If you want a tree that will provide shade, screening, wildlife habitat or a stronger landscape presence without waiting decades, Ontario has several excellent fast-growing choices. The province’s wide range of climates means the best tree for southern Ontario may not be the best choice for northern Ontario, so hardiness, soil and available space all matter when selecting a species.
Some of the fastest-growing trees in Ontario can add 3–6 ft of height per year when young and growing under favorable conditions. Others are slower but offer better longevity, stronger wood or more manageable mature sizes. The University of Guelph’s Arboretum, for example, describes eastern cottonwood as exceptionally fast growing and notes that it can approach 50 m in less than 30 years under suitable conditions.
The list below focuses on trees that can grow relatively quickly in Ontario, including native species, hybrids and commonly planted landscape trees. Growth rates are approximate and should be treated as a guide rather than a guarantee.
Fast Growing Trees in Ontario at a Glance
| Tree | Approximate growth rate | Typical mature height | Best feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Poplar | 4–8 ft/year | 50–80+ ft | Extremely fast growth |
| Eastern Cottonwood | 3–6 ft/year | 70–100+ ft | Rapid shade |
| Silver Maple | 3–5 ft/year | 60–80 ft | Fast shade tree |
| Freeman Maple | 2–4 ft/year | 40–70 ft | Fast growth + fall color |
| Weeping Willow | 3–5 ft/year | 40–60 ft | Wet areas |
| Black Willow | 3–6 ft/year | 30–60 ft | Wet soils |
| Trembling Aspen | 2–4 ft/year | 40–60 ft | Fast native tree |
| Balsam Poplar | 2–4 ft/year | 50–80 ft | Cold hardiness |
| Manitoba Maple | 2–4 ft/year | 40–70 ft | Adaptability |
| American Elm | 2–4 ft/year | 60–90 ft | Large shade canopy |
| River Birch | 1.5–3 ft/year | 40–70 ft | Moist soils |
| Paper Birch | 1.5–3 ft/year | 40–70 ft | White bark |
| Northern Catalpa | 2–3 ft/year | 50–70 ft | Large leaves and flowers |
| Tulip Tree | 2–3 ft/year | 70–100 ft | Flowers and stature |
| Pin Oak | 2–3 ft/year | 60–80 ft | Rapid oak growth |
| Hackberry | 2–3 ft/year | 40–70 ft | Tough urban tree |
| Green Ash | 2–3 ft/year | 50–70 ft | Fast native shade tree |
| Eastern White Pine | 2–3 ft/year | 70–100+ ft | Fast evergreen |
| Tamarack | 1.5–2.5 ft/year | 40–70 ft | Fast-growing conifer |
| Black Locust | 2–4 ft/year | 40–70 ft | Rapid growth |
| Thornless Honeylocust | 2–3 ft/year | 40–70 ft | Filtered shade |
1. Hybrid Poplar
Approximate growth rate: 4–8 ft per year
Hybrid poplars are among the fastest-growing trees that can be planted in Ontario. Depending on the hybrid and site, young trees can add several feet of height annually, making them useful when the goal is to establish a windbreak, screen or large shade canopy quickly. They are particularly valuable for larger rural properties where there is enough room for their aggressive growth.
The major disadvantage is that speed comes with trade-offs. Poplars can develop extensive root systems, have relatively soft wood and may not live as long as slower-growing hardwoods. Ontario guidance specifically lists hybrid poplar among trees that can tolerate saturated conditions, but warns that shallow-rooted poplars should not be planted close to drainage infrastructure.
2. Eastern Cottonwood
Approximate growth rate: 3–6 ft per year
Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) is one of Ontario’s true speed champions. The University of Guelph’s Arboretum describes it as very fast-growing, noting that it can reach almost 50 m in less than 30 years under favorable conditions. It occurs naturally in parts of southern Ontario and is strongly associated with moist soils and floodplains.
