Tennessee’s climate—hot, humid summers paired with cold winters and variable soil from the Delta to the Appalachians—demands trees that establish quickly and survive without coddling. The right fast-growing species here must handle heavy clay, periodic drought, and the state’s signature freeze-thaw cycles without losing their canopy or vigor.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years researching tree growth rates, soil compatibility data, and aggregated owner feedback across the Southeast to identify which species deliver real, measurable results in Tennessee’s specific hardiness zones.
This guide breaks down seven proven options, from privacy screens to shade giants, so you can confidently select the best fast growing trees in tennessee for your property’s conditions and your landscaping goals.
How To Choose The Best Fast Growing Trees In Tennessee
Tennessee spans from USDA Zone 5 in the eastern mountains to Zone 8 in the western lowlands, which means a tree that thrives in Memphis may struggle near Gatlinburg. The key is matching the species’ hardiness range to your specific location while also considering soil drainage and the tree’s ultimate size.
Match Hardiness Zone First
Before buying, confirm the tree’s zone rating covers your county. Eastern Tennessee (Zone 5-6) needs cold-hardy species like the Red Maple, while western areas (Zone 7-8) can handle more heat-loving options like Crape Myrtle and Vitex. Ignoring this wastes money and time.
Consider Mature Size and Your Space
A tree that grows 3 feet per year sounds ideal—until it reaches 50 feet tall and threatens the foundation or power lines. Measure your planting area’s width and overhead clearance. For small lots, compact options like the Little Gem Magnolia (20 ft) or Catawba Crape Myrtle (15 ft) provide fast growth without overcrowding.
Prioritize Soil Tolerance
Much of Tennessee sits on clay that holds water poorly. Trees like the Autumn Blaze Maple and Green Giant Arborvitae tolerate clay better than many species. Avoid planting trees that demand sandy, acidic soil unless you are prepared to amend a large area.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Red Maple | Shade Tree | Large property shade | 60 ft mature height | Amazon |
| Autumn Blaze Maple | Shade Tree | Fast fall color | 50 ft height, red-orange fall | Amazon |
| Thuja Green Giant | Privacy Screen | Year-round hedge | 3 ft growth per year | Amazon |
| Little Gem Magnolia | Evergreen Flower | Fragrant blooms + privacy | 20-25 ft height, white flowers | Amazon |
| Texas Lilac Vitex | Flowering Tree | Pollinator gardens | 15 ft height, purple blooms | Amazon |
| Catawba Crape Myrtle | Flowering Tree | Long summer color | 1-2 ft shipped, purple flowers | Amazon |
| Olive Tree Arbequina | Fruit Tree | Edible landscaping | 20 ft height, self-pollinating | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. American Red Maple Shade Tree
The American Red Maple from DAS Farms ships at a strong 3 feet tall, giving it a significant head start over smaller competitors. This species is one of the most adaptable maples for Tennessee, thriving across Zones 3 through 9—covering the entire state from the mountains to the Mississippi. Its aggressive root system and fast canopy development make it a true shade tree in under a decade.
The seller guarantees a successful transplant for 30 days if you follow the included instructions, which is a solid buffer given that deciduous trees shipped in winter arrive leafless and dormant. California orders are packed per state regulations, which speaks to the nursery’s experience with interstate shipping. The tree is shipped bare-root ready for ground planting only—do not attempt to keep it in a container.
Expect brilliant green summer foliage that transitions to deep red in autumn, providing both cooling shade and seasonal beauty. The mature height of 60 feet demands a spacious yard, so this is best for open lots rather than small suburban plots. For the price, the 3-foot starter size and genetic hardiness make this a top-tier investment for Tennessee landscapes.
What works
- Shipped at 3 feet tall—larger than most competitors
- Covers Zones 3-9, ideal for all of Tennessee
- 30-day transplant guarantee from a reputable nursery
What doesn’t
- 60-ft mature height requires substantial property space
- Bare-root delivery may be a concern for novice planters
2. Autumn Blaze Maple Tree
The Autumn Blaze Maple is widely regarded as one of the fastest-growing maples, often adding 3 to 4 feet per year once established. This hybrid combines the speed of the Silver Maple with the strong structure and vivid fall color of the Red Maple. It is well-suited to Zones 3-8, meaning eastern and middle Tennessee growers are in the sweet spot, but western Zone 9 areas may see reduced longevity.
