There are a number of different factors to consider when deciding to add trees into a landscape design or onto your own property, regardless of the intended use. Not only is the developmental time frame for which type of tree you decide to plant and the saplings impending care also something to consider but knowing each individual plant will eventually grow into towering objects, then placement becomes extremely important. 

No trees of any species should ever be planted too close to a home or any other structure where they may fall and damage something but this isn’t the only concern. Trees grow outwards both above and below the surface and, depending on the type, especially near the peak of their trunk. Any objects that may interfere with this growth, development, and a maturing root system or branches should be given consideration before planting takes place.

It is also important to understand how the tree will look 10 or 20-plus years down the line into the future. Obviously it will be mature at that point but if the species loses leaves in the fall then yearly cleanup should be added to the amount of work homeowners are willing to put into the upkeep of a planted tree before putting it into the ground.

Trees have many benefits ranging beyond their environmental effects and extending to personal, social, and even community impacts. A tree is also one of the least expensive, sometimes flowering plants, an individual can add to their landscape given the minimal amount of upkeep and resilience compared to many of the other available options for decoration or functionality.

Specific to Colorado, and depending on the desired results from planting, there are five types of trees that have been scientifically proven to grow the fastest. A decades long study identified the best trees for varying growth rates across the state was conducted and following is a look at the five fastest growing trees, complete with the characteristics and special considerations of each.

Cottonwood Trees

Cottonwood trees are one of the fastest growing species, not only in Colorado but across all of North America, rapidly increasing in height after being planted. They can add upwards of six-feet annually and when mature reach well over 100 feet up into the sky. Their sheer size makes them an amazing shade tree but one that does not work well in most groomed landscapes or residential environments.

Growing quickly creates a weaker wood substance and the cottonwood is subject to easily breaking, which can cause other dangerous issues. One of these in your yard, even if not in an area where falling onto the house or losing limbs which may cause damage could be a concern, still creates a headache by the natural breaking that can occur. Having to routinely pick up unsightly limbs from your lawn would grow tiring extremely fast - almost at the same rate of the tree.

Catalpa Trees

Another rapidly growing tree, catalpas don’t reach near the same height as cottonwoods and, as a result, are more suited for the everyday landscape. Catalpa tree planting and future care are both relatively easy so that you can receive a tree that will not only provide an abundance of shade, a home for birds and natural wildlife, or a significant wind barrier but also an aesthetically pleasing purpose to your lawn.

Catalpa trees have flowers that appear in the spring and typically last well into the summer months. These flowering trees are great for enhancing the look of your landscape in a relatively short time period due to their overall growth rate.

Silver Maple Trees

One of the most common trees across the United States, the silver maple is another fast growing tree option readily available to homeowners. A happy medium between the flowering catalpa and extremely tall cottonwood, the silver maple can provide excellent shade but other factors must be considered when planting next to a home or any other structure.

Faster growing trees don’t develop the hardwoods needed to provide a steady composition and maple trees can be damaged or break easily under the weight of heavy snow or ice. Depending on where the tree is located and the reach of its canopy, special care should be given to any existing trees or where new ones are going to be located.

Blue Spruce Trees

The official state tree of Colorado, blue spruces can be used for a variety of purposes in landscaping, including residential areas. Privacy, wind break, and to serve as a focal point in a greater concept are just some of the multiple benefits associated with this special species.

The healthy Colorado blue spruce presents a perfectly symmetrical, triangular shape most commonly associated with Christmas trees. These wonderful trees hail from the evergreen family. keeping their distinct coloring throughout the entire year.

White Oak Trees

A slower developing tree then its predecessors, the white oak creates a hardwood for a sturdy presence either in the yard, pasture, or on the border of a property. A significant shade tree, white oaks are extremely durable and can survive in a variety of conditions. Their stronger branches also accomodate the ice and snow associated with Colorado winters.

White oak trees prefer a fair amount of sunlight but if planting new samplings, then consideration for the future development of each must be considered. These grow to approximately 60-70 feet and will create a leaf canopy of almost similar comparison.

Arbor Garden Tree & Landscaping has been serving the Denver metro area for 23 years. We began in 1994 with one truck and now have a full service arborist business. Our locally owned and operated company is proud to serve Denver metro area residents and business owners including the Denver Country Club, Castle Pines Country Club, city and county governments, various homeowners associations and private homeowners. Our knowledgeable and certified arborists would be more happy to provide you with tree trimming, tree removal, tree planting and landscaping services. When you’re ready to get started give us a call at 303-722-8820 or fill out our contact form today.