Fast-Growing Trees in the Pacific Northwest
The old saying goes, the best time to plant a tree is ten years ago, as trees do take time to mature and give the look and shade homeowners want. But if you want to add shade, privacy, or curb appeal quickly, there are fast-growing tree options that can help you achieve those goals more quickly than others. Thanks to our state’s mild climate, wet winters, and fertile soil, many tree species thrive and grow rapidly.
But not all fast-growing trees are created equal. Some grow quickly but have weaker wood, while others strike the perfect balance between speed, durability, and long-term value. We’ve compiled a list of the fastest-growing trees in Oregon to help homeowners make informed decisions when choosing trees for their property.
What Counts as a “Fast-Growing” Tree?
In general, a fast-growing tree grows 2 to 6 feet a year once it is established, depending on the growing conditions. They will also have rapid canopy expansion for shade and quick vertical growth for privacy. It’s important to keep in mind that most trees grow slower in their first 1–2 years as they establish roots before accelerating.
Top Fastest-Growing Trees in Oregon
1. Hybrid Poplar (Populus spp.)
Growth rate: 5–8 feet per year
Best for: Privacy, windbreaks, fast shade
Hybrid poplars are widely considered one of the fastest-growing trees in Oregon. They shoot up quickly and are ideal if you need immediate results. Hybrid poplars grow tall and straight with a narrow, upright shape. Their leaves are bright green and slightly triangular, creating a light, airy canopy that moves easily in the wind. As they mature, they form a uniform, column-like appearance that works well for privacy rows.
Pros:
- Extremely fast growth
- Great for large properties
- Excellent windbreak
Cons:
- Shorter lifespan
- Weaker wood prone to storm damage
2. Red Alder (Alnus rubra)
Growth rate: Up to 3 feet per year
Best for: Native landscaping, soil improvement
Red alder is a native Oregon powerhouse tree that grows quickly and actually improves soil by fixing nitrogen levels. The red alder has a rounded, somewhat open canopy with smooth gray bark, which often develops patches of moss or lichen due to Oregon’s wet climate. Its leaves are oval with slightly serrated edges, giving the tree a soft, textured look. In the fall, the foliage turns a lovely soft yellow, if you’re looking for something to add a pop of color to your yard in the fall.
Pros:
- Native to Oregon
- Low-maintenance tree
- Improves soil by adding nitrogen
Cons:
- Messy leaf and twig drop
- Can have a relatively short lifespan of 40-60 years
3. Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Growth rate: 2–3+ feet per year
Best for: Evergreen privacy, windbreaks
One of the most iconic Oregon trees is the Douglas fir. It offers fast growth with long-term strength. Douglas fir is a classic evergreen with a tall, conical shape and dense, layered branches. Its needles are soft, flat, and deep green, creating a full, lush appearance in your yard year-round. Mature trees develop thick, rugged bark and a towering, stately presence.
Pros:
- Strong, durable wood with a long lifespan of usually over 500 years
- Thick evergreen is perfect for year-round privacy
Cons:
- They grow large, so they need space to reach full size
- Can grow too large for small yards
4. Bigleaf Maple (Acer macrophyllum)
Growth rate: 1.5–2 feet per year
Best for: Shade and visual impact
Known for its massive leaves, the bigleaf maple tree creates dense shade quickly and thrives in Oregon’s wet, warmer climate. The bigleaf maple is known for its massive, broad leaves that create a dense, umbrella-like canopy. The tree has a wide-spreading form with thick branches and a sturdy trunk. In autumn, the foliage turns a vibrant yellow, adding strong seasonal color.
Pros:
- Excellent shade with a large canopy
- Beautiful fall color
Cons:
- Leaves can be messy when they drop
- Branches can be brittle in storms
5. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata)
Growth rate: 1.5–2 feet per year
Best for: Privacy screens, hedges
A classic Pacific Northwest evergreen, the western red cedar is ideal for creating natural privacy walls. Western red cedars feature a graceful, pyramidal shape with drooping, fan-like branches. Its foliage is made up of soft, scale-like leaves that form dense, feathery layers. The rich green color and thick growth make it ideal for natural privacy screens.
Pros:
- Dense foliage ideal for privacy screens
- Low maintenance once established
Cons:
- Slower than some other fast-growing options
- Does require consistent moisture early on
6. Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
Growth rate: Up to 4 feet per year
Best for: Large properties, statement trees
This unique deciduous conifer grows quickly and adds dramatic structure to landscapes. Dawn redwood trees have a tall, symmetrical shape with soft, feathery needles that resemble a pine but feel much finer. Its foliage is bright green in spring and summer, turning a striking reddish-brown in fall before shedding. The trunk is reddish and slightly flared at the base, adding to its visual appeal.
Pros:
- Fast-growing with a unique appearance
- Strong structure compared to other fast growers
Cons:
- Drops needles in the fall since it is not an evergreen
- Needs space to grow properly
7. Oregon Ash (Fraxinus latifolia)
Growth rate: Moderate to fast
Best for: Wet soils, large shade trees
Oregon ash thrives in areas with heavy winter moisture and still tolerates summer drought. Oregon ash has a broad, rounded canopy with a more open branching structure. Its leaves are compound, made up of multiple leaflets that give the tree a light, textured look. In fall, the foliage shifts to yellow, and the bark becomes more ridged as the tree matures.
Pros:
- Tolerates wet soils well
- Good shade tree with a broad canopy
Cons:
- Susceptible to pests/diseases like ash borers
- Can become large and messy
Choosing the Right Fast-Growing Tree in Oregon
The right fast-growing tree can add privacy, shade, beauty, and long-term value to your Oregon landscape faster than you might expect. Choosing the best fast-growing tree for your property depends on your overall goals. If you need privacy quickly, then go with the hybrid poplar or cedar. If you want long-term value, then choose the Douglas fir, and if you want shade, then the bigleaf maple is a top choice.
Fast-growing trees can transform your landscape in just a few years, but choosing the right species ensures your investment lasts for decades. If you need help with your trees in the Portland, Oregon area, contact Urban Forest Pro for a free estimate.
