15 Fast Growing Trees in Philippines

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The Philippines is home to a diverse array of flora, including some of the world’s fastest-growing trees. These trees can reach impressive heights in a relatively short amount of time, making them popular choices for landscaping and reforestation efforts.

Some of the fastest-growing trees in the Philippines include the mahogany, eucalyptus, and acacia trees, which are known for their durability and adaptability to various soil types and climates.

Whether you’re a landscaper, farmer, or nature enthusiast, these trees are sure to impress with their rapid growth and striking beauty.

15 Fastest Growing Trees in Philippines

Table of Contents

If you are looking forward to grow a tree for one reason or the other, checkout the 15 fast growing trees in the Philippines outlined and discussed below.

Some of the fastest-growing trees in the Philippines include Eucalyptus, Gmelina Arborea, Acacia, Mahogany, Mulberry, Lapnisan (Agarwood), Ylang-ylang, Kakawate, Bignay, Ipil-ipil, Philippine Teak, Narra, Bagras, Golden Shower, and Kamagong.

#1. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a genus of fast-growing trees that are widely used for reforestation and commercial purposes in the Philippines.

These trees have unique characteristics, such as their aromatic leaves and attractive bark. Eucalyptus trees are known for their rapid growth rates, and they can reach heights of up to 100 feet in just 10 years.

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In terms of uses, eucalyptus trees are highly valued for their durable wood, which is used for a variety of purposes, such as furniture, flooring, and paper products.

The leaves of eucalyptus trees are also used to produce essential oils, which have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and are commonly used in aromatherapy.

Eucalyptus trees can tolerate a wide range of soil types and climates, making them suitable for planting in different parts of the Philippines.

They are also drought-resistant and can withstand strong winds, making them ideal for reforestation projects in areas prone to natural disasters.

Although eucalyptus trees can grow quickly, it may take around 20-30 years for them to reach full maturity.

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#2. Gmelina Arborea

If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree for commercial purposes, Gmelina Arborea could be a great choice. This tree is native to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, and is known for its versatility and adaptability to various soil types and climates.

Gmelina Arborea can grow up to 50 feet in just five years, making it one of the fastest-growing trees in the Philippines. It has an attractive, straight trunk and can reach heights of up to 100 feet when fully mature.

This tree is highly valued for its wood, which is lightweight, durable, and resistant to decay and insect damage.

The wood is used for a wide range of purposes, such as furniture, plywood, and musical instruments.

The leaves of Gmelina Arborea are also used to produce essential oils, which have medicinal and insecticidal properties.

It may take around 20-25 years for Gmelina Arborea to reach full maturity, but it can be harvested after just a few years for its wood and leaves.

This tree is also a popular choice for reforestation projects, as it can improve soil quality and prevent soil erosion.

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#3. Acacia

If you’re searching for a fast-growing tree in the Philippines, Acacia could be a great choice. This tree is known for its adaptability to different soil types and climates, making it suitable for planting in various parts of the country.

Acacia can grow up to 40 feet in just five years, with a maximum height of 80 feet when fully mature. It has a distinctive appearance, with its feathery leaves and thorny branches.

Acacia is highly valued for its durable and sturdy wood, which is used for furniture, flooring, and other construction purposes. The bark of Acacia is also used to produce tannins, which are used in leather production.

It may take around 20-25 years for Acacia to reach full maturity, but it can be harvested after just a few years for its wood and bark. This tree is also useful for reforestation projects, as it can improve soil quality and provide habitat for wildlife.

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#4. Mahogany

If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree with excellent wood quality, Mahogany could be an ideal choice. This tree is native to the Philippines and is known for its attractive appearance and valuable wood.

Mahogany can grow up to 50 feet in just five years, and it can reach heights of up to 100 feet when fully mature. It has a straight trunk and a rounded canopy of leaves, making it an attractive addition to any landscape.

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Mahogany wood is highly valued for its durability, strength, and resistance to decay and insect damage. The wood is used for a wide range of purposes, such as furniture, flooring, and construction materials.

