If youโve got open land that feels a little too openโbare, exposed, or lacking in purposeโplanting trees is one of the best ways to turn that blank space into something beautiful and functional. But if you donโt want to wait decades for results, fast-growing bare root trees can be a game-changer.
At Cold Stream Farm, weโve been helping property owners, landscapers, and conservation groups bring life to open spaces for over 40 years. Whether youโre looking to create shade, privacy, or a more natural landscape, we have tree species that grow fast and settle in quicklyโall at wholesale prices and with no minimum order required.
Letโs explore how the right fast-growing bare root trees can transform your open land into something vibrant and valuable.
Why Choose Bare Root Trees?
If youโre new to the concept, bare root trees are exactly what they sound like: young trees shipped without soil around their roots. That might sound risky, but itโs actually one of the smartest ways to plant, especially when youโre working with large areas or a tight budget.
Hereโs why:
- Theyโre affordable โ Lower cost per tree means you can plant more for less.
- Theyโre easy to handle โ Lightweight and soil-free, theyโre simple to move and plant.
- They establish fast โ With no container to restrict growth, bare root trees often develop stronger root systems from the start.
- Theyโre perfect for large-scale planting โ Ideal for farmers, wildlife managers, or homeowners with acreage.
Plant them in the spring or fall while theyโre still dormant, and theyโll be off to a strong start.
The Best Fast-Growing Bare Root Trees for Quick Impact
Not all trees are created equal when it comes to growth speed. If you want to see real progress in just a few seasons, these are some of our top recommendations:
Hybrid Poplar
Growth rate: 5 to 8 feet per year
Good for: Windbreaks, privacy screens, fast shade
Why it works: These are some of the quickest growers out there. In just a few years, they can tower over the landscape and provide instant screening or shade. Just give them plenty of room and keep them away from water linesโthey grow aggressively!
Willow (Salix species)
Growth rate: 3 to 6 feet per year
Good for: Wet or low-lying areas, erosion control
Why it works: Willows love moisture and are great for stabilizing soil. Theyโre a smart choice if youโre planting along a stream or dealing with runoff issues. Plus, they have a graceful look that adds character to any open space.
Silver Maple
Growth rate: 3 to 7 feet per year
Good for: Shade, wildlife cover, large yards
Why it works: Silver maples grow wide as well as tall, making them perfect for casting shade over homes, barns, or fields. Theyโre tough, adaptable, and a longtime favorite for quick-growing coverage.
Eastern White Pine
Growth rate: 2 to 3 feet per year
Good for: Evergreen barriers, winter windbreaks
Why it works: Slower than the fastest trees on this list, but steady and reliable. Eastern white pine is a beautiful, soft-needled evergreen that creates year-round privacy and shelter, especially important in northern climates.
Tulip Tree (Tulip Poplar)
Growth rate: 3 to 5 feet per year
Good for: Shade, decorative landscaping
Why it works: Tulip trees are tall, stately, and bloom with unique tulip-like flowers in the spring. Theyโre ideal for people who want both fast growth and ornamental value.
Eastern Cottonwood
Growth rate: 6+ feet per year
Good for: Reforesting large tracts, fast shelter for wildlife
Why it works: If youโve got wide-open land and need to fill it fast, cottonwoods will get the job done. These native trees grow rapidly and are favored in conservation projects and windbreaks alike.
Real-World Uses for Fast-Growing Trees
Itโs easy to think of trees as purely aesthetic, but fast-growing varieties serve a ton of practical purposesโespecially on open land.
Quick Shade – Want to cool down your outdoor space or protect livestock from the summer sun? Fast-growing shade trees like silver maple and tulip tree can make a big difference in just a few years. Youโll get relief from heat faster, and your energy bills may even go down.
Privacy and Wind Protection – If your property feels exposed, trees like hybrid poplar or Eastern white pine can help block wind, reduce noise, and give you a more secluded feel. Plant them in rows for an instant natural fence that only gets better with time.
Reclaiming or Restoring Land – For farms, hunting properties, or conservation areas, fast-growing bare root trees help reclaim land thatโs been cleared or damaged. Trees like willow or cottonwood help bring back native habitat, improve soil, and attract wildlife.
Getting the Best Results with Bare Root Trees
Planting fast-growing trees isnโt difficult, but a little planning goes a long way. Here are some quick tips:
- Plant during dormancy: Spring and fall are best. Get your trees in the ground while theyโre still โsleeping.โ
- Hydrate the roots: Soak them for a few hours before planting so theyโre ready to go.
- Donโt let roots dry out: Keep them covered until youโre ready to plant.
- Water consistently: Young trees need regular watering during their first year.
- Give them room: Fast growers need space to stretchโdonโt overcrowd them.
And if youโre not sure how many to order or what will work best for your land, weโre happy to help.
Why Order from Cold Stream Farm?
Cold Stream Farm is more than just a nurseryโweโre a trusted source for landowners across the Midwest and beyond. Whether youโre planting five trees or five hundred, weโre here to support your project every step of the way.
Open land is a blank slateโbut it doesnโt have to stay that way. With fast-growing bare root trees, you can create a landscape thatโs more beautiful, more functional, and more connected to nature.
Contact Cold Stream Farm at (231) 464-5809 today or visit us online for more information!
