Posted on January 27, 2023 by Van Becelaere Greenhouse

Trees are valuable assets to any property, providing visual interest, shade, color, habitat, and numerous other benefits. However, choosing the right tree for your region can be daunting. You want a tree that will thrive in your area, but it’s going to take a little time to reach its full potential.

Choosing A Fast Growing Tree

When choosing trees for your landscape, it is crucial to consider your region’s climate and soil type and the amount of space you have. Some trees proliferate, while others take time. Fast-growing trees are an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of trees sooner rather than later.

Below are three fast-growing trees for residents living in the four states:

1. Eastern redbud
2. American red maple
3. River Birch

Eastern Redbud

The Eastern Redbud is an excellent privacy tree for residents living in zone 6a, for these fast-growing trees are ideal privacy trees while presenting a showy pink flower in the Spring.

Although this tree’s blossoms are tiny, the blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. In addition, the tree is resistant to black walnut toxicity, Earth compaction, and deer.

Redbud trees have a shallow root system with a single tap root, so you’re safe to plant these trees near your driveway. For an extraordinary pop of outdoor color, you can pair your Eastern Redbud with Lily of the Nile, False Indigo Solar Flare, or Creeping Phlox. 

Other Common Names: American Redbud, Eastern Redbud, Texas Redbud

Grow Zones: 4-9

Mature Spread: 15-30 feet wide

Height at Maturity: 20-30 feet tall

American Red Maple Tree

The American Red Maple is a well-beloved Fall show stopper for any yard. With Fall colors ranging from gold to red and even deep burgundy, homeowners throughout the four states have come to appreciate all this tree has to offer.

As an excellent habitat tree, red maples require at least six hours of full sun but can continue to thrive in partial shade. The Red Maple makes for a great shade tree that can grow to heights of 40 feet or more.

Although this maple tree species is resistant to potato leafhoppers, but can fall prey to aphids, bagworms, and verticillium wilt. Pair your red maple with blooming plants resistant to verticillium wilt, like balloon flowers or African daisies can help manage the disease.

Other Common Names: Scarlet Maple, Soft Maple, Drummon Red Maple

Growing Zones: 4-9

Mature Spread: 85-45 feet wide

Height at Maturity: 40-60 feet tall

River Birch

A native deciduous tree that is easily grown throughout the four states is the river birch. It is among the fastest growing in the region. As one of the largest of the three trees discussed, the river birch is perhaps the most environmentally adaptable as a drought tolerant tree.

The river birch can thrive in both full sun and shade. It will grow vigorously in poorly drained soil and in wet soil. Apart from that, river birches produce a tiny flower in the Spring, but boast dark green foliage throughout the summer months and put on a showy display of yellows in the Fall.

The tree can tolerate clay soil common to the four states, and isn’t bothered by black walnut, deer, or air pollutants. A river birch pairs well with any group of dwarf lilacs, bugleweed, or a creeping juniper.

Other Common Names: water birch, red birch, 

Growing Zones: 4-9

Mature Spread: 40-60 feet wide

Height at Maturity: 40-70 feet tall

Talk With Your Local Pittsburg, KS, Nursery

If you’ve already picked your fast-growing tree, you want to be sure that you’ve selected a good spot in your yard. You don’t want to plant the tree too close to underground infrastructure or your home. Place your tree order online today!

There are many more fast-growing tree varieties to choose from that can grow in Zone 6, but these three are among some of the top choices. For more information on these and other fast-growing trees, contact your local garden center, Van Becelaere Greenhouse in Pittsburg, KS, at (620) 231-1127 or stop by their nearby nursery.