This is a tree for large properties rather than small residential yards. Mature cottonwoods can become enormous, with broad crowns and substantial trunks. They are excellent candidates for large-scale shade, naturalized landscapes and restoration projects, but their size, roots and relatively weak wood should be considered before planting.
3. Silver Maple
Approximate growth rate: 3–5 ft per year
Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) is one of the best-known fast-growing shade trees in Ontario. The University of Guelph describes it as a fast-growing maple common throughout southern and central Ontario. It performs particularly well in wetter locations and can establish impressive size relatively quickly.
The downside is structural strength. Silver maple has relatively weak wood and can develop large branches that are vulnerable to breakage. It also develops vigorous roots, so it needs plenty of room. The City of Toronto classifies silver maple as a fast-growing, hardy tree and lists a mature size of roughly 20 m high by 14 m wide.
4. Freeman Maple
Approximate growth rate: 2–4 ft per year
Freeman maple (Acer × freemanii) is a natural hybrid of red maple and silver maple. It combines the rapid growth associated with silver maple with some of the improved form and fall color associated with red maple.
The University of Guelph Arboretum notes that Freeman maple occurs naturally in southern Ontario and can tolerate wet conditions as well as drier soils. This versatility makes it an attractive alternative when you want a relatively fast-growing maple without choosing a pure silver maple.
5. Weeping Willow
Approximate growth rate: 3–5 ft per year
Weeping willow (Salix babylonica and related willow selections) is famous for its rapid growth and sweeping branches. With adequate moisture, young trees can put on several feet of growth each year, making them useful for creating a dramatic landscape effect relatively quickly.
Willows are particularly suited to properties with ponds, streams or consistently moist ground. However, their roots actively seek moisture, and they should be kept well away from septic systems, underground pipes, foundations and drainage infrastructure. Ontario specifically lists willows among shallow-rooted trees capable of growing in saturated soils.
6. Black Willow
Approximate growth rate: 3–6 ft per year
Black willow (Salix nigra) is another exceptionally fast-growing species for wet parts of Ontario. It naturally occurs along waterways and floodplains and is much better suited to consistently moist soil than many conventional landscape trees.
Its rapid growth makes it valuable for stream-bank restoration, erosion control and wildlife habitat. Like other willows, however, it develops vigorous roots and relatively weak wood, so it is best planted where it can grow without interfering with buildings or underground infrastructure.
7. Trembling Aspen
Approximate growth rate: 2–4 ft per year
Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) is one of Canada’s most recognizable native trees. It is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree that can establish rapidly after disturbances such as fire, clearing or other changes to the landscape.
The University of Guelph Arboretum notes that trembling aspen can grow in poor and recently disturbed soils and often forms extensive clonal colonies through underground suckers.
Aspen is better suited to naturalized areas and larger properties than small ornamental gardens. Its tendency to produce suckers can eventually result in a colony of stems rather than a single tidy specimen.
8. Balsam Poplar
Approximate growth rate: 2–4 ft per year
Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) is a fast-growing native tree with an excellent reputation for cold tolerance. It occurs across much of Canada and is particularly useful in northern Ontario, where some ornamental trees struggle with the shorter growing season.
Balsam poplar prefers moist conditions and can become a large tree. It is best used where there is plenty of room for its mature root system and crown. Like other poplars, it is better suited to naturalized landscapes, shelterbelts and larger properties than confined urban planting sites.
9. Manitoba Maple
Approximate growth rate: 2–4 ft per year
Manitoba maple (Acer negundo) is one of Canada’s more adaptable maples and can grow quickly under favorable conditions. It tolerates a variety of soils and is capable of establishing itself in disturbed areas.
Its fast growth is useful when quick shade is the priority, but the species can develop relatively weak wood and an irregular form. It is therefore better suited to larger landscapes than locations where falling branches could create a significant hazard.