It may take around 25-30 years for Mahogany to reach full maturity, but it can be harvested after just a few years for its wood. This tree is also useful for reforestation projects, as it can prevent soil erosion and provide habitat for wildlife.

#5. Mulberry

If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree with multiple uses, Mulberry could be an excellent choice. This tree is native to the Philippines and is known for its versatility and adaptability to various soil types and climates.

Mulberry can grow up to 10 feet in just one year, and it can reach heights of up to 30 feet when fully mature.

It has an attractive, rounded canopy of leaves, and it produces small, edible fruits that are used for making jams and wines.

Mulberry wood is lightweight and easy to work with, making it suitable for various purposes such as furniture, paper, and musical instruments.

The leaves of Mulberry are also used as food for silkworms, making it an essential component of the silk industry.

It may take around 5-8 years for Mulberry to reach full maturity, but it can be harvested after just a few years for its wood and fruits.

This tree is also useful for soil conservation, as its deep roots can prevent soil erosion and improve soil quality.

#6. Lapnisan (Agarwood)

If you’re interested in growing a unique and valuable tree in the Philippines, Lapnisan or Agarwood could be an excellent choice. This tree is known for its aromatic wood, which is highly prized in the perfume and incense industries.

Lapnisan can grow up to 20 feet in just five years, and it can reach heights of up to 100 feet when fully mature. It has a straight trunk and a dense canopy of leaves, making it an attractive addition to any landscape.

The wood of Lapnisan contains a resin that produces a fragrant aroma when burned, making it highly valuable for its use in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicines. The leaves and bark of Lapnisan are also used for medicinal purposes.

It may take around 10-15 years for Lapnisan to reach full maturity, but it can be harvested after just a few years for its aromatic wood. This tree is also useful for reforestation projects, as it can prevent soil erosion and provide habitat for wildlife.

#7. Ylang-ylang

If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree with a sweet fragrance, Ylang-ylang could be an ideal choice. This tree is native to the Philippines and is known for its fragrant flowers that are used in the perfume industry.

Ylang-ylang can grow up to 6-8 feet in just one year, and it can reach heights of up to 40 feet when fully mature. It has a wide, spreading canopy of leaves, and it produces yellow flowers that are used for making essential oils and perfumes.

The essential oil extracted from Ylang-ylang flowers is highly valued for its sweet, floral fragrance and is used in the perfume industry, aromatherapy, and skincare products. The flowers are also used for making traditional medicines and for adding flavor to food.

It may take around 5-7 years for Ylang-ylang to reach full maturity, but it can be harvested after just a few years for its flowers and essential oil.

This tree is also useful for landscaping and soil conservation, as its deep roots can prevent soil erosion and improve soil quality.

#8. Kakawate

If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree with numerous practical uses, Kakawate could be an excellent choice. This tree is known for its ability to withstand drought and is often used for reforestation and agroforestry projects.

Kakawate can grow up to 10-15 feet in just one year, and it can reach heights of up to 30-40 feet when fully mature. It has a straight trunk and a dense canopy of leaves, making it an attractive addition to any landscape.

Kakawate is a versatile tree with numerous practical uses. Its leaves are often used as a natural pesticide, and its bark and wood are used for making furniture, charcoal, and fuelwood. The tree’s ability to fix nitrogen also makes it useful for improving soil fertility.

It may take around 5-7 years for Kakawate to reach full maturity, but it can be harvested after just a few years for its leaves, bark, and wood. This tree is also useful for reforestation projects, as it can prevent soil erosion and provide habitat for wildlife.

#9. Bignay

If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree that produces edible fruits, Bignay could be an excellent choice. This tree is native to the Philippines and is known for its tart and flavorful berries.

Bignay can grow up to 3-4 feet in just one year, and it can reach heights of up to 15-20 feet when fully mature. It has a rounded canopy of leaves, and it produces small, red or black fruits that are similar in appearance to cherries.

