highly valued for its strength and durability and is used in boat building, furniture making, and other applications.
Benefits of Fast-Growing Trees In Australia
- Provides Shade and Cooler Environment: Fast-growing trees are an excellent choice for creating shade and reducing heat in the Australian climate. They can help to cool the air around your home, reducing the need for air conditioning.
- Enhances Property Value: Fast-growing trees can add to the aesthetic value of your property and increase its market value. They can also create a more private and peaceful environment around your home.
- Mitigates Soil Erosion: Trees help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Fast-growing trees are particularly useful in this regard, as they can quickly establish a deep root system and help to anchor soil in place.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Trees provide a habitat for wildlife, including birds and small animals. Fast-growing trees can quickly provide cover and nesting sites for these creatures.
Challenges of Planting Fast Growing Trees
- Maintenance: Fast-growing trees require regular pruning and maintenance to keep them healthy and looking their best. This can be time-consuming and costly.
- Shallow Root System: Some fast-growing trees have shallow root systems, which can make them more susceptible to wind damage and drought.
- Invasive Species: Some fast-growing trees can become invasive, spreading quickly and choking out native plant species.
Factors to consider when Planting Fast Growing Trees
- Climate: It is important to choose trees that are suited to your local climate. Fast-growing trees that are not well adapted to your climate may struggle to establish and grow properly.
- Soil: Different trees have different soil requirements. Make sure to choose trees that are suited to your soil type and pH.
- Space: Fast-growing trees can quickly outgrow their space. Make sure to choose trees that are appropriate for the available space and will not become a nuisance as they mature.
- Purpose: Consider the purpose of the tree before planting. Is it for shade, privacy, or aesthetic value? Different trees have different characteristics that make them better suited for different purposes.
Importance of Planting Fast Growing Trees
Planting fast-growing trees is an essential aspect of sustainable forestry management.
Fast-growing trees help to increase the rate of carbon absorption from the atmosphere, thereby contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Fast-growing trees also have significant economic and ecological benefits, such as reducing soil erosion, providing wildlife habitat, and producing wood products for commercial purposes.
Best Practices of Planting Fast Growing Trees
To ensure successful growth of fast-growing trees, it is important to consider factors such as soil type, drainage, sunlight exposure, and water availability.
Proper site preparation, including the removal of competing vegetation and the addition of organic matter, can improve soil quality and increase the success rate of tree planting.
Also, selecting appropriate tree species for the planting site and using proper planting techniques, such as watering and mulching, can help to promote healthy growth and establish a thriving forest ecosystem.
Is Fertilizer Important for Fast Growing Tree?
Fertilizer can be important for the growth and development of fast-growing trees, particularly in nutrient-poor soils.
However, it is important to use fertilizer in moderation and to apply it at the appropriate time and rate. Over-fertilization can lead to nutrient runoff, which can harm aquatic ecosystems and contribute to the pollution of waterways.
Therefore, it is recommended to conduct a soil test before applying fertilizer and to follow the recommended application rates.
Is fast Growing Trees Profitable?
Fast-growing trees can be a profitable investment for landowners, particularly in the forestry industry. These trees can be harvested for wood products in a relatively short period, providing a source of income for landowners.
Fast-growing trees can be used for landscaping and can increase the aesthetic and property value of a site.
However, it is important to carefully consider the cost-benefit analysis and to weigh the potential long-term ecological impacts before planting fast-growing trees for profit.
Evergreen Fast Growing Trees
Evergreen trees offer year-round greenery, making them ideal for those who want to add beauty to their landscape all year long.
Some fast-growing evergreen trees that are suitable for Australian climates include the Leyland Cypress, which can grow up to 3 meters per year, and the Thuja Green Giant, which can reach up to 5 meters in height in just three years.
Fast Growing Shade Trees For Small Yards
For small yards, you can still enjoy the benefits of shade with the right fast-growing trees. The Japanese Maple is an excellent option, as it grows slowly but can still provide ample shade.
Another option is the Purple-Leaf Sand Cherry, which can grow up to 4 meters in height and provides a beautiful canopy of purple leaves.
Fast Growing Small Trees
If you have limited space, planting small trees that grow quickly can help maximize your yard’s potential.
The Crepe Myrtle is a great choice, as it can grow up to 3 meters in height and has beautiful blooms in the summer.
Another option is the Flowering Dogwood, which can reach up to 5 meters in height and has stunning springtime blooms.
Cheap Fast Growing Privacy Trees
For those who want to create a natural barrier or privacy screen, fast-growing trees can be a cost-effective solution.
Some cheap and fast-growing privacy trees include the Leyland Cypress, which can grow up to 3 meters per year, and the Eastern White Pine, which can grow up to 2 meters per year and is relatively inexpensive to purchase.
Fast Growing Native Trees
Choosing native trees can be a smart choice, as they are often better adapted to local climates and require less maintenance.
Some fast-growing native trees in Australia include the Black Wattle, which can grow up to 5 meters in height in just two years, and the Native Cherry, which can reach up to 6 meters in height and has attractive red fruits in the summer.
Fast Growing Trees For Shade
Shade trees not only provide a respite from the sun but can also help cool your home and reduce energy costs.
The American Sycamore is an excellent option for fast-growing shade, as it can grow up to 4 meters per year and has a wide canopy.
Another option is the Willow Hybrid, which can grow up to 3 meters per year and has a dense foliage.
Quick Growing Trees
If you’re looking for trees that will grow quickly and can provide benefits in just a few years, some options include the Hybrid Poplar, which can grow up to 3 meters per year and can be harvested for wood in as little as five years, and the Royal Empress Tree, which can grow up to 5 meters in just one year.
Evergreen Ornamental Trees
For those who want to add beauty to their landscape all year round, evergreen ornamental trees can be a great choice.
The Little Gem Magnolia is a popular option, as it can grow up to 5 meters in height and has fragrant, white flowers in the summer.
Another option is the Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar, which has blue-green foliage and can reach up to 4 meters in height.
Conclusion
Fast-growing trees play a vital role in Australia’s environment and are a valuable resource for land restoration, shade, and wildlife habitat. By understanding the unique qualities of these 15 fast-growing trees, Australians can make informed decisions when choosing the right tree for their needs and contribute to the sustainability of the country’s natural landscape.
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