Skip to main content

Fast-growing shade trees that would be perfect in your zone 9 garden

The temperatures can rise pretty high in zone 9 during the summer. And if your yard is lacking a bit of shade, you might want to consider planting some fast-growing shade trees that will bring elegance, height, and beauty to your landscape. Here we’ll be talking about our favorite shade trees that grow quickly to provide your yard with a large tree without waiting generations and generations for it to reach impressive heights.

woman walking near sycamore tree

American sycamore

The American sycamore is an iconic tree that is a must-have in almost any garden. The most remarkable feature of this tree is its shedding bark. Bark peels and flakes off this tree over time and gives the tree an almost camouflaged look with a mixture of gray and brown. These are also the largest growing deciduous trees in the United States and grow up to 100 feet. When they achieve these staggering heights, their leaves become huge and will litter your yard with a fantastic amount of very crispy leaves in the fall.

Caring for these trees is easy and won’t add much to your gardening to-do list. The tree likes to be fertilized every other year, and the younger trees will need to be deeply watered occasionally to keep the soil around it from drying out. Since these are fast-growing trees, they tend to quickly use up the resources around them.

Silver maple

If you’re looking for a tree that’s going to grow fast, reach high into the sky, and last for generations, then you should look no further than the silver maple. This tree grows up to 100 feet tall and lives for more than 130 years. They are easy to establish and are super simple to care for. These trees have big bushy canopies and feature detailed leaves and rough bark.

When planting a silver maple, look for a place with full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil. Since they grow fast, you’ll want to be sure they have access to plenty of water and nutrients to maybe amend your soil with some organic compost when planting and be sure the soil around the young plant does not dry out for too long.

Weeping willow

The weeping willow is known for its graceful and elegant branches that reach the ground in long wispy branches. You’ve likely seen these near ponds, lakes, or rivers, and that’s because they are moisture-loving plants. So if you cannot provide the weeping willow with enough water, be prepared to water it often or perhaps look for another option. Do not plant this tree near water lines, sewer pipes, pools, or septic systems. The roots of this tree are very aggressive, and they have been known to break their way in and cause severe damage. They also prefer to have a more open space to grow, so avoid planting them somewhere where they will have a hard time spreading their branches.

The weeping willow will want full sun or partial shade and access to lots of water. These trees won’t need to be fertilized since they are probably planted in rich, moist soil. However, if you think it might need some help, add organic compost to the hole when planting.

flowering crape myrtle

Crape myrtle

All the trees on this list are beautiful in their own way, but if you were looking for something with a bit more flair, you might love the crape myrtle! Perfect for zone 9, these trees produce lovely flowers that last a long time. Their blooms range from deep purple, lavender, ivory, bright white, pale pink, magenta, and red. So there’s a shade for everyone here! And just like our sycamore friend, we have another tree with shedding bark. So not only do you have the long-lasting flowering as a stunning feature, but you also have a pretty multi-colored bark aesthetic to enjoy when the flowers fade.

To care for this flowering beauty, find a spot with full sunlight and well-draining soil. Other than that, this stunning tree will grow quickly and without much effort on your part.

River birch

Let’s be honest, when trees lose their leaves, they lose the majority of their beauty, and we miss those stunning green leaves until spring rolls around once again. However, one tree is still pretty even without its leaves. The river birch features peeling cinnamon-colored bark that’s sure to catch your eye during those long winter months. Of course, these trees are also fast-growing and provide lots of shade during the summer. You’ll also enjoy the iconic birch leaves in the summer and fall!

For a happy birch tree, provide it with a spot that has full sun (or morning shade and afternoon sun), but you don’t need to worry too much about this tree’s soil conditions. These are hardy trees that will grow well in almost any soil condition.

From tall, mighty sycamores to elegant willows, there’s a tree on here for everyone. Depending on what conditions you have to offer on your property and what aesthetic you’re going for, you’ll have to weed through which one might be best for you.

