2 days ago
10 fast-growing trees in India that you can plant for cooling shade
In a country where the sun can blaze for months and temperatures soar past 45°C, planting trees isn't just a green initiative—it's a necessity. Trees don't just make our surroundings prettier; they cool the ground, purify the air, reduce energy use, and offer welcoming shade.
And if you don't want to wait decades to see results, you're in luck. Some trees grow fast and start providing shade in just a few years. Whether it's your backyard, a school campus, or a roadside stretch, here are ten fast-growing trees in India that you can plant to enjoy a cooling canopy sooner than you'd expect.
Want shade and greenery quick? 10 fast-growing trees to plant now including
Neem
, Kadamb, and more
1. Karanj (Pongamia pinnata)
Time to grow: 3–4 years
Shade: Dense, rounded, cooling
The Karanj is a native Indian tree that grows quickly, even in degraded or waterlogged soils.
Its thick, evergreen leaves offer rich shade. It also enriches the soil through nitrogen fixation and is used in biodiesel production. A sustainable choice for both cities and rural landscapes.
2. Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
Time to grow: 1–2 years for functional shade
Type of shade: Light and patchy
Also called the drumstick tree, moringa can reach up to 4–5 metres within one growing season. While it doesn't have dense foliage, its feathery leaves offer mild shade—great for kitchen gardens and schools.
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3. Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala)
Time to grow: 2–3 years for moderate shade
Type of shade: Light to medium, dappled shade
Subabul is a small to medium-sized tree known for its speedy growth. It's ideal for rural fencing and fuelwood, and its open canopy offers light, cool shade. Grows quickly even in poor soils.
4. Indian Coral Tree (Erythrina variegata)
Time to grow: 2–3 years for usable shade
Type of shade: Moderate, seasonal
With striking red flowers and fast upward growth, the coral tree is often planted around farms.
It offers partial shade in warm months and drops leaves in winter, making it good for mixed-use areas.
5. Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba)
Time to grow: 3–4 years for full canopy
Type of shade: Dense, round canopy
The kadamba is revered for its beauty and shade-giving nature. Its thick foliage forms a near-spherical crown, offering excellent cover for parks, riversides, and temples. Birds love it too!
6. Siris (Albizia lebbeck)
Time to grow: 2–3 years for wide shade
Type of shade: Spreading, moderately dense
The siris tree develops a broad, umbrella-like canopy quickly and is great for both city and rural environments.
Its leaf litter also enriches the soil, making it a smart eco-friendly option.
7. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)
Time to grow: 3–4 years for substantial shade
Type of shade: Sparse to moderate, vertical shade
Eucalyptus trees shoot up quickly and are great for reforestation and open farmlands. While they don't provide very dense shade, their height offers heat protection and strong wind barriers.
8. Melia (Melia dubia)
Time to grow: 3 years for commercial height and shade
Type of shade: Moderate and columnar
Melia grows rapidly and is a preferred timber tree, but its fast-forming canopy also provides practical shade for farms and boundaries.
Best used in rows or clusters for maximum cooling.
9. Gulmohar (Delonix regia)
Time to grow: 3–4 years for full canopy
Type of shade: Broad, light-filtered
Gulmohar spreads horizontally and produces fiery blooms in summer. Its soft, lacy leaves give a filtered shade that's perfect for gardens, schools, and street boulevards.
10. Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Time to grow: 3–5 years for full shade
Type of shade: Dense, cooling, medicinal
Neem trees grow steadily and are low-maintenance.
Their thick foliage creates reliable shade that stays green year-round. Bonus: their leaves repel insects and purify the air naturally.
Planting fast-growing trees is a simple, impactful step toward a cooler and greener future. Depending on your space, soil, and goals—be it shade, aesthetics, or ecology—there's a tree here for every need. Start now, and in just a few years, you'll be walking under your own green canopy.
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