10. American Elm
Approximate growth rate: 2–4 ft per year
American elm (Ulmus americana) was once one of North America’s most important large shade trees. It is capable of rapid juvenile growth and can eventually form the classic high, arching canopy associated with traditional elm-lined streets.
Modern planting should focus on Dutch elm disease-resistant cultivars rather than relying on susceptible traditional forms. Disease-resistant American elm selections can provide the classic elm shape while offering considerably better prospects for landscape use.
Iowa State University Extension classifies American elm among the fast-growing trees in a long-term tree evaluation, with fast-growing trees defined in that trial as reaching at least 25 ft after 10 years.
11. River Birch
Approximate growth rate: 1.5–3 ft per year
River birch (Betula nigra) is an attractive choice when you want relatively quick growth combined with ornamental bark. Its peeling bark can range from cream and tan to cinnamon-brown, creating interest even during winter.
University of Minnesota Extension describes river birch as a fast-growing shade tree, typically reaching 50–75 ft tall and 35–50 ft wide. It also adapts to a variety of soil types and tolerates moist conditions.
River birch is particularly useful for properties with moist soil where drought-sensitive birches may struggle. Give it plenty of room for its eventual canopy.
12. Paper Birch
Approximate growth rate: 1.5–3 ft per year
Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) is one of Canada’s most iconic native trees. Its bright white peeling bark makes it a popular ornamental choice, while its relatively quick growth allows young trees to establish a noticeable presence within a few years.
Paper birch performs best where the soil remains reasonably cool and moist. It can struggle when planted in hot, dry, compacted urban conditions, so adequate moisture is especially important during establishment.
13. Northern Catalpa
Approximate growth rate: 2–3 ft per year
Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) is an unusual fast-growing tree with enormous heart-shaped leaves, showy white flowers and long, bean-like seed pods. It can eventually become a large shade tree and is particularly striking when given enough room to develop naturally.
Northern catalpa is included among the larger trees suitable for windbreak and landscape use in northern-climate tree guidance, with mature dimensions of roughly 50–80 ft tall depending on conditions.
Its large leaves and somewhat coarse branching make it more informal than a maple or oak, but that is part of its appeal.
14. Tulip Tree
Approximate growth rate: 2–3 ft per year
Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is one of the tallest and fastest-growing hardwoods that can be grown in suitable parts of southern Ontario. It produces distinctive tulip-shaped leaves and attractive yellow-green flowers with orange markings.
It needs considerable space. Mature trees can reach 70–100 ft or more, and young trees can grow strongly when planted in fertile soil with sufficient moisture and sunlight. The University of Guelph Arboretum lists tulip tree among the Ontario woody species represented in its collections and Ontario provenance work.
15. Pin Oak
Approximate growth rate: 2–3 ft per year
Pin oak (Quercus palustris) is one of the faster-growing oaks and has been widely planted as a landscape tree in southern Ontario. Its naturally pyramidal form and strong red fall color make it attractive where there is enough room for a large tree.
The University of Guelph Arboretum notes that pin oak has been widely used in urban areas of Ontario and is considered a rapid grower. However, it can perform poorly in alkaline soils, where iron chlorosis may cause decline.
16. Hackberry
Approximate growth rate: 2–3 ft per year
Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is an underrated choice for Ontario landscapes. It is not as spectacularly fast as a poplar or willow, but it combines respectable growth with toughness and adaptability.
It is particularly useful for larger urban landscapes, windbreaks and locations where soil conditions are less than perfect. Mature trees can reach roughly 40–70 ft, giving them enough stature to provide meaningful shade without reaching the enormous dimensions of eastern cottonwood.
17. Green Ash
Approximate growth rate: 2–3 ft per year
Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) can grow rapidly and has historically been an important tree in Ontario landscapes. The University of Guelph Arboretum describes green ash as a fast-growing and hardy tree, although emerald ash borer has had a devastating impact on ash populations.
For that reason, green ash should not automatically be the first choice for a new landscape planting. Its fast growth is attractive, but the long-term health risk from emerald ash borer makes species diversification particularly important.