Bignay berries are rich in antioxidants and are often used for making jams, jellies, and wines. The tree’s leaves are also used for making traditional medicines and for adding flavor to food.

It may take around 3-5 years for Bignay to reach full maturity, but it can start producing fruits after just a few years. This tree is also useful for landscaping, as it can provide shade and attract wildlife.

#10. Ipil-ipil

If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree that has a wide range of uses, Ipil-ipil could be an excellent choice. This tree is native to the Philippines and is known for its ability to grow quickly and provide numerous environmental and economic benefits.

Ipil-ipil can grow up to 10-15 feet in just one year, and it can reach heights of up to 30-40 feet when fully mature. It has a straight trunk and a dense canopy of leaves, making it an attractive addition to any landscape.

Ipil-ipil is a versatile tree with numerous practical uses. Its leaves are often used as a natural pesticide, and its seeds are used for making animal feed, fertilizer, and even soap. The tree’s ability to fix nitrogen also makes it useful for improving soil fertility.

It may take around 5-7 years for Ipil-ipil to reach full maturity, but it can be harvested after just a few years for its leaves and seeds. This tree is also useful for reforestation projects, as it can prevent soil erosion and provide habitat for wildlife.

#11. Philippine Teak

If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree that can provide valuable timber, Philippine Teak could be an excellent choice. This tree is native to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, and is known for its beautiful, durable wood.

Philippine Teak can grow up to 20-30 feet in just one year, and it can reach heights of up to 80 feet when fully mature. It has a straight trunk and a dense, spreading canopy of leaves, making it an attractive addition to any landscape.

This tree can take around 20-25 years to reach full maturity, but it can be harvested after just a few years for its valuable timber. Philippine Teak wood is highly prized for its beauty, strength, and durability, making it ideal for furniture, flooring, and boat-building.

Aside from its timber value, Philippine Teak also has numerous environmental benefits. It can help prevent soil erosion, improve air and water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife. It is also useful for reforestation projects and can help restore degraded forests.

#12. Narra

If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree that is not only beautiful but also has multiple uses, consider planting a Narra tree.

This tree is considered the national tree of the Philippines and is highly valued for its wood, which is used in furniture, construction, and musical instruments.

Narra can grow up to 6-8 feet per year and can reach heights of up to 100 feet when fully mature. It has a wide, spreading canopy of leaves, which provides ample shade and makes it an ideal tree for landscaping and reforestation projects.

It can take around 30-40 years for Narra to reach full maturity, but it can be harvested after just a few years for its valuable wood.

Narra wood is known for its beautiful golden-brown color, durability, and resistance to termites and decay.

Aside from its economic value, Narra also has environmental benefits. It helps prevent soil erosion, provides habitat for wildlife, and improves air and water quality. It is also used in traditional medicine and is said to have numerous health benefits.

#13. Bagras

If you’re searching for a fast-growing tree that can provide a lot of benefits, you might want to consider planting Bagras. This tree is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its fast growth and versatility.

Bagras can grow up to 6-8 feet per year and can reach heights of up to 100 feet when fully mature. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk with a wide canopy of leaves, which makes it an ideal tree for timber production and reforestation projects.

It takes around 20-30 years for Bagras to reach full maturity, but it can be harvested after just a few years for its valuable wood. Bagras wood is used in construction, furniture making, and paper production. It is also resistant to termites and decay, which makes it a popular choice for building houses and other structures.

Aside from its economic value, Bagras also has environmental benefits. It helps prevent soil erosion, provides habitat for wildlife, and improves air and water quality.

Bagras leaves can also be used as fodder for livestock, and its bark and roots have medicinal properties.

#14. Golden Shower

If you’re looking for a fast-growing tree with beautiful flowers, the Golden Shower tree might be the one for you. This tree is known for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in clusters and its fast growth rate.

Golden Shower trees can grow up to 15-20 feet per year and can reach heights of up to 60-80 feet when fully mature. It has a spreading canopy of leaves that provides ample shade and beauty to any landscape.