Shipped in a 1-gallon nursery pot with care instructions, this tree prefers acidic soil—something to note if your Tennessee clay is more alkaline. The manufacturer recommends planting in full sun with regular watering for the first few years, after which moderate drought tolerance kicks in. Late-winter pruning helps maintain shape during those rapid growth years.
The fall display is the main draw: leaves turn a brilliant mix of bright orange and red that lasts for weeks. The symmetrical, rounded canopy reaches 40-50 feet at maturity with a 30-40 foot spread, so plan accordingly. This tree cannot ship to California, Arizona, Alaska, or Hawaii due to agricultural restrictions, but Tennessee buyers are fully covered.
What works
- Exceptional 3-4 ft annual growth rate
- Striking orange-red fall color
- Drought tolerant once established
What doesn’t
- Prefers acidic soil—amendments may be needed in alkaline clay
- Limited to Zones 3-8; not ideal for far west Tennessee
3. Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae (10 Pack)
If your primary goal is a fast, dense privacy screen, the Thuja Green Giant is the gold standard. This pack of 10 potted plants at 7-10 inches tall gives you an instant hedge starter. Each tree grows approximately 3 feet per year, and when spaced 6-7 feet apart, they weave together into a solid evergreen wall within a few seasons.
Hardy in Zones 5-9, the Thuja covers all of Tennessee except the coldest mountain ridges in far eastern Zone 4 pockets. The evergreen foliage stays lush and green through winter, unlike deciduous options that go bare. Mature height reaches 40 feet tall with a 15-foot spread per tree, so these are a permanent structure in the landscape.
The shipment includes a five-day guarantee, and Panter Nursery offers replacement support within 30 days if issues arise. Note that the warranty excludes severe weather conditions, so ordering outside extreme heat or cold is wise. These are potted plants in soil, not bare-root, which improves transplant success rates for gardeners of any experience level.
What works
- 10-pack provides an economical head start on a hedge
- Evergreen privacy that does not drop leaves in winter
- Hardy across Zones 5-9 covering most of Tennessee
What doesn’t
- Plants arrive at 7-10 inches; patience needed for first year
- 40-ft height may be too tall for small suburban lots
4. Little Gem Magnolia
The Little Gem Magnolia delivers classic Southern elegance in a compact, fast-growing evergreen package. Unlike full-size magnolias that can top 80 feet, Little Gem tops out at 20-25 feet with a narrow 10-15 foot spread, making it suitable for entryways, patio corners, and smaller yards. It ships at 1-2 feet tall in a grower’s pot with easy-to-use plant food included.
Blooms appear from summer through fall with large, fragrant white flowers that carry a sweet-note aroma. The leaves are dark green and glossy on top with a bronze-brown underside—a classic magnolia look that stays on the tree year-round. No pruning is needed to maintain its naturally compact, pyramidal shape.
Perfect Plants backs the shipment with clear growing instructions, and the tree requires moderate watering with good drainage. Hardy in Zones 7-9, it is best suited for middle and western Tennessee rather than the colder eastern mountains. The fast growth rate for a magnolia means you will see measurable height gain each season without sacrificing the iconic floral display.
What works
- Compact mature size ideal for smaller landscapes
- Fragrant white blooms summer through fall
- Evergreen foliage provides year-round structure
What doesn’t
- Not cold-hardy enough for Eastern Tennessee’s Zone 5
- Slower first-year growth compared to maples or Thuja
5. Texas Lilac Vitex Tree
The Texas Lilac Vitex, also known as Chaste Tree, offers fast growth with minimal maintenance—a winning combination for Tennessee gardeners who want quick results without fuss. Shipped in a quart container at 10-14 inches tall, this deciduous tree establishes rapidly and produces fragrant purple flower spikes from late spring through summer. It is drought tolerant once established, which is ideal for Tennessee’s dry August stretches.
Hardy in Zones 6-10, it covers most of the state except the coldest eastern valleys. The mature height of 10-20 feet with a similar spread makes it a manageable size for suburban landscapes. Pollinators flock to the blooms, so it doubles as a butterfly and bee magnet. Crape Myrtle Guy, the seller, ships in the original nursery container—never bare root—ensuring the root system arrives intact.