18. Eastern White Pine
Approximate growth rate: 2–3 ft per year
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is one of Ontario’s most valuable native evergreen trees. When young and growing in good conditions, it can produce strong annual height growth while eventually developing into a towering tree.
Unlike deciduous poplars and willows, white pine provides year-round screening and wind protection. It can eventually reach 70–100 ft or more, so it should be planted with its mature dimensions in mind.
19. Tamarack
Approximate growth rate: 1.5–2.5 ft per year
Tamarack (Larix laricina) is an unusual conifer because it loses its needles in autumn. It is native to Canada and is particularly well adapted to cold conditions and wet soils.
Although it is not among Ontario’s absolute fastest-growing trees, young tamaracks can establish relatively quickly when growing conditions are favorable. Its golden-yellow autumn needles provide a seasonal display that evergreen trees cannot match.
20. Black Locust
Approximate growth rate: 2–4 ft per year
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is capable of rapid growth, particularly when young. It produces attractive clusters of fragrant white flowers and has exceptionally durable wood.
Its tendency to sucker and spread can be a disadvantage in some landscapes. It is therefore best suited to larger properties where aggressive growth is manageable. Avoid planting it in a location where you need a perfectly controlled, low-maintenance specimen.
21. Thornless Honeylocust
Approximate growth rate: 2–3 ft per year
Thornless honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis and related cultivars) is one of the better choices when you want reasonably fast growth without the massive leaves of catalpa or the weaker structure of some poplars.
It develops a broad, open crown that provides filtered rather than extremely dense shade. That makes it useful for lawns, streetscapes and larger residential properties. Thornless cultivars are generally preferable for gardens because they eliminate the problem of the large defensive thorns found on some forms of the species.
Which Trees Grow Fastest in Ontario?
If maximum growth is the priority, the strongest candidates on this list are:
- Hybrid poplar — 4–8 ft/year
- Eastern cottonwood — 3–6 ft/year
- Black willow — 3–6 ft/year
- Silver maple — 3–5 ft/year
- Weeping willow — 3–5 ft/year
- Trembling aspen — 2–4 ft/year
- Balsam poplar — 2–4 ft/year
- Manitoba maple — 2–4 ft/year
- American elm — 2–4 ft/year
- Freeman maple — 2–4 ft/year
The fastest species are not automatically the best trees for every Ontario property. Very rapid growth can be associated with weaker wood, aggressive roots, shorter lifespans or very large mature dimensions. A university guide to landscape-tree selection makes the same broader point: cottonwoods and silver maples can grow several feet in a year, but fast-growing trees can also outgrow their planting sites or have structural disadvantages.
Best Fast Growing Trees for Small Ontario Yards
A small property requires more careful selection. Instead of planting a tree capable of eventually reaching 100 ft, consider a more moderate-sized option such as:
- Freeman maple
- Thornless honeylocust
- River birch
- Hackberry
- Selected smaller maple cultivars
Avoid planting eastern cottonwood, hybrid poplar, silver maple or large willow species close to houses, septic systems, underground utilities or small yards.
Best Fast Growing Trees for Wet Soil
If your property has wet or periodically saturated ground, several species on this list are particularly useful:
- Black willow
- Weeping willow
- Eastern cottonwood
- Silver maple
- River birch
- Balsam poplar
- Freeman maple
- Tamarack
Ontario guidance specifically identifies poplars and willows among trees capable of tolerating saturated conditions.
For consistently wet areas, choosing a tree that naturally evolved for those conditions is generally more successful than trying to force a drought-adapted species to tolerate standing water.
Best Fast Growing Trees for Shade
For rapid shade, silver maple, eastern cottonwood, hybrid poplar, Freeman maple, American elm and tulip tree are among the strongest options.
However, shade comes from canopy size as much as growth rate. A tree that adds 4 ft per year but eventually develops a 70-ft canopy may not be appropriate for a small suburban property. Always consider the mature crown before planting.
