11 Shade Trees That Grow Fast

Fast-Growing Shade Tree: London Plane Tree

London plane tree (Platanus x acerifolia) is believed to be a cross between the American sycamore and the Oriental plane tree. It grows 13 to 24 inches a year, which is less than the American sycamore. However, London plane tree is more resistant to anthracnose, a disfiguring fungal disease that causes the latter to lose leaves in hot, humid weather.

London plane tree is amenable to various soils and withstands pollution as well. It grows 75 to 100 feet tall and 80 feet wide and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 5 to 9.