The bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is a deciduous conifer and is special because it's the only conifer that sheds its needles in the fall. (That's how it got its name.) It also produces nice shade when full of foliage and has a high tolerance to air pollution and less-than-ideal soil conditions.

Speaking of fast-growing shade trees that can tolerate extreme conditions: The palo verde (Parkinsonia florida) is a desert native that produces an incredible show every spring via a burst of tiny yellow blooms. These flowers are so dense that they provide nice shade. When not blooming, the lush green leaves step in to provide respite from the desert sun. In the winter, when temperatures are cooler and days are shorter, it drops its leaves and becomes bare.

As you may have guessed, the tulip tree (Liriodendron) gets its name because it produces blossoms that closely resemble springtime tulips. These buds are aromatic and are a golden-green hue ringed with vibrant orange. "The tulip tree, a member of the magnolia family, is one of the largest native trees in North America," says Walz. "Tulip trees are also the host plant for tiger and spicebush swallowtail butterflies."

Though its name might sound sad, the beauty of this elegant tree is anything but. The weeping willow (Salix babylonica) features slender green and silver leaves that droop downward to create a cavern-like effect that's perfect for reading a good book, chatting with a friend, or enjoying a picnic under. It has a romantic, almost storybook appearance and thrives best at the water's edge.

Thuja Green Giant (standishii x plicata 'Green Giant') is a large, fast-growing conifer that sports dense, dark green foliage. It takes on a pyramid shape via its flat splays and stays green throughout the year. "Thuja 'Green Giant' can quickly provide a lush, dense privacy screen that looks great all year round," says Walz. "It requires little or no pruning but can easily be sheared if necessary."

The red maple (Acer rubrum) is indigenous to the eastern United States, though it has spread in popularity across a great portion of the country. "The red maple is used in landscapes for its brilliant fall foliage," Pisegna says. "In the spring, this tree sports red male flowers and red samaras on female trees. Red maple leaves, twigs, and fruits provide a food source for many insects, birds, and mammals.”

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.