How to Make Trees Grow Faster
A tree’s advertised growth rate is only achievable when its basic needs are met. Soil quality, moisture, sunlight, root competition and planting technique can make a major difference.
Newly planted trees need consistent watering while their roots establish. Mulching around the root zone can help conserve moisture and reduce competition from grass. Avoid piling mulch directly against the trunk.
Good site preparation can also have a major effect. Research summarized by Iowa State University emphasizes that growth rates depend heavily on site conditions and maintenance, meaning a tree advertised as “fast growing” may perform much more slowly on a compacted, dry or heavily competing site.
Are Fast Growing Trees Better?
Not necessarily.
Fast growth is useful when you want shade, screening or wind protection quickly, but it can come with disadvantages. Some very fast-growing trees have softer wood, weaker branch unions, aggressive roots or shorter useful lifespans.
A slower-growing tree such as an oak may ultimately become a stronger and longer-lived landscape investment than a rapidly growing poplar. The ideal choice depends on whether your priority is speed, longevity, shade, wildlife, screening, fall color or structural strength.
Ontario’s Climate Matters
Ontario is a huge province, stretching from the warmer regions around Windsor and Niagara to much colder areas in the north. A species that grows rapidly in southern Ontario may not achieve the same rate farther north.
Before buying a tree, check the species against your local conditions, including winter temperatures, soil type, moisture and exposure. Ontario’s official Tree Atlas allows gardeners and landowners to select a region and see which native trees occur there and what conditions they prefer.
This is especially important for homeowners comparing trees from different parts of Ontario. A tree that performs exceptionally well in the Carolinian zone should not automatically be assumed to perform equally well in northern Ontario.
Things to Remember
Ontario offers an impressive selection of fast-growing trees, from hybrid poplars and eastern cottonwoods that can add several feet of height annually to more moderate choices such as Freeman maple, river birch and thornless honeylocust.
If speed is your main priority, hybrid poplar, eastern cottonwood, silver maple and willow are among the strongest choices. For a more balanced landscape tree, Freeman maple, river birch, hackberry or thornless honeylocust may offer a better combination of growth, appearance and manageability.
The most important rule is to choose a tree based not only on how quickly it grows, but also on how large it will eventually become and whether your property can accommodate it. A fast-growing tree planted in the right place can provide decades of shade and wildlife value; the same tree planted too close to a house, road or utility line can eventually become a maintenance problem.
References
- University of Guelph — Tree Growth Research.
University of Guelph — Improved methodology to estimate tree growth
Useful for explaining how tree growth varies with age, species, climate, and site conditions. The research also explains how annual growth can be evaluated using tree rings. - University of Guelph — Tree-Based Intercropping Research.
University of Guelph — Economic Analysis of Tree-Based Intercropping in Southern Ontario
Particularly useful for fast-growing species in Southern Ontario. The research compares species including hybrid poplar, silver maple, white ash, black locust, white cedar, red oak, and black walnut, with hybrid poplar showing particularly strong height and diameter growth. - Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry — Forest Resources of Ontario.
Ontario — Common Trees and Forest Resources of Ontario
A valuable Ontario-specific reference for native tree species, their distribution, forest characteristics, and ecological importance. It can help support species selection for an Ontario-focused article. - Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry — Growth and Yield Data.
Ontario Growth and Yield Data
This is particularly valuable for an article discussing growth rates because Ontario’s Growth and Yield Program collects data on tree growth, productivity, tree height, diameter, crown development, mortality, and other forest characteristics. - University of Western Ontario — Growth Rates of Urban Trees in Toronto.
Western University — Climate and Growth Rates of Urban Trees in Toronto
A useful research source for discussing how different tree species perform in an Ontario urban environment. The study examined red oak, European linden, sugar maple, Norway maple, and Austrian pine and found substantial differences in annual growth between species and locations.