Customer reviews highlight how well these thrive in Zone 8b (North Texas) with zero maintenance, suggesting Tennessee’s similar climate will provide excellent results. The tree blooms on new growth, so early spring pruning encourages denser flowering. For a budget-friendly, fast-growing ornamental that pulls its weight in the garden, this Vitex is hard to beat.
What works
- Drought tolerant and low maintenance after establishment
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
- Shipped in original container with intact root system
What doesn’t
- Deciduous—loses leaves and goes bare in winter
- Small starter size requires patience for first full bloom
6. Catawba Crape Myrtle
The Catawba Crape Myrtle from DAS Farms is bred for long, hot summers, making it a natural fit for Tennessee’s Zone 7-10 regions. Shipped at 1-2 feet tall in a trade gallon container, it is ready to plant directly into the ground—the seller explicitly warns against transplanting into another container. The massive purple flower spikes blanket the tree from summer into early fall, providing extended color when many other trees have finished blooming.
This is a deciduous tree, so do not be alarmed if it arrives leafless during winter dormancy. DAS Farms guarantees a successful transplant for 30 days provided you follow the included planting instructions. The tree thrives in full sun with regular watering, and its compact mature size makes it suitable for foundation plantings or as a specimen in a flower bed.
California orders are packed per state regulations, confirming the nursery’s shipping expertise. For Tennessee buyers, this means the tree arrives well-protected. The extended bloom time is a standout feature—few trees offer such a prolonged, vivid flowering window with this level of heat tolerance.
What works
- Extended bloom time from summer through early fall
- 30-day transplant guarantee with clear instructions
- Compact size fits smaller yards and garden beds
What doesn’t
- Must be planted directly in ground, not in containers
- Deciduous—bare in winter, which may surprise new owners
7. Olive Tree Arbequina (4 Pack)
The Arbequina Olive tree is a unique addition to this list, offering both ornamental beauty and edible fruit. This 4-pack from Fam Plants ships in individual pots with damp roots and fully green leaves, giving you a small grove for the price of a single tree. The silvery-green foliage adds a Mediterranean touch to Tennessee landscapes, and the compact 20-foot height keeps them manageable.
These are self-pollinating, so you only need one tree to get olives suitable for curing or pressing into oil. The organic material features and air-purification claims are nice bonuses, but the main draw is the low-maintenance nature of the species once established in well-draining soil. They need regular watering but show good tolerance for various soil conditions.
Customer reviews note that these arrived healthy but small, with one reviewer losing one of four trees after transplant. The key is following the instructions and avoiding transplant shock—several reviewers reported thriving plants after careful potting. The 4-pack format gives you redundancy, so even if one struggles, you still have three trees advancing toward fruit production within a few seasons.
What works
- 4-pack offers value and redundancy against loss
- Self-pollinating—produces fruit with a single tree
- Attractive silvery-green foliage year-round
What doesn’t
- Olives require specific curing knowledge for eating
- Cold-sensitive—may need protection in Zone 5 areas
Hardware & Specs Guide
Mature Height & Spread
The single most important spec for Tennessee buyers is the tree’s ultimate size. A tree that reaches 60 feet (like the American Red Maple) demands open space far from foundations and power lines. Compact species like the Vitex (15 ft) and Catawba Crape Myrtle (15 ft) fit tighter lots but still provide fast growth. Always measure your planting zone’s horizontal and vertical clearance before choosing.
Growth Rate Per Year
“Fast-growing” is relative. The Thuja Green Giant claims 3 feet per year, while maples typically add 2-4 feet annually depending on soil and water. Olive trees and Vitex grow moderately fast once rooted but may lag in the first year. Real-world growth is influenced by your planting technique, watering consistency, and whether you amend clay soil. Expect slightly slower first-year performance in heavy Tennessee clay.
FAQ
What is the fastest growing tree for privacy in Tennessee?
Can I grow olive trees in Tennessee successfully?
Which fast-growing tree offers the best fall color for Tennessee?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most Tennessee homeowners seeking a fast-growing shade tree, the best fast growing trees in tennessee winner is the American Red Maple because it delivers rapid vertical growth, brilliant fall color, and cold hardiness across the state’s entire zone range. If you need a dense privacy screen, grab the Thuja Green Giant. And for compact, fragrant beauty with edible potential, nothing beats the Olive Tree Arbequina 4-Pack.