10 Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees In Michigan For Beauty

Michigan has several trees species you can find throughout the state. Some are deciduous and the rest are evergreen trees. While the deciduous species display colorful shades in fall, the evergreen catches the attention for its year-round greenery.

Not to mention that they are fast-growing trees, allowing you to enjoy their beauty sooner (even some will give you great privacy in your home).

If you are interested in having fast-growing evergreen trees in Michigan for beauty and privacy, you may want to take a look at our amazing evergreen trees collection.

Let’s dive in!

BEST Fast-Growing Evergreen Trees In Michigan

Michigan’s landscapes have a secret: rapid-transforming evergreen wonders. While our winters are iconic, there’s magic in the evergreens that stand tall and defy the changing seasons. If patience isn’t your forte and you’re dreaming of an immediate green canopy, you’re in for a treat.

Let’s delve into Michigan’s fastest-growing evergreen champions!

1. Eastern White Pine (Pinus Strobus)

fast-growing evergreen trees michigan
Eastern White Pine (Pinus Strobus)

It is impossible not to include the Eastern White Pine tree or pinus strobus in the list of fast-growing evergreen trees in Michigan as it belongs to the fast-growing shade trees that will provide you a shade tree as soon as it is established in your landscape.

This native tree can grow a 50 to 80 feet tall straight trunk with 100 to 180 cm in diameter, a huge tree to cover the land from the sun. It has needle-like foliage that forms a pyramidal shape when young and turns into a conical crown that is a bit rounded to flatten with horizontal and ascending branches as it ages.

Furthermore, this medium-size conifer grows naturally in dry, rocky, and sandy soil types under full sun. Nonetheless, it performs best in moist, well-drained soil and cool, humid climates. Despite being a frost-hardy and moderately drought-tolerant, this fast-growing evergreen tree is intolerant to many pollutants, such as salts and sulfur dioxide.

2. Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja Plicata)

fast-growing evergreen trees michigan
Small Thuja Plicata

Besides Green Giant Arborvitae, this species is also known as Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae since it is a hybrid between Thuja standishii and Plicata ‘Green Giant’. It is a large, hardy evergreen tree with a pyramidal shape that boasts up to three feet per year until reaching mature height, creating a perfect hedgerow and border to your garden.

This fast-growing also features dense blue-green foliage that offers any homeowner both beauty and privacy at the same time.

Green Giant Arborvitae
Green Giant Arborvitae

In addition, growing Green Giant Arborvitae only requires low maintenance. It thrives in full sun yet copes well in shady places too! This tree has no problem with various soil types and conditions, though it does best in moist soils.

Moreover, it is adaptable to the growing conditions; the Thuja Green Giant is also drought-resistant, deer-resistant, and most pests and diseases-free. Knowing its growing habit, you don’t need to bother pruning because it will naturally form a pyramid.

3. Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x Leylandii)

fast-growing evergreen trees michigan
Leyland Cypress (Cupressus x Leylandii)

Some cypress can grow in Michigan, like Italian Cypress, Arizona Cypress, and Leyland Cypress. However, the Leyland Cypress is the fastest growing evergreen tree among the species.

It is usually grown as landscaping trees, Christmas trees, and privacy screens, thanks to its pyramidal dense, green foliage and extremely rapid growth rate. The cypress can even grow to up to 3-4 feet per year in the proper growing conditions, where it can grow to up to 60-70 feet tall.

Moreover, it is one of the fast-growing evergreen trees in Michigan that is best planted in fertile, moist, well-drained soils with acidic to alkaline pH. This cypress tree also favors full sun to partial shade lighting levels.

In addition, pruning is not necessary unless you want to maintain a particular shape and height. In that case, you must prepare to perform regular pruning considering its fast growth rate.

4. Norway Spruce (Picea Abies)

fast-growing evergreen trees michigan
Norway Spruce (Picea Abies)

Despite being native to North and Central Europe, Picea abies or Norway Spruce can thrive in the Michigan climate. Like most spruce, it features green four-sided needle-like foliage about one inch long, showing off its greenery all season long.

In its native habitat, Norway Spruce is a valuable species whose wood and fiber are beneficial for the pulp and paper industry. Some parts of this tree are also edible, for example, immature female cones which taste sweet when roasted.

