Fast-Growing Trees for Sandy Conditions

Hardy in USDA Zone 4

• The Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) grows up to 3 feet per year. A North American native, this conifer reaches heights of 80 feet and has blue-green foliage. It's hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 9 and tolerates sandy, clay or loamy soil. The black alder (Alnus glutinosa) also grows in sandy sites, as long as it's well-watered. This European native is hardy in zones 3 to 7 and grows to 60 feet tall at a rate of 3 feet per year.

Hardy In USDA Zone 5

• The "October Glory" red maple (Acer rubrum "October Glory") grows 3 feet per year. A cultivar of the red maple, this deciduous tree is prized for its brilliant red fall foliage. It's hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8 and prefers wet, well-drained soil. Another colorful deciduous tree, the Heritage river birch (Betula nigra "Cully") has white bark and yellow fall foliage. It grows more than 2 feet per year and tolerates sand, clay and loam soil. The Heritage river birch is hardy in zones 4 to 9 and reaches heights of 60 feet.

Hardy in USDA Zone 6

• For year-round color and texture, plant a Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis × leylandii). This evergreen tolerates sand, clay or loam soil and grows 3 feet per year. The Leyland cypress's dense foliage makes an attractive privacy screen or living fence. It's hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9 and can grow up to 50 feet tall. If you have adequate irrigation, plant a weeping willow (Salix babylonica). This Chinese native grows from 3 to 8 feet per year, says the Arbor Day Foundation. Also hardy in zones 6 to 9, the weeping willow reaches heights of 50 feet and thrives in sandy soil -- as long as it's kept moist.

Hardy in USDA Zone 7

• The dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) grows at an average rate of 4 feet per year. It prefers moist, acidic soil and can grow in sand, clay or loam. One of the few deciduous conifers, the dawn redwood can reach heights of 65 feet and is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 10. The "Green Vase" zelkova (Zelkova serrata "Green Vase") grows more than 2 feet per year. Along with sandy soil, this deciduous tree tolerates wet sites, pollution, wind and drought; This Old House suggests planting it as a street tree. It's hardy in zones 5 to 9 and grows to 65 feet tall.