Editors' Recommendations

Rebecca Wolken
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Rebecca's has written for Bob Villa and a Cincinnati based remodeling company. When she's not writing about home remodeling…
Do you live in climate zone 2? Here’s what you need to know
Grow these plants and flowers for a lively garden in climate zone 2
American cranberry branch with many berries in the sun

Climate zone 2 plants face some of the coldest winters in the United States, making gardening a challenge. In this region, temperatures drop well below 0, resulting in harsh freezes that damage plants. It’s not impossible to foster a healthy garden here, however. Zone 2 gardeners often grow annuals, start plants indoors, and implement overwintering measures, such as mulch and cold frames throughout the year.

There are also cold-hardy plants that can grow and even thrive in zone 2's cold weather. If you reside in climate zone 2, here’s what you need to know about what you can grow there and how to do it.

Read more
Grow your indoor or outdoor garden and support these Black-owned plant shops for Black History Month
Get your next leafy friend from one of these Black-owned companies
Various plants on different stands

If you're a plant parent, you buy your supplies and new baby plants from somewhere. So, instead of the chain stores, consider supporting Black-owned plant shops to get your leafy friends everything they need to thrive. Check out any of these Black-owned companies to find your next plant addition no matter where you are, because every one of these businesses ships all over the U.S.

Grounded
Mignon Hemsley and Danuelle Doswell started this beautiful plant company in 2020 to help create a calmer space in homes through the addition of greenery. If you have no idea where to start, Grounded offers complimentary 15-minute consultations to get you going. It has a subscription option for the more adventurous plant parent, and if you have fur babies at home, look at their pet-safe options so you won't have to worry about a curious nose.
Crazy Plant Bae
From plants to planters to a subscription box, Crazy Plant Bae has a little of everything. No matter how green your thumb is, you'll find something to fit your budget and space. Get the kids involved in gardening and sign them up for one of the workshops, or have them visit your child in their classroom. But the best part about this company is that it's a Black women-run business with its third generation of family members, and it has over 40 years of service at your disposal.
deVINE Plantery
If you want easy-to-care-for plants without a lot of fuss, or more unique plants, check out deVINE Plantery. This Black woman-owned company has adorable plants, fun accessories, stunning art pieces, and a few other gift ideas. Need help styling the plants in your home, want a consultation about what plants to get, or want to take a gardening class? This business offers all of that and more.
De La Fleur Designs
If you want only flowers for your space with a lot of color and beauty, then De La Fleur Designs is where you should look. It doesn't just put together any ordinary bouquet. Owner Daphne oozes the sophistication and elegance you'll see in whichever arrangement you choose. Whether you need a sympathy arrangement, wedding flowers, or want to sign yourself up for a monthly bouquet delivery subscription, De La Fleur will take care of it all.
The Plant Project
The first Black woman-owned plant company in Texas, The Plant Project opened its doors in 2020 to bring the joy of all things leafy to the area. Plants with a pop of color, herbs, plant accessories, and even a plant self-care set are all on the menu. Or visit one of its four locations to get the full in-person experience of a plant shop and see how amazingly beautiful the inside of its stores are.

Read more
Climate zone 3 plants that will thrive in cool temperatures
Flowers, foliage plants, and fruits to grow in climate zone 3
A person holding a seedling

A climate zone 3 garden can be a challenge to maintain. Zone 3 winters can reach well below subzero temperatures, and with the cold also comes harsh freezes, high winds, and dry air. But planting a thriving summer garden in this region is possible, and you can take protective measures that don’t involve keeping your plants inside at all times. If you’re a zone 3 gardener, here are the most suitable plants for your region and tips on how to safeguard them against extreme weather.

Where is zone 3?
First and foremost, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what a climate zone is. Essentially, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has divided the country into 13 climate zones based on annual minimum temperature ranges. Zone 1 faces the coldest winters, while zone 13 experiences the warmest ones. On store labels, plant retailers will often indicate the zone range where a plant is perennial — that is, where it can enjoy more than one growing season.

Read more