It takes around 5-7 years for Golden Shower trees to reach full maturity and begin flowering. The flowers are used for ornamental purposes and can also be used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.

Aside from its aesthetic and medicinal values, Golden Shower trees also have ecological benefits. They help to prevent soil erosion, provide wildlife habitat, and improve the quality of the water and air.

#15. Kamagong

Aside from its aesthetic and medicinal values, Golden Shower trees also have ecological benefits. They help to prevent erosion of the soil, provide habitat for wildlife, and improve the condition of the water and air.

Benefits of Fast-Growing Trees in the Philippines

Fast-growing trees provide several benefits to the environment and local communities in the Philippines. These benefits include:

Reforestation: Fast-growing trees help in reforestation efforts and can quickly restore damaged or depleted forest areas.

Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass. Fast-growing trees can sequester more carbon dioxide in a shorter time frame, helping to mitigate climate change.
Timber and Non-Timber Forest Products: Fast-growing trees such as mahogany, acacia, and Gmelina arborea are cultivated for timber and non-timber forest products, which can provide income for local communities.
Soil Erosion Control: The extensive root systems of fast-growing trees can help to prevent soil erosion, stabilize slopes, and protect against landslides.

Challenges of Planting Fast Growing Trees in the Philippines

While there are many benefits to planting fast-growing trees, there are also challenges that need to be addressed, including:

Invasive Species: Some fast-growing tree species have been introduced in the Philippines that are invasive and can have negative impacts on local ecosystems.
Soil and Water Quality: Fast-growing trees can consume large amounts of water and nutrients, which can result in soil and water depletion if not managed properly.

Maintenance: Fast-growing trees require regular maintenance, including pruning and fertilization, to ensure optimal growth and prevent damage to surrounding infrastructure.

Factors to consider when Planting Fast Growing Trees

When considering planting fast-growing trees in the Philippines, it is important to consider several factors, including:

Site Conditions: Consider the site’s topography, soil type, and drainage capacity to ensure the tree species can thrive in the area.

Tree Species: Choose a tree species that is suitable for the site conditions and intended use.
Maintenance Requirements: Understand the maintenance requirements of the tree species to ensure it receives adequate care.
Local Community Engagement: Involve local communities in tree planting efforts to ensure their needs and concerns are considered, and to promote long-term stewardship of the planted trees.

Importance of Planting Fast Growing Trees in the Philippines

Fast growing trees play a crucial role in the reforestation efforts in the Philippines. They help combat deforestation, prevent soil erosion, promote biodiversity, and provide a source of timber, fuelwood, and other forest products.

Fast-growing trees also sequester carbon from the atmosphere, thus mitigating the impacts of climate change.

More so, they provide habitat and food for wildlife, improve air and water quality, and offer recreational opportunities.

Best Practices of Planting Fast Growing Trees in the Philippines

Planting fast-growing trees in the Philippines requires careful planning and implementation to ensure their survival and growth. Consider the following best practices:

Select appropriate species for the planting site based on soil and climate conditions.
Prepare the planting site by removing weeds, rocks, and other debris.

Plant seedlings during the rainy season when soil moisture is high.
Provide adequate water and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Protect seedlings from pests and animals by using physical barriers or pesticides.

Monitor and maintain the planted area by regularly checking for signs of damage or disease.
Use sustainable forestry practices when harvesting timber or other forest products.

Is Fertilizer Important for Fast Growing Tree?

Fertilizers can enhance the growth and productivity of fast-growing trees by providing essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

However, the need for fertilizer depends on the soil type, nutrient content, and the species of trees being planted.

In some cases, the natural nutrient cycling process in the forest ecosystem may be sufficient to support the growth of fast-growing trees.

Before applying fertilizer, it is recommended to conduct a soil analysis to determine the nutrient needs of the planting site.

Overuse of fertilizers can lead to environmental problems such as soil acidification, eutrophication of water bodies, and loss of biodiversity.

