Do you want to create a classic landscape with trees, or just want some privacy from the world around you?
Both of these things are possible with fast-growing trees in Ontario. Most of these are best for people who want low-maintenance solutions to increase the curb appeal of their lawns.
In the cold weather, trees block the wind, and during summer, they provide shade.
Therefore, for impatient gardeners, fast-growing trees in Ontario are the best.
In this blog, you will learn about five fast-growing trees suitable for privacy in Ontario.
Related Blog: The Best Tall Ornamental Grasses for Privacy in Ontario
Important Factors For Choosing Fast-Growing Trees in Ontario
When selecting fast-growing trees in Ontario for your property, there are various variables to consider.
By keeping the following in mind, you can get the best fast-growing trees in Ontario:
Climate: One of the most essential considerations when selecting a tree or any plant is your area’s climate. Different trees flourish in different climates, so select one that is appropriate for Ontario.
Pick a Purpose of the Tree: Figure out if you want fast-growing trees for privacy, windbreak, or aesthetic appeal. This will help you choose the ideal type of tree for your needs.
Maintenance: Some fast-growing trees in Ontario demand more care than others. Before making a final selection, consider how much time and work you are willing to devote to caring for your tree.
Soil Type: The soil on your lawn affects your tree’s health and growth. You may require different soil conditions for different varieties of fast-growing trees in Ontario.
Learn More: Tree Transplanting Process: A Step-By-Step Breakdown
Top 5 Fast-Growing Trees in Ontario
Let’s take a look at the five fast-growing trees in Ontario that would bring charm to your property:
1. Autumn Blaze Maple
The Autumn Blaze maple tree is the first pick in our list of fast-growing trees in Ontario, as it requires little maintenance.
These fast-growing trees in Ontario have a narrow trunk and vivid orange leaves on branches, justifying the name.
The most important tree maintenance component is keeping the soil wet around the roots when the tree is young and establishing itself. If you ensure the topsoil is nutrient-rich for the tree, it won’t need fertilization.
They prefer well-drained soil, although they may tolerate sandy and heavy clay soils as long as they are well-drained.
On average, these trees can survive for 80-100 years.
They require trimming every other year, in late spring or early summer.
These fast-growing trees in Ontario have a narrow trunk and vivid orange leaves on branches.
When these fast-growing trees in Ontario are young, they need enough of water to help establish themselves.
Five to seven gallons per week should be enough to keep the soil equally wet throughout the root zone for the first year.
Once established, these trees may perform well with 1—to 1/2-inch of watering each week.
However, if the leaves turn brown or drop off the trees prematurely, start watering more frequently.
2. Eastern White Pine
If you are looking for fast-growing trees in Ontario to fill your big yard, this one is an excellent option.
The Eastern White Pine’s straight trunk, wide canopy, and delicate feathery needles become even more beautiful with maturity. These trees have a long lifespan and grow quickly.
With soft needles and a conical shape, they have also been utilized as traditional Christmas trees.
They grow quickly compared to other tree species in their habitat range and do well in a range of soil types.
It is a species with a lengthy lifespan, and the trees can live for 200 years or longer.
White pine can grow to be more than three feet in diameter and 150 feet high with age.
Although these are considered fast-growing evergreen trees in Ontario, the needles drop off the trees after changing color in the fall.
3. Red Sunset Maple
The popular Franksred cultivar of the North American red maple species is known by its trademarked name, Red Sunset maple.
If you like the red look of the Autumn Blaze maple, this is an added option for you.
This 40–50 foot variety is prized for its winter endurance and the richness and consistency of its fall foliage color, which changes from green to a beautiful scarlet.
To grow these trees, your soil must be acidic in pH, rich, wet, and well-drained.
To accommodate the growth, you can plant these fast-growing trees in Ontario in an area that receives six to eight hours of sunlight and is at least 40 feet wide.
Red Sunset maple grows 12 to 24 inches on average a year and rather quickly. If you want it, plant in the early spring or late fall to let it thrive.
4. River Birch
River birches are typically 40 to 50 feet tall, though they can reach up to 90 feet.
These fast-growing trees in Ontario often grow with a small-diameter, dark-colored core leader and lateral branches.
When they are young, the plant’s crown is narrow, oval to pyramidal, but as it ages, it spreads broader as some branches take center stage.
It differs from other birches in that its reddish-brown bark peels off in papery curls that resemble films and add interest all year round. Other birches have white trunk bark.
River birches are easily trained as multi-stemmed trees or as a single central leader.
If space is not an issue for you, you can group two or three trees together to create clumps.
5. White Spruce
The white spruce has a cone-shaped crown and usually reaches a height of 60 to 80 feet.
The bark is scaly and dark gray or gray-brown. In the beginning, the needles are pale blue, but with time, they turn dark blue-green.
They have 2″ long, thin cone-shaped fruits. When the cone scales grow, they become soft and flexible, with rounded ends.
When mature in a single season, the seeds have narrow wings, and the cones open, shed seeds, and fall throughout the winter.
The best condition for these fast-growing trees in Ontario is full light and moist, well-drained soil.