Among other spruce species, Picea abies is the most climate-tolerant one. Furthermore, it is a hardy tree that can handle extreme weather conditions in Michigan, like harsh winter. With that being said, it can provide shelters for birds from bad weather and predators.

Nonetheless, this sun-loving tree prefers a cool summer climate with average, acidic, moist, well-drained soils to thrive. The species is best grown in the US hardiness zones 4 to 7.

5. Red Pine (Pinus Resinosa)

fast-growing evergreen trees michigan
Red Pine (Pinus Resinosa)

Pinus resinosa or Red Pine is a large, fast-growing evergreen conifer, with a straight trunk and small, rounded crown of spreading branches. This state tree of Minnesota has reddish bronze barks covered up the trunk and is adorned with two clusters of dark green needles.

Additionally, it has a fast growth rate in its first 30-60 years of life, generally growing to 60-75 feet tall on average and sometimes almost 125 feet tall or more. For that reason, it is worth mentioning in the fast-growing evergreen trees in Michigan collection.

fast-growing evergreen trees michigan
Red Pine Needles

To start growing Red Pine, you have to meet several requirements. It favors sandy or gravelly, acidic soil type with dry to moist conditions under sun exposure. Since it can grow in dry soil, the water requirement is low; thus, making it easier for you to maintain it.

Like the previous species, pinus resinosa is an essential raw material in the paper industry, where wood is also useful for bridges, piles, and railway ties.

6. White Spruce (Picea Glauca)

fast-growing evergreen trees michigan
White Spruce (Picea Glauca)

True to its name, White Spruce or Picea glauca has silvery-green needle foliage that appears white when seen from afar. It bears compact branches covered with needles that sweep off the ground, while the cones are more abundant at the top of the tree.

Even though its growth is not as fast as other mentioned evergreen trees, it still deserves a space considering its charming appearance that makes the species popular as ornamental trees.

White Spruce Trees
White Spruce Trees

Other than being beautiful, this native tree to Michigan is not hard to maintain. It can grow well under the sun, in partial shade, or the shade on many soil types, such as loam or alluvium. You can also provide dry or moist soil conditions since it can tolerate both. Furthermore, it is a spruce species with high tolerance to drought, heat and cold climates, and wind.

Fast-Growing Deciduous Trees in Michigan

Besides fast-growing evergreen trees, Michigan has some popular fast-growing deciduous trees. They mostly exhibit their beauty in fall when all the leaves turn into yellow, orange, or red shades. Plus, some species are flower-bearing, making them even more captivating.

Interested in growing them in your yard? Find yours below!

7. Northern Catalpa (Catalpa Speciosa)

Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)
Northern Catalpa (Catalpa Speciosa)

Imagine having 98 feet tall-tree full of green and white? You can have it when you plant Northern Catalpa in your yard. It is a flowering deciduous tree that will charm you with blooming white flowers from mid-spring to early summer. Plus, the heart-shaped green leaves have stunningly decorated the tree, creating a wonderful sight to its appearance.

Unfortunately, Catalpa speciosa has a short-lived life span despite its rapid growth. However, it is still worth growing for its excellent characteristics. The fast-growing deciduous tree thrives in a wide range of soil types as long as they are deep, rich, moist soils.

Even though being a moist-loving species, the water requirement is low. Instead of the sun, it prefers partial shade to grow.

8. Quaking Aspen (Populus Tremuloides)

Quaking Aspen Trees (Populus Tremuloides)
Quaking Aspen Trees (Populus Tremuloides)

Populus tremuloides is popular in its common name, Quaking Aspen or American Aspen. Similar to the previous fast-growing deciduous tree species, its height can reach 98 feet tall. The medium-sized tree has a pyramidal growing habit with a rounded crown full of dazzling dark green leaves that will later turn golden yellow in the fall.

Quaking Aspen
Quaking Aspen Leaves

Considering its size and beauty, Quaking Aspen is widely planted as ornamental trees. This sun-loving tree best performs in fertile, humusy, moist but well-drained soils.

Since it has a robust root system and can grow up to 20-50 feet tall, it is not recommended to plant this tree near the building because it can damage the building structure and polluter the roof tiles with fallen leaves.

