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.

Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is a large deciduous tree native to the Northeastern U.S. and Eastern Canada. "Sugar maples are famed for their distinctive leaves (think: Canadian flag) that explode into ideal fall colors supported by the smooth gray bark of the trunk," says Canney. "In optimal conditions, sugar maple trees can live for several centuries, with some individuals exceeding 400 years of age."

American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) is a woody deciduous tree that's often found in wet river bottoms and swamps, as well as on drier uplands. "It's noted for the star-like leaves and hard, spiked fruits with fall color that resemble embers of a fire," says Canney. "Regular care is essential, including regular watering, especially during periods of drought, and essential during the tree’s establishment phase."

Weeping willow (Salix babylonica) is beloved for its beautiful crown of branches that sweep downward to the ground, says Langelo. "This tree is dioecious with male and female flowers on separate trees. These appear in silvery green catkins," she says. Weeping willows aren't very cold-hardy and are only moderately drought-tolerant.

Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) is a fast grower with peeling white bark and leaves that turn a beautiful shade of yellow in the fall. This tree needs regular watering, especially when it's hot and dry outside or if it's planted in drier soils, says Langelo.

Japanese maples have unparalleled curb appeal and one particularly eye-catching variety is 'Bloodgood.' "It’s a wider spreading Japanese maple and the branching is quite gnarly looking in winter," says Roethling. "New leaves emerge in mid-spring to a coppery red tone before turning burgundy red for the summer."  In fall, the palmate-shaped leaves turn a beautiful crimson color.

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Red lotus tree (Magnolia insignia) is an ideal plant to add as a centerpiece or focal point behind a mass of perennials. "In early summer, white, balloon-shaped buds will gradually open with reddish tones," says Roethling. "It’s a magnolia, therefore expect that soft perfume scent to permeate the afternoon air."