In the lush landscape of Ontario, Canada, trees play a vital role in enhancing the natural beauty of your property while also providing many benefits such as curb appeal, privacy, and shade. We often get asked ‘what is the fastest growing tree in Ontario’ by homeowners who are looking to plant trees and hoping to reap the benefits as quickly as possible. There’s an old saying in the tree business – what’s the best time to plant a tree? Ten years ago. Trees, even quick growing ones, do take time to grow and spread out, providing a large canopy for shade. So while the best time to plant a tree may be ten years ago, the next best time is right now. The sooner you plant a tree, the sooner you will start to experience the benefits. That being said, there are some species of trees that will grow quite a bit faster than others for people looking to see their tree reach maturity in a number of years rather than decades.
As certified arborists, we know trees, and we have compiled a list of the 5 fastest growing trees in Ontario to plant in your backyard. And if you need more help with trees such as Why You Should Prune Your Trees, or What Are the Best Fruit Trees to Plant for Our Ontario Climate, we invite you to check out our Tree Tips blog.
5 Best Trees To Plant for Quick Growth on Your Ontario Property
Here is a list of the 5 fastest growing trees for our Ontario climate. It is important to remember that Ontario is quite a large province and that some trees will thrive better in some regions than others, and that soil composition, access to water, and other factors will also play a part in how quickly a tree will grow on your property. If you are unsure, it is always best to speak with a certified arborist for advice and what kind of trees to plant.
1. Hybrid Poplar – Scientific Name: Populus spp
One of the key things about Hybrid poplar trees is their impressive growth rates, making them a popular choice when looking for a quick growth tree for your yard. There are a number of hybrid varieties available in Ontario, with the most popular being the Cottonwood Poplar (Populus deltoides) and the Black Poplar (Populus nigra). These deciduous trees can achieve remarkable heights of up to 8 feet per year under optimal conditions. They have a broad flat leaf and while they grow quite tall quite quickly they are considered narrow-crowned trees. The main reasons to plant hybrid poplar trees on your yard would be to provide windbreaks, to limit soil erosion, or for privacy. With their rapid growth and adaptability to various soil types, they make an excellent choice when looking for a fast growing tree in Ontario.
2. Red Maple – Scientific Name: Acer rubrum
It’s hard to think of Ontario without thinking of the vibrant red maple tree. As one of Ontario’s most abundant native species, the red maple thrives in a range of soil conditions and climates, showcasing vigorous growth throughout the growing season. The growth rate of the red maple tree can vary depending on what region in Ontario it is planted, the soil it is growing in, and a number of other factors, but will typically grow anywhere from 1 to 2 feet annually. Not only are they quick-growth trees, they dazzle with their vibrant red foliage in the fall, and can enhance the look of any yard.
3. White Pine – Scientific Name: Pinus strobus
The white pine is Ontario’s provincial tree and stands as a majestic symbol of resilience and longevity. It is a bit slower in initial growth compared to some species, but demonstrates a steady expansion over the years, and has an average height gain of about 1 to 2 feet annually. With its graceful form, soft needles, and ability to grow well in various soil types, the white pine remains a great choice when looking for a fast-growing tree for your property that will be able to provide both a good windbreaks, and aesthetic appeal to your yard.
4. Silver Maple – Scientific Name: Acer saccharinum
Not to be confused with the red maple, the silver maple tree’s leaves turn a vibrant orange-yellow colour in the fall, and are still a sight to behold. Silver maple trees not only offer rapid growth but also adaptability to moist, low-lying areas, making them ideal candidates for many of the urban landscapes across Ontario and the GTA. In favorable conditions, a silver maple tree can grow up to an astonishing 3 feet per year, and can provide a dense canopy that can spread out anywhere from 30–50 feet, providing fantastic shade relief in your backyard during a hot Ontario summer. One thing to consider when looking to plant a silver maple tree is that due to its very quick growth rate, it can yield weaker wood compared to other species, which can increase the chances of it sustaining storm damage.
5. Eastern White Cedar – Scientific Name: Thuja occidentalis
Eastern white cedar, also known as arborvitae, is a common native evergreen popular with homeowners for its dense foliage, graceful form, and moderate growth rate. While the eastern white cedar doesn’t grow as quickly as some deciduous species, white cedar trees can still grow anywhere from 6 to 12 inches a year in the right growing conditions. Eastern white cedar trees are popular in many cities because of their tolerance to shade, moisture, and pollution. It also has the ability to thrive in diverse environments, making it a great choice for a fast-growing tree when you are looking for hedging, or privacy screens on your property.
Speak With An Arborist About Your Trees
Planting trees offers a number of benefits to homeowners, it can improve the look of your property, provide shade for your family, increase the value of your property and even help cut air conditioning costs in the summer by shading your home. Many people after they have had a tree removed from your property want to replace it, but aren’t sure which type of tree is best. If you are looking for a fast-growing tree, you can’t go wrong with any of the above-mentioned in this article. If you have a tree that is giving you problems or if you are looking to plant a tree in the Newmarket, or Aurora areas our tree care experts at Sequoia TreeScape can help. We have years of experience and can offer helpful tips and suggesting. We can also handle pruning your existing trees to keep them healthy and to help them grow better. Contact us today for your free estimate. The Sequoia TreeScape team is only one call away at (416) 770-8733.
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Until Next Time,
Matt Gladwin – Owner
Certified Arborist
Fastest Growing Trees In Ontario – Height Chart
For a quick breakdown of what sort of growth you can expect from the above species of trees plus a few extra see our tree growth chart below.
| Tree Types/Species | Average Growth Rate in Feet Per Year |
| Hybrid Poplar Tree | Up to 8 Feet |
| Red Maple Tree | 1-2 Feet |
| White Pine Tree | 1-2 Feet |
| Silver Maple Tree | Up to 3 Feet |
| Eastern White Cedar | Up to 1 Foot |
| Canadian Hemlock | 1-2 Feet |
| Sycamore Tree | Up to 2 Feet |
| White Birch Tree | Up to 2 Feet |
| Weeping Willow Tree | 3-4 Feet |