7 Fast Growing Shade Trees To Cool Off A Hot Backyard

If you are lucky enough to have a big backyard to hang out in, you probably want to be able to enjoy it for as much of the year as possible. That's especially true when it's summer and outdoor activities are calling. While soaking up a little Vitamin D is necessary, you still want relief from those sweltering hot days with relentless sun coverage. There are a lot of ideas out there to bring shade into your yard, like umbrellas and canopies, but each has its limitations. You can only do so much with a table umbrella, and pergolas can be a waste of money with their open slats that don't block out all the sun.

Other ideas can be costly and require expensive maintenance, like designing the perfect pool for your backyard. However, planting shade trees can be a big help, and the benefits go far beyond simply blocking the sun. Greenery helps us live healthier lives by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. It also has environmental benefits, such as encouraging a healthy and diverse local ecosystem for various forms of wildlife. While some trees can take a while to yield fast results, you probably want sun protection in your backyard as soon as possible. That's why we've compiled a list of fast-growing shade trees that will help you cool off your backyard as quickly as possible.

If you want a fast-growing shade tree, you can't go wrong with a red oak tree (Quercus rubra). They are known for being sturdy, growing at a rate of 2 feet per year, and reaching a mature height of up to 80 feet. Oak trees grow in many zones because they are adaptable to various types of weather and require minimal maintenance. Their durable branches are also perfect for that summer hammock or swing. Just imagine lounging on your hammock or pushing your little one on a swing without the sun blazing down on you.

If having a picturesque yard is something you want, consider the iconic weeping willow (Salix babylonica). With its sweeping, majestic branches and long, skinny leaves, it brings shade and so much charm to your yard. Weeping willows grow an average of 3 to 4 feet per year, with an annual growth spurt potential of up to 8 feet. This tree is one of the first to bloom in spring, and is one of the last to shed its leaves in the fall, meaning you get to spend more time under its beautiful branches. 

Another standout choice is the Autumn Blaze maple tree, known scientifically as "Acer × freemanii". This beautiful hybrid of red and silver maple trees combines the best of both species with its growth rate of up to 3 feet per year and its gorgeous fall colors. This species grows 50 to 60 feet tall with a canopy that can reach up to 40 feet wide,  making it a perfect tree for cooling off patios and large backyard lawns. As a bonus, Autumn Blaze maples are pest-and disease-resistant, making them another low-maintenance option for fast, reliable shade.

The hybrid poplar tree (Populus x. canadensis), often called Carolina Poplar, is another great choice. The tree is exactly what the name implies — a hybrid of multiple types of poplar plant species. It's one of the fastest-growing trees in North America, growing up to 8 feet a year and reaching a mature height of about 50 feet. Hybrid poplar trees will not only give rapid results, but they are also relatively easy to plant. While susceptible to fungal leaf spots in the past,  you can now easily find disease-resistant hybrid poplars in many commercial shops.

Your house does not need to be along a river to plant the heritage river birch tree, or "Betula nigra". This species grows at a rapid pace of 1.5 to 3 feet a year and can tower 40 to 70 feet high with a 40 to 60 feet spread. It can tolerate high heat and humidity, most soil types, and is typically adaptable to many conditions. It is also resistant to insect pests like the bronze birch borer, a major issue for many birch trees. This makes the river birch tree a relatively low-maintenance option for your yard.

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) trees will bring the shade, beauty, and calming sounds of nature to your backyard. This tree is known for its striking white bark and delicate, heart-shaped leaves that rustle or "quake" in the wind, creating a visual shimmering effect. They can grow up to 2 feet per year and will help you reduce your backyard sun in no time. Quaking aspen also has a unique root system, which grows horizontally and can send new trunks up to create a strong network of trees, so they are a choice for very large backyards.

You know them by their pyramid-shaped canopy and soft, needle-like leaves. The bald cypress tree (Taxodium distichum) is a fantastic choice for a versatile and low-maintenance shade tree. They grow at a rate of about two feet per year and can reach up to 70 feet tall at maturity. They are most unique for their ability to thrive in both wet soil and extremely dry conditions. You really can't go wrong with any of these trees — just stay away from the fast-growing trees you don't want to plant in your yard, and your backyard will thank you!