Do you want to plant a new sapling in your garden or have an existing specimen that seems stuck at a certain height for the longest time? Answering the question, “How long do trees take to grow?” can help you plan for the future and ensure your living landscape’s health — and Rockoff Tree Solutions is here to help.
As Boerne’s certified arborist, we know a thing or two about the expected life cycle of common plant species. Read on as we break down the details and take the guesswork out of the equation.
Fast-Growing Trees
When you want a tall living screen in a hurry or simply want the satisfaction of seeing your sapling swiftly transform into a big leafy giant, opt for fast-growing varieties like Quaking Aspen, Arborvitae Green Giant, and Weeping Willow. Under optimal conditions, they can grow two to three feet in height per year!
Other trees under this category include:
- Poplar
- Autumn Blaze Maple
- American Chestnut
- Cypress
- Chocolate Mimosa
- Eastern Cottonwood
- Hibiscus
Nurseries often sell these tree species in a range of sizes (usually between two to five years old), so you can have a more mature specimen if you prefer a shorter waiting time.
Moderate-Growing Trees
Some trees like American Sweetgum, Sugar Maple, and Coast Douglas Fir grow about a foot annually. Don’t be fooled by the slightly slower rate; they typically spread into a more substantial structure with age, making them excellent options for anchoring a garden space and providing the perfect backdrop for shrubs and flowering plants.
These popular medium-growing varieties can live for over a century:
- Tulip Poplar
- Linden
- Dwarf Umbrella
Slow-Growing Trees
If you have a tree in your landscape that hasn’t grown much in the past few years, don’t panic. Some species, like Rocky Mountain Douglas Fir and White Oak, take their sweet time to reach full height (about half a foot or less per year).
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though. These slower-growing specimens can live for centuries with low maintenance requirements.
Some slow-growing trees to consider include:
- Blue Cedar
- Weeping Cherry
- Japanese Maple
- Lavender
They’re long-term investments that give you a wonderful return of fresh air and shade, which is always worth the wait. Ancient trees also bring economic and recreational value for generations to come.
How to Get a Mature Tree Faster
When you want to determine how long do trees take to grow, you can’t just account for the type of tree; you must also factor in the environment and care. If you know your tree is compatible with your climate and you planted it properly, follow these steps to give it an extra nudge:
- Keep the space weed-free: Don’t wait for invasive plants to take over; remove them as soon as you spot them. They will compete for resources and restrict root growth.
- Fertilize: Feed your tree compost or a balanced nutrient formula of macro and micronutrients for an energy boost, preferably during their growing season.
- Water as needed: All plants need H2O to photosynthesize! In general, you should water saplings one to three times a week, while more mature trees only need a monthly deep watering during the dry season.
Seek Help from a Certified Arborist
Do you want your tree to grow several feet tall in a few years? Why not save time, money, and effort by partnering with an expert like Rockoff Tree Solutions? Our veteran crew can proficiently handle labor-intensive tasks, such as:
- Pruning
- Improving poor soil conditions
- Identifying and treating disease
- And more
We hope our post demystifies the age-old question, “How long do trees take to grow?” Give us a call at 830-955-0304 for more insight and reap the rewards of hiring a certified arborist!