9. Red Sunset Maple (Acer Rubrum ‘Franksred’)

Red Sunset Maple (Acer Rubrum 'Franksred')
Red Sunset Maple (Acer Rubrum ‘Franksred’)

Who does not familiar with Maple? This species is well-known for the syrup and beautiful finger-like foliage. The leaves will stay green through spring and summer, then turn yellow to vibrant red as autumn approaches.

It grows from pyramidal to an oval shape, which starts by forming a cone-like shape and ends with a rounded crown as the tree and branches develop. Despite not belonging to fast-growing evergreen trees in Michigan, this species deserves labeled as the prettiest tree in the state.

Red-Sunset-Maple
Red Sunset Maple

Because of its attractive foliage, Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’ tree is a favorite cultivar for those who want to add dramatic fall color and provide shade to their landscape.

Although it tolerates light shade, Red Sunset Maple does best in full sun. It also favors acidic, well-drained soil to thrive. In its early establishment, perform regular watering to develop a broad root system. Additionally, pruning is necessary only if you want to keep the shape and small size of the tree.

10. Silver Maple (Acer Saccharinum)

Silver Maple (Acer Saccharinum)
Silver Maple (Acer Saccharinum)

Having lush trees is fun, especially during hot summer. And for that reason, Silver Maple or acer saccharinum, can be a great option to provide shade to your landscape.

It is a medium-sized ornamental tree that produces attractive summer green foliage while stunning soft yellow shades slowly appear in the fall. Thanks to these features, Silver Maple is among the fast-growing deciduous trees in Michigan to give you a breathtaking landscape.

Silver Maple
Silver Maple Leaves

Unlike Red Sunset Maple, Silver Maple can grow under the sun, in partial shade, and shady areas on the rich, wet to moist, and slightly acidic soils. Knowing it loves moisture, regular watering is suggested. Despite being so eye-catching, it is not recommended to be planted near sidewalks because the vigorous roots can damage the paving.

Final Thought

In the heart of Michigan, where seasons paint vivid tales, fast-growing evergreen trees stand as timeless sentinels, offering year-round verdant splendor. Their rapid growth not only provides immediate beauty but also serves as nature’s shield against the elements.

If you’ve been contemplating adding one to your landscape, don’t hesitate. Embrace these green giants, and watch as they transform your space into a living testament to nature’s endurance and charm.


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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Michigan’s cold is legendary. Are these evergreens up for the challenge?

Oh, absolutely! These evergreens wear their winter armor with pride. Still, remember to quench their thirst before winter sets in. A blanket of mulch also works wonders, giving those roots a cozy winter snuggle.

What is the fastest-growing evergreen tree for privacy in Michigan?

Thuja Green Giant or Green Giant Arborvitae is the fastest-growing evergreen tree you can choose to create perfect privacy in your garden. It also belongs to the massive trees since it grows tall and wide with dense green foliage, offering you both beauty and privacy.

Besides evergreen trees, you can try to plant evergreen shrubs for privacy, such as Emerald Arborvitae, which can grow 10-12 feet with 3 feet wide. Or, if you want to choose slow-growing evergreen trees, Eastern Red Cedar may be a good fit since it offers dense foliage and grows pretty tall. It is also drought, heat, and cold-tolerant – the qualities you can always ask for the privacy trees.

What is the fastest-growing pine tree in Michigan?

Eastern White Pine is the absolute answer when it comes to the fastest-growing pine tree in Michigan. This native tree has a fast growth rate, up to 2-3 feet or more per year. It also can grow a 50 to 80 feet tall straight trunk with 100 to 180 cm in diameter, a huge tree to cover the land from the sun.

Are fast-growing evergreen trees hardy for all of Michigan’s zones?

Most fast-growing evergreens are versatile and hardy across Michigan’s zones. However, always check the USDA hardiness zone for each tree. Some may be more suited to Michigan’s colder northern regions, while others thrive in the slightly warmer south. Research is key to ensure the right fit for your specific area.

How often should I water a newly planted evergreen?

Initially, water the tree deeply and regularly. The first year is crucial for root establishment. While evergreens are generally drought-tolerant once mature, they require consistent moisture early on. Adjust watering based on rainfall and soil moisture, ensuring a balanced regime.

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