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9 Different Fast Growing Small Trees for Gardens

A small garden requires a different sort of tree than a normal sized tree. Depending on the variety of tree, a full grown tree can grow to over 20 feet tall. They can take a decade to mature, which is far too long for a home gardener to wait.

Luckily, there are plenty of different quick growing trees for small gardens available on the market. Whether you want an ornamental tree or a fruit tree, there are plenty of options. Let’s take a look at some fast growing small trees for small gardens.

Different Fast Growing Small Trees for Gardens

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9 Fast Growing Small Trees

1. Japanese Maple

Japanese Maple trees grow to an average maximum height of 10 feet which is why it is considered as one of the fast growing small trees

These are a beautiful and well-known tree, popular for its bright reddish-purple foliage. Japanese Maple trees grow to an average maximum height of 10 feet which is why it is considered as one of the fast growing small trees. 

You could even grow one of these pretty trees in a pot if you lack the space in your garden. Once you have the young tree planted into your garden, it grows at an average rate of 2 feet per year, depending on the growing conditions.

2. Whitebeam (Sorbus aria)

Whitebeam tree is a mid-sized tree and can reach an average of 30 feet tall

If you are looking for a pretty tree that isn’t as common, the Whitebeam is a great option for your garden. This is a mid-sized tree and can reach an average of 30 feet tall. While it sounds large, it is still a relatively small sized tree.

As the leaves unfold, they look similar to a Magnolia tree. The leaves are a silvery-grey color with brown speckled berries.

3. Cleveland Pear (Pyrus calleryana 'Cleveland Select')

Cleveland Pear Tree are a great option for small and medium sized gardens

Cleveland Pear trees grow in a symmetrical semi-perfect oval. Everyone will think you trim the tree day and night. It is a great option for your front yard. They are recommended for USDA zones 5 to 8, reaching a maximum height of 40 feet.

They are a great option for small and medium sized gardens. This flowering pear tree is a great option for your yard. Every season you will love the colors it brings to your landscaping.

4. Red Delicious Apple Tree

Red Delicious Apple Tree is a great tree because it is practical for your garden, and it is attractive for the eye

When you are looking to grow fruit trees in a quick span of time, dwarf or semi-dwarf trees are the way to go. One variety of apples that goes quickly is the Red Delicious, which can grow in zones from 3 through 8.

Before they develop the fruit, they have a mid-spring bloom of pretty white and pink flowers. This is a great tree because it is practical for your garden, and it is attractive for the eye.

5. Black Cherry (Prunus Serotina)

Prunus Serotina are fast growing trees, able to grow up to 3 feet in one season, in USDA zones 3 to 9

If you love cherries, you can have them in a short amount of time if you plant a tree in your small garden. They are able to grow up to 3 feet in one season, in USDA zones 3 to 9.

However, they are able to reach up to 50 feet in height, so you need to take care to prune these trees diligently if you want a shorter height.

During the spring, the tree is covered in snowy white flowers. The cherries appear in early to mid-summer. To more about this tree, check out our Black Cherry Tree (Prunus Serotina) Growing Guide.

6. Hale-Haven Peach Tree (Prunus persica 'Hale Haven')

Prunus persica 'Hale Haven' are able to grow 2 feet per season, in USDA zones 5 through 8

Peaches are a staple during the summer months. A bowl of peach cobbler, topped with vanilla ice cream screams summer. This variety of peach trees are able to grow 2 feet per season, in USDA zones 5 through 8. They produce peaches with yellow flesh that will be ripe in the summer months.

7. Mulberries

Mulberries grow between 2 and 3 feet per year

If you want a tree that generally produces quickly, mulberries can deliver fruit within a year or two of grafting. In general, they grow between 2 and 3 feet per year.

They are able to get around 20 feet tall, but pruning and trimming can keep the wildness at bay. Starting a mulberry tree from seed can take a lot of time and dedication. Find one that is already started for quicker production and growth.

(We've also included this tree to our list of fast growing trees to grow in Missouri)

8. Moringa (Moringa oleifera)

Moringa are able to grow 15 to 20 feet in one season and produce very soon

If you live in a much warmer climate, you may be able to grow moringa in your small garden. They enough warm climates, so if your region has cold temperatures, this will be best suited in a large pot.

You can do a lot with a moringa tree, from making soups, smoothies, and tea blends with the leaves. They are able to grow 15 to 20 feet in one season and produce very soon.

9. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia)

Lagerstroemia commonly known as Crape Myrtle

This type of tree can grow even in poor soil condition. Crape Myrtle can flourish in a sunny environment as they are tolerant to heat. They grow in different sizes, ranging from small shrub-like size to bigger tree-like sizes.

Wrapping Up Our Fast Growing Trees for Small Garden List

There are so many wonderful varieties of quick growing trees. The great thing about growing fruit trees is that they typically flower before they produce fruit. 

During the flowering season, they will have small blossoms, creating a beautiful display in your yard. The maximum height any of these trees reach is 40 feet, yet most will stay below this threshold. 

Looking for a bigger tree option but still fast growing? Check out our growing guide for Mimosa tree or commonly known as Persian silk tree

Fruit trees do require some time before fruit is developed, yet they will still make a gorgeous additional to your small garden in the meantime. There you have it, 9 fast growing small trees you can start growing today. 

Fast Growing Trees for Small Gardens

About the Author Ann Katelyn

I'm Ann Katelyn, Creator and Chief Author of Sumo Gardener. Since I was a child I've always been fascinated with plants and gardens, and as an adult this has developed into my most loved hobby. I have dedicated most of my life to gardening and started Sumo Gardener as a way to express my knowledge about gardening with the hope of helping other people's gardens thrive.

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