How to Grow Fast-Growing Trees in Ontario: 6 Tips
Here are the tips for promoting the growth of fast-growing trees for privacy:
1. Water Gradually on a Regular Basis
The most effective method of irrigating your soil is to apply water gradually and deeply on a regular basis.
The ideal soil is somewhat wet but not too wet and dries out just enough to let sufficient oxygen seep into it.
Using tree watering bags helps slowly water the trees to overcome the widespread issue of overwatering fast-growing trees in Ontario.
When the bag is left on the ground surrounding the tree, water comes out slowly over a period of four to six hours. It can be used to treat trees and shrubs of many sorts, from recently planted to six inches in diameter.
The tree watering bags assist your tree’s roots develop more quickly by keeping the soil wet down to the level of all the roots.
An efficient irrigation system makes mulching even more efficient. Adding a layer of natural mulch to the ground surrounding the tree will also help maintain the proper moisture content and shield the soil from harsh weather.
Additionally, by inhibiting weed development, it helps to eliminate weed competition for roots.
Learn More: What You Need to Know About Mulch Around Trees
2. Protect Young Trees with Shelter
Your garden is vulnerable to threats throughout growth, including wind, chemical sprays, machinery, and both tiny and big animals.
You can protect young trees for five to seven years by creating a greenhouse-like atmosphere that encourages seedling development using a tree shelter.
To safeguard your fast-growing trees in Ontario, you can use grow tubes.
You can find sturdy, transparent tubes in various sizes, designed to shield trees and shrubs from hungry animals like deer and rabbits.
3. Ensure Enough Spacing Between Trees
Densely packed trees have an undeniable visual attraction. Remember, trees require plenty of space to grow and thrive.
Proper spacing is crucial for:
- Healthy root and canopy growth.
- Nutrient absorption
- Decreased competition with other trees and bushes.
- Enhanced protection against harmful pests
Before planting trees, measure their eventual size. This will assist you in determining their location.
A rule of thumb for planting the trees in the right position is to space your trees at least three feet apart.
4. Prune Trees at the Right Time
Finally, proper pruning is essential for the healthy development of fast-growing trees in Ontario.
Pruning should be done at the appropriate time (never in the autumn), using the proper equipment and techniques, and early in the tree’s life. This will ensure the greatest form and a longer lifespan.
5. Control Diseases with Protective Measures
To safeguard young, fast-growing trees in Ontario from pests and diseases, use these protective measures:
Regular inspection: Look for symptoms of pests or illness.
Use of Barriers: Physical barriers can help guard against tiny animals.
Organic Pesticides: Use as needed, adhering to specified parameters.
Proper Planting Techniques: Ensure correct planting depth and spacing to prevent stress and susceptibility.
Pests and diseases pose an ongoing danger to trees and plants. Read our blog to learn organic methods for getting rid of pest problems.
6. Conduct a Soil Test
A soil test typically looks for two things: pH levels and accessible nutrients.
When the pH of the soil is either low or too high, the trees are unable to absorb the nutrients it contains.
To determine how to balance the pH level, you must do a soil test. This way, you won’t have to guess why your plants aren’t growing.
Soil tests, in addition to pH, determine the availability of nutrients. Knowing which nutrients your soil needs will help you select a fertilizer that covers the needs of the fast-growing trees for privacy.
Related Blog: Lawn Fertilizer Numbers Meaning for Every Season in Canada
Fast-Growing Small Trees in Ontario
Here are the best small, fast-growing trees that fit neatly in your lawn:
1. Hawthorn
This tree belongs to the rose family. Therefore, this small and dense tree is absolutely beautiful, with dark pink flowers and an almond-like scent.
That aside, you can use this tree’s flower and leaf extract to maintain good heart health and lower anxiety.
2. Eastern Redbud
This is another one from the small, fast-growing trees in Ontario that looks spectacular on your lawn.
The tree has purple-maroon trunks with pink flowers held together in tight clusters.
3. Canadian Serviceberry
This tree has stunning white flowers in spring. During summer, it gives a purplish black juicy fruit that is sweet in taste and looks similar to pome.
You can use it as hedges or a single tree to liven up your lawn. This tree adapts to various kinds of environments.
FAQs
When is the best time to grow fast-growing trees in Ontario?
Planting trees in Ontario is best done in the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). These seasons provide temperate temperatures and enough rainfall, which promotes good root development.
Can fast-growing trees in Ontario be utilized as lumber or firewood?
Yes, many fast-growing trees are ideal for timber and fuel. Because of their quick growth and availability, hybrid poplars and silver maples are popular choices for these applications.
How do fast-growing trees in Ontario affect local wildlife?
Fast-growing trees may provide good habitat for local animals, including birds, insects, and small mammals.
The Bottom Line
These were the fast-growing trees in Ontario options for you that will blend smoothly in any landscape.
Additionally, these trees create a privacy screen, which is important to fully enjoy your time in the backyard.
If you want more ideas on how to increase privacy, you can go through our blog on 16 privacy fence ideas.
For more ideas or assistance with landscaping, contact Falcons Landscaping for superior service.