The magnificent ficus tree (Ficus benjamina) grows at an incredibly fast rate and produces a dense display of glossy, dark green foliage. It provides not just wonderful shade but a haven for local birds who are happy to rest on its branches out of the sun's reach. Because of how quickly they grow, it's important to be strategic when planting this tree; its roots can stretch far.

The American elm (Ulmus americana) is native to the eastern United States and provides an elegant, umbrella-shaped canopy and a crown of leaves that cast dense shade. "This is an iconic American tree with large specimens still present in Central Park and along the National Mall in Washington, D.C.," Watkins says. "Disease-resistant cultivars are sold in nurseries, making it possible to grow a piece of American history in your backyard."

Deciduous trees are defined by their seasonal shedding of leaves, which they do to prepare for winter dormancy. These towering plants often fill yards with multiple seasons of interest, from foliage that changes color throughout summer and fall to exfoliating bark that adds beauty to the winter landscape. One downside? Many deciduous tree species can be slow-growing. To help you reap the beauty of these trees without the wait time, consider these expert picks for fast-growing deciduous trees that can grow up to 3 feet a year.

Maple Trees have brown bark, small winged fruits, & reddish-brown twigs. It also has green lobed leaves that change their color to red, yellow & orange in fall.

Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a tall variety with bright green leaves and yellow-green tulip-like flowers, hence the name. "Fall foliage will be shades of golden yellow for this Eastern North American tree," says Mark Canney, urban forester at the Arbor Day Foundation. Avoid overwatering this variety and ensure it gets full sun for better blooming.

Known for its large, maple-shaped leaves, American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) has clusters of beautiful flowers that appear in spring. "However, its most distinguishable feature is the marbled gray, cinnamon, and creamy-white bark," says Canney, adding that this tough, adaptable tree is consistently long-lived.

Bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a deciduous conifer with a feathery appearance. It's native to the Southeastern U.S. and resembles a needled evergreen during the growing season before transitioning into a russet color by fall, says Canney. This variety can grow in both wet and dry conditions.

Looking for a fast-growing showstopper? Consider northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa). "Known for its height and large heart-shaped leaves, this forest favorite looks tropical with its white-to-purple hue of flowers that bloom from May to June and fill the air with sweet fragrance," says Canney. "In late summer or autumn. fruit will appear."

Red oak (Quercus rubru) is an iconic tree with an attractive, broad, rounded canopy of dark green leaves. "The leaves are known for their fall colors, which put on a show of shades of red, burgundy, and copper," says Canney. "Fun fact: The oldest of the red oaks may live to 300 to 500 years of age."

Red maple (Acer rubrum) is a fast-growing deciduous tree that boasts rounded, green leaves and showy red flowers from March to April, says Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University. She says that you shouldn't plant red maple by sidewalks or driveways because of its shallow root system.