30 Fast Growing Trees in India for Shade, Fruit, and Commercial Use

I still remember walking through a village lane lined with fast growing trees in India like young neem and kadam. Just a few years earlier, they were tiny saplings and now their branches covered the entire road in shade. That’s the magic of fast-growing trees — they don’t just grow quickly, they transform spaces and lives.

If you’re looking to add trees that grow fast and offer benefits like shade, fruit or income, this list brings together India’s best 30 species divided into three simple categories.

A. Fast Growing Shade Trees in India

1. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

A hardy evergreen that grows fast and gives thick shade. It’s low maintenance and known for its medicinal properties.

2. Rain Tree (Samanea saman)

A massive, umbrella-shaped tree that spreads quickly and gives cool shade. Ideal for parks, roadsides, and open farms.

3. Gulmohar (Delonix regia)

Known for its red-orange flowers, Gulmohar grows fast and offers ornamental beauty along with partial shade.

4. Ashoka (Polyalthia longifolia)

A tall, evergreen tree that grows upright, giving filtered shade and privacy without spreading roots widely.

5. Silver Oak (Grevillea robusta)

Tall and fast-growing, it provides light shade and is often planted for both timber and landscape value.

6. Kadam (Neolamarckia cadamba)

A tropical beauty with fragrant round flowers. It grows fast and forms a dense crown that cools the surroundings.

7. Amaltas (Cassia fistula)

Famous for its golden summer flowers, Amaltas grows quickly and provides partial shade with bright seasonal color.

8. Karanj (Pongamia pinnata)

Fast-growing and dense, Karanj doubles as a nitrogen fixer that enriches soil while giving reliable shade.

9. Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)

Soft violet blooms and fast growth make Jacaranda a favorite for avenues and gardens seeking decorative shade.

10. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

A sturdy, fast-growing tree with large leaves and cooling shade, often planted near water bodies.

B. Fast Growing Fruit Trees in India

11. Moringa (Drumstick)

One of the fastest-growing trees, Moringa gives edible pods and leaves rich in nutrients within the first year.

12. Papaya

Papaya grows rapidly and starts producing sweet fruits in less than a year under warm, sunny conditions.

13. Guava

A tough and adaptable fruit tree that grows quickly and gives fruits for many years with minimal care.

14. Banana

Banana plants shoot up fast, providing fruits in less than a year and lush greenery to any space.

15. Mulberry

Fast-growing and rewarding, Mulberry gives sweet berries and supports silkworms — perfect for home gardens.

16. Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

A traditional Indian tree valued for its vitamin-rich fruits and quick growth in both dry and humid regions.

17. Custard Apple (Sitaphal)

Custard apple grows well in dry climates, producing creamy fruits within a few years.

18. Jamun

Jamun grows quickly, giving tasty purple fruits while also providing cool shade and clean air.

19. Ber (Indian Jujube)

A fast-growing hardy fruit tree that thrives even in arid soils and gives fruits within two years.

20. Pomegranate

A valuable fruit tree that grows fast and gives glossy red fruits in just a few years.

C. Fast Growing Commercial Trees in India

21. Poplar (Populus deltoides)

Poplar is one of India’s fastest timber trees, often growing 4–5 meters each year under good conditions.

22. Eucalyptus

Known for rapid growth and adaptability, Eucalyptus is ideal for timber, oil, and pulp industries.

23. Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala)

Subabul grows extremely fast and is used for fodder, firewood, and pulp. It’s perfect for agroforestry.

24. Mahogany

Mahogany is a valuable hardwood tree that grows faster than teak and offers long-term returns.

25. Bamboo

Bamboo can grow several meters in a season, making it one of the fastest-growing plants on earth.

26. Acacia auriculiformis

This hardy tree grows quickly and is widely planted for timber and fuel wood across India.

27. Teak (Tectona grandis)

Though known for durability, teak grows faster under proper care and is highly valued for furniture wood.

28. Melia dubia (Malabar Neem)

A farmer’s favorite, Melia dubia grows tall quickly and is ideal for commercial timber plantations.

29. Casuarina

Casuarina grows fast and serves as an excellent windbreak tree, providing poles and fuel wood.

30. Gmelina arborea (Gamhar)

Gamhar is a fast-growing, light-colored timber tree popular for furniture and reforestation projects.

Tips to Grow Fast-Growing Trees Effectively

1. Choose native or region-suitable species for quicker establishment.
2. Use organic compost or cow dung during early growth.
3. Water deeply twice a week instead of frequent shallow watering.
4. Prune regularly to shape young trees and encourage healthy branching.

FAQ

Q1. Which is the fastest growing tree in India?
Poplar and Bamboo top the list. Under proper care, Poplar can grow around 5 meters a year, making it ideal for commercial use.

Q2. Which fruit tree grows the fastest in India?
Moringa and Papaya are the quickest. Both start yielding in less than a year and are perfect for home gardens.

Q3. What are the best shade trees for small gardens?
Ashoka, Kadam, and Guava are compact, grow fast, and don’t damage nearby structures with their roots.

Q4. Which trees are best for commercial plantation in India?
Melia dubia, Subabul, and Poplar are top choices because they mature fast and give high-value timber within a few years.

Q5. How can I make my trees grow faster naturally?
Regular mulching, organic fertilizer, and sufficient sunlight help trees grow faster. Avoid overwatering and ensure proper spacing for roots.

Conclusion

Fast-growing trees save time and bring visible change within a few years — whether it’s shade, fruit, or profit.
Whether you want quick shade, homegrown fruits, or a steady income from timber, there’s a fast-growing tree that fits your goal.
Tell us in the comments — what kind of trees are you planning to grow this season?