This Fast-Growing Tree Is Perfect For Privacy Needs And Isn't Picky About Soil

Trying to make your backyard feel more secluded? You could install a privacy fence, but that won't address a lack of foliage. If you want to make your yard feel like a personal forest, consider planting a tall, lush, and fast-growing tree.

Platanus occidentalis, also known as the American sycamore or "Buttonball Tree," grows like a weed, rapidly increasing in height at a rate of approximately 2 feet a year to reach heights of upwards of 100 feet. As it grows, the tree's branches shoot far out from its thick trunk, developing a rounded crown, and its dense foliage creates a barrier against prying eyes. 

Unlike the fast-growing trees you don't want to plant in your yard, the American sycamore is neither invasive nor short-lived. The town of Sunderland, Massachusetts, boasts an American sycamore that is over 350 years old with a spread of 140 feet. Assuming you don't have 350 years, you can still easily grow an American sycamore to an impressive height even if starting at a seed, as the hardy plant thrives in a variety of different soil types.

The American sycamore is one of 10 species of sycamore, which is one of the oldest species of tree on Earth. You can plant the American sycamore in a variety of climates, but it grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9 and is most common in the eastern United States. While other sycamore species are valued in urban areas as shade trees in parks, the American sycamore thrives better in open, natural spaces. Part of the American sycamore's hardiness lies in its aggressive root system, which supports the tree's sturdy trunk. To ensure the tree's roots do not damage structures such as your driveway or water lines, plant it at least 15 feet from your house.

In nature, the American sycamore grows in alluvial soils, which are made up of the sediment deposited by rivers and streams. The tree thrives in loamy soil, but it isn't bothered by the soil's pH. For the best growing results, plant it somewhere moist, mimicking the natural wet environment around streams. While the American sycamore does have preferred conditions, it can be found in coves, on slopes, and over coal-stripped land in the Northeast and Central United States, so don't fret if the soil conditions aren't perfect. Even so, it's best to prep your soil for successful planting. 

As previously mentioned, the American Sycamore is also known as the "Buttonball Tree." While the name is quaint, it comes from the hairy, ball-shaped fruits that hang from the tree and drop in the fall, creating unsightly yard debris. Since the tree is deciduous, it will drop its leaves alongside its buttonballs, adding to your autumn yard raking duties. Unlike other deciduous trees, it does not lose its beauty when its foliage is gone. During the winter, the American sycamore's handsome olive-colored bark is left exposed, with the upper bark peeling back to reveal a creamy white bark beneath. Since the tree grows so large, it can still provide privacy even without its leaves.

If you're not put off by the American sycamore's propensity to drop debris, it can become a standout feature of your yard year-round. To deal with the autumn hassle, consider these creative ways to dispose of dead leaves in fall.