Top 10 Fast Growing Trees
in Texas
We get it — you want shade and you want it now. Plenty of trees grow fast, but growing fast in Texas heat is a different story. You need trees that put on serious growth AND survive our 100-degree summers, periodic droughts, and alkaline soil.
Here are 10 fast growers that actually work in Central Texas — ranked by how quickly they will get you real shade.
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Pro Tips for Maximizing Growth
Fast growth is only impressive if the tree survives. Here is how we make sure the fast growers we plant keep growing year after year:
- Plant in fall (October-November). Roots establish all winter without heat stress, then the tree explodes with growth in spring.
- Water deeply, not frequently. Deep watering encourages deep roots. Shallow, frequent watering creates weak, surface-level root systems.
- Mulch properly. A 3 to 4 inch ring of mulch (kept 6 inches from the trunk) retains moisture and regulates soil temperature. This alone can boost growth rates.
- Do not fertilize the first year. Let roots establish first. Over-fertilizing pushes weak, leggy top growth at the expense of root development.
- Plant to Texas A&M guidelines. Proper hole width (2-3x the root ball), correct planting depth, and enriched backfill make a massive difference in establishment speed.
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