Therefore, it is important to use fertilizers judiciously and in accordance with best management practices.

Is fast Growing Trees Profitable?

Yes, fast growing trees can be profitable in the Philippines. Plantations of fast growing trees such as eucalyptus, mahogany, and teak can provide a source of income for farmers and landowners.

These trees are able to be harvested and collected for timber, which can be used for a variety of purposes including furniture, building materials, and paper production.

Also, some fast growing trees such as mulberry and agarwood can be used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Trees That Can Be Planted in the Backyard Philippines

Planting trees in your backyard is a great way to beautify your surroundings while contributing to the environment.

Here are some trees that can be planted in the backyard in the Philippines:

Calamansi – a small citrus tree that is commonly used for cooking and making juice.
Kamias – a fruit-bearing tree that produces sour fruit often used for cooking and making pickles.

Avocado – a tree that produces delicious and nutritious fruit.
Mango – a tree that produces sweet and juicy fruit.
Guava – a tree that produces sweet and fragrant fruit.

Best Tree to Plant Near House For Shade Philippines

Planting a tree near your house can provide much-needed shade, reducing the amount of heat that enters your home.

Here are some of the best trees to plant near a house for shade in the Philippines:

Narra – a large and sturdy tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall.

Ficus – a tree that produces a large canopy of leaves, providing ample shade.
Mahogany – a tree that produces dense foliage and can grow up to 75 feet tall.
Mango – a tree that produces a large and wide canopy of leaves, providing ample shade.

Banaba – a tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall and produces large leaves that provide good shade.

Fast Growing Fruit Bearing Trees in the Philippines

Growing fruit trees is a great way to provide fresh produce for your family while contributing to the environment.

Here are some fast-growing fruit-bearing trees that you can plant in the Philippines:

Banana – a tree that produces delicious and nutritious fruit and can grow up to 30 feet tall.
Papaya – a tree that produces sweet and delicious fruit and can grow up to 30 feet tall.
Mango – a tree that produces sweet and juicy fruit and can grow up to 60 feet tall.

Calamansi – a small citrus tree that produces sour fruit often used for cooking and making juice.
Guava – a tree that produces sweet and fragrant fruit and can grow up to 30 feet tall.

Native Trees in the Philippines List

The Philippines is home to a diverse range of native trees that have adapted to the country’s unique climate and soil conditions.

Some examples of native trees in the Philippines include the Narra, Yakal, Apitong, Molave, and Dao.

These trees are not only important for their environmental benefits but also for their cultural and economic value.

Exotic Trees in the Philippines

Exotic trees are those that are not native to the Philippines but have been introduced to the country for various purposes.

Some examples of exotic trees in the Philippines include the Mahogany, Acacia, Eucalyptus, and Gmelina.

While these trees can provide a variety of benefits such as timber production, they can also have negative impacts on the environment and should be planted with caution.

Fast Growing Zone 5 Trees

Zone 5 refers to a specific climate zone that has cold winters and relatively short growing seasons.

Some fast-growing trees that are suitable for planting in Zone 5 include the Paper Birch, Quaking Aspen, Silver Maple, and Red Oak.

These trees can provide a variety of benefits such as shade, erosion control, and timber production.

Fast Growing Trees and Shrubs

Fast-growing trees and shrubs can provide a range of benefits such as shade, windbreaks, privacy, and erosion control.

Some examples of fast-growing trees and shrubs include the Weeping Willow, Leyland Cypress, Hybrid Poplar, and Forsythia.

However, it is important to note that fast-growing trees and shrubs may have shorter lifespans and may require more maintenance than slower-growing species.

Conclusion

The Philippines is a treasure trove of fast-growing trees that can provide both aesthetic and practical benefits. From the towering mahogany to the fragrant ylang-ylang, these trees offer a range of unique features and growth rates. By planting and caring for these trees, we can help to promote a healthier and more sustainable environment for generations to come.

15 Fast Growing Trees in Philippines