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What is the Fastest-Growing Tree for Zone Five?

Many fast-growing trees are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 5. Consider your purpose for planting a tree and the conditions into which it will be planted. Gardeners in this planting zone should note whether they are in the southern part of the zone or the most northern part and bordering zone 4.
  1. Fast-Growing Paulownia Tree

    • The Blue Dragon Princesstree and Empress tree are terms to commonly describe the rapidly growing Paulownia tomentosa tree. For rapid shade and summer flowers, few trees achieve as much growth as quickly as this tree when growing in USDA zone 5. This tree can grow up to 5 feet per year. It can reach a height of 60 feet.

    Showy Flowers, Invasive Habit

    • Native to Asia, the lumber of the Paulownia tree is made into furniture there. While spring flowers are showy, this tree is invasive and may overtake woodlands and native forests in zone 5 and other parts of the U.S.

    Rapid Tree Growth

    • Fast-growing trees are typically not strong and enduring trees. As with the quick-growing Bradford pear tree, rapid growth is obtained at the price of a sturdy long-lasting landscape specimen. Long-term shade and ornamental value are best found in specimens that experience slow to moderate growth.