Discover the 5 Fastest Growing Trees in New York

Written by Jennifer Gaeng
Published: October 30, 2022
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New Yorkers who are interested in trees will be astonished to learn about the variety of fast-growing trees available for their gardens. There are trees that will thrive in your region of the state, whether you’re looking for flowering, fruiting, evergreen, palm, or shade trees. Referring to the USDA hardiness zone map for New York, you can choose a tree that will flourish in the climate of your region. Hardiness Zones 3 through 7 of the United States Department of Agriculture apply to the state of New York. In this article, we will discover the 5 fastest growing trees in New York by each type mentioned above. Let’s go!

What Is The Fastest Growing Flowering Tree In New York?

Callery/Bradford Pear Tree

Flowers on a Bradford Pear Tree

The Bradford pear doesn’t produce edible pears.

©iStock.com/tornado98

Common names for Callery pears include blossoming pear trees. They produce clusters of tiny, white blooms, and when the petals shed, the trees occasionally look to have snow falling. The Callery pear grows quickly and flourishes in a wide range of conditions, frequently reaching heights of 12 to 15 feet in just eight to ten years. The tree’s springtime colorations, which range from red and yellow to white, are breathtaking. Callery pears were once among the most often planted urban tree species in the eastern, central, and southern parts of the nation.

While the tree still has its advocates today, municipal officials are debating whether to incorporate it into urban landscapes moving forward. This is because of how big and quickly they grow, which frequently displaces and hinders the growth of other natural trees. However, many of these trees are still seen in the parks of New York City. In fact, the 9/11 Survivor Tree is the most well-known Callery pear tree in the city. The tree was brought back to the 9/11 Memorial site in 2010 after being removed from Ground Zero in 2001 and restored in Van Cortlandt Park.

What Is The Fastest Growing Fruiting Tree In New York?

The Plum Tree

Plums

A plum tree is a perfect option if you fancy growing a tasty treat!

©iStock.com/Funtay

Got a little backyard? Plum trees are a fantastic option because they don’t get as big as apple or peach trees. They typically grow around 2 to 5 feet in the first year. Growth drastically slows down as they start fruiting and flowering, and a large number of tiny branches and root suckers appear. The root suckers can multiply a lot.

However, because plum trees often prefer a warmer temperature, the southern parts of New York are a better choice for growing them. Between 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day are necessary for plum plants. While Asian and American types typically need a second cultivar to fruit, European plums are self-pollinating.

What Is The Fastest Growing Evergreen Tree In New York?

The Norway Spruce Tree

Norway spruce trees are fast growing evergreen trees which can reach 60 feet tall.

©KawaiiS/Shutterstock.com

The Norway spruce is an evergreen tree that grows quickly (2–3 feet per year), with dark green, 1-inch-long needles, and can reach heights of up to 5 feet in a good year. This spruce is a fast-growing tree that may reach heights of 60 feet and a spread of 30 feet. It thrives in areas with direct sunlight and well-drained soil. It never loses its needles and can retain them for as long as ten years!

Norway spruce trees have reddish-brown pinecones and strong, green needles. This tree, which is European in origin, thrives in every zone throughout the state of New York. There aren’t many diseases or pest issues with this sturdy spruce species. The Norway spruce is a popular tree for lawns, screens, and windbreaks among New York gardeners.

What Is The Fastest Growing Palm Tree In New York?

The Windmill Palm Tree

windmill palm by the sea

The windmill palm is native to China and Japan.

©rSnapshotPhotos/Shutterstock.com

There are no palm trees that naturally grow in New York’s climate. Surprisingly, though, some can survive extremely cold temperatures. The Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei, T. takil), for example, is recognized as the most cold-tolerant arborescent palm in the world. In milder locations, like Long Island, New York, Trachycarpus fortunei cultivation by enthusiasts is frequent. Palm culture is actually expanding in Long Island, where cold-hardy palms are routinely planted and experimented with. Another characteristic of New York City is the Winter Garden, a glass dome with 16 palm trees in lower Manhattan. This palm grows as tall as 25 feet with about a foot or more gained every year.

What Is The Fastest Growing Shade Tree In New York?

The Eastern Cottonwood Tree

Eastern cottonwood trees are fast-growing shade trees and can easily reach the staggering height of 100 feet

©Merrimon Crawford/Shutterstock.com

The Salicaceae plant family includes trees like the eastern cottonwood, which thrives throughout New York state and is naturally found in the Eastern United States. This fast-growing shade tree grows quickly and reaches heights of 50 to 100 feet with spreads of 35 to 60 feet. In fact, the fastest-growing trees in North America are cottonwoods. A budding tree can grow at least 6 feet taller each year!

In March and April. these trees begin to bloom. Male trees show red blooms, while female trees show green blooms. Although it may endure moderate dry conditions, eastern cottonwood favors damp, well-drained soil that gets full sunlight. This tree has green leaves that turn yellow in the fall with yellow twigs. The foliage is frequently eaten by borers, aphids, and caterpillars. Eastern cottonwood trees are frequently planted in lowland areas by New York gardeners.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Merrimon Crawford/Shutterstock.com


Sources

  1. GFL Outdoors, Available here: https://www.gfloutdoors.com/fruit-trees-that-grow-in-ny
  2. Garden Guides, Available here: https://www.gardenguides.com/93917-fast-growing-trees-new-york.html
  3. Alex Calamia, Available here: https://alexcalamia.com/2021/05/14/growing-windmill-palms-in-new-york-city/
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About the Author

Jennifer Gaeng is a writer at A-Z-Animals focused on animals, lakes, and fishing. With over 15 years of collective experience in writing and researching, Jennifer has honed her skills in various niches, including nature, animals, family care, and self-care. Hailing from Missouri, Jennifer finds inspiration in spending quality time with her loved ones. Her creative spirit extends beyond her writing endeavors, as she finds joy in the art of drawing and immersing herself in the beauty of nature.

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