7 Fast-Growing Trees in Brisbane & Ipswich — And Why Fast Growth Can Become a Problem
Fast-growing trees sound like the perfect solution.
You plant a small tree, give it some water and sunshine, and before you know it, you've got shade, privacy and a beautiful established tree in your backyard.
The problem?
Sometimes “fast-growing” means very fast-growing.
In Brisbane, Ipswich and South East Queensland, our warm climate allows many tree species to grow quickly. That can be fantastic when the tree is planted in the right location, but it can also create problems when a vigorous tree is planted too close to a house, fence, driveway, pool or other structures.
Here are seven fast-growing trees you may come across in Brisbane and Ipswich — and why it's worth thinking about their eventual size before planting or removing one.
1. Chinese Celtis (Chinese Elm)
If you've read our guide to Chinese Elm trees, you'll know this is one tree that can cause plenty of headaches.
Chinese Celtis (Celtis sinensis) is a fast-growing invasive species that has established itself across parts of Queensland. It can spread readily through seeds, with birds and other animals helping distribute them.
It's also remarkably good at establishing itself in places where you probably don't want a tree growing.
You may find seedlings appearing along fence lines, in gardens, beside driveways or in other disturbed areas.
And if you're dealing with an established tree, simply cutting it down isn't necessarily the end of the story.
Want to know more? Read our guide to Chinese Elm Trees →
2. Umbrella Tree
The Umbrella Tree (Schefflera actinophylla) is a familiar sight across Queensland.
It's popular because it grows quickly, has attractive foliage and can provide plenty of shade. The problem is that it can become a very large tree when given the right conditions.
It's also capable of spreading beyond where it was originally planted, particularly in warm, wet environments.
An umbrella tree that looks perfectly manageable when it's young can eventually become a significant tree requiring regular maintenance.
Before planting one, consider how much room you actually have — not just how much room the tree needs today.
3. Leucaena
Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) is another fast-growing species that can become problematic in Queensland.
It can establish quickly in disturbed areas and is capable of forming dense stands.
For homeowners, the lesson is simple: a tree that grows quickly can also become a tree that needs managing quickly.
If you're seeing Leucaena establishing itself around your property, particularly in areas where you don't want vegetation growing, early control is much easier than dealing with a larger established infestation.
4. Camphor Laurel
Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) is one of the more significant invasive tree species found in Queensland.
It can grow into a very large tree, with mature specimens capable of becoming substantial features in the landscape.
That sounds impressive — until you've got one growing in the wrong place.
A large Camphor Laurel close to a house, retaining wall, driveway or neighbouring property needs to be carefully assessed.
It's also worth remembering that large trees don't necessarily need to be removed simply because they're large. A professional arborist can assess their condition, location and surrounding risks and determine whether pruning, monitoring or removal is appropriate.
5. Mulberry
Mulberry trees can be fantastic backyard trees.
They're fast-growing, provide plenty of shade and, of course, produce delicious fruit.
But there's a catch — you're not necessarily the only one who likes mulberries.
When the fruit is ripe, a mulberry tree can attract birds, possums and flying-foxes looking for an easy meal. Flying-foxes are primarily fruit and nectar feeders and will make use of fruiting plants in urban gardens and backyards.
And if you've ever had a large fruiting tree beside your house, you'll know that wildlife isn't the only consideration. Fallen fruit can create a sticky mess on paths, driveways and outdoor entertaining areas, while the activity around the tree can become noisy at night.
Mulberries also need enough space to accommodate their mature canopy.
So while a mulberry can be a lovely backyard tree, think carefully about where you plant one — particularly if you're not keen on sharing your midnight fruit buffet with the neighbourhood flying-foxes.
6. Weeping Fig
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) is another tree that can look innocent when it's small.
Give it the right conditions, however, and it can become a substantial tree.
Like many figs, it develops an extensive root system and can become problematic when planted too close to structures or confined spaces.
This is one of those trees where location really matters.
A large established fig in an appropriate open space can be spectacular.
A large fig planted right beside your house?
That's a very different story.
7. Jacaranda
We couldn't write a Brisbane and Ipswich tree article without mentioning the Jacaranda.
They're one of the most recognisable trees in South East Queensland, particularly when they're flowering in October.
Jacarandas can grow relatively quickly when young and eventually develop a broad canopy.
They're generally much more desirable in the landscape than invasive species such as Chinese Celtis, but that doesn't mean you can plant one anywhere.
Think about:
How wide the canopy will become
The proximity of buildings
Driveways and footpaths
Overhead services
Future pruning requirements
The amount of space available for the tree's roots
A Jacaranda planted in the right location can be beautiful.
A Jacaranda squeezed into a tiny suburban garden can become a maintenance headache.
Is Fast Growth Actually a Bad Thing?
Not alawys.
Fast-growing trees can provide shade, screening and habitat much sooner than slow-growing species.
The important thing is matching the tree to the location.
Before planting any tree, think beyond its current size and ask:
“What is this tree going to look like in 10, 20 or 30 years?”
That tiny plant you can comfortably walk around today could eventually have a canopy several metres wide and a substantial trunk.
This is particularly important in suburban Ipswich and Brisbane, where blocks can be relatively compact and houses, fences, driveways and neighbouring properties are often close together.
What Happens When a Fast-Growing Tree Gets Too Big?
This is where we get many of our calls.
A tree may have started out perfectly harmless, but years of rapid growth can eventually result in:
Branches growing over roofs
Deadwood developing within the canopy
Branches becoming too close to powerlines
Trees interfering with buildings or structures
Roots affecting paving or other infrastructure
Excessive shading
Overhanging neighbouring properties
A tree becoming difficult or unsafe for the homeowner to maintain
And once a tree becomes large, DIY tree removal isn't a weekend gardening job anymore.
Large trees require proper equipment, planning and experience to remove safely.
Don't Wait Until the Tree Becomes a Problem
One of the best things you can do with a fast-growing tree is simply keep an eye on it.
Regular professional pruning can help manage the canopy, remove dead or damaged branches and identify potential problems before they become serious.
If a tree is already becoming too large for its location, an arborist can assess whether pruning, ongoing management or removal is the most appropriate option.
The earlier you deal with a tree, the more options you generally have.
Thinking About Planting a Fast-Growing Tree?
Before you head to the nursery, do a little homework.
Consider the tree's:
Mature height
How tall will it actually become?
Mature canopy
How much space will the branches eventually need?
Root characteristics
Could the root system become an issue in a confined location?
Maintenance requirements
Will it require regular pruning?
Location
What happens when the tree reaches full size?
And perhaps most importantly:
Is the species suitable for your area?
Some fast-growing species are restricted or invasive in Queensland, so it's important to know what you're planting before you put it in the ground.
Need Help With a Tree That's Getting Too Big?
Whether you've got a fast-growing tree that's outgrown its space, an invasive species taking over your backyard or simply a tree you're concerned about, Brien's Tree Solutions can help assess the situation.
We work with homeowners throughout Ipswich, Brisbane's western suburbs and surrounding areas to provide professional tree pruning, tree removal and tree management services.
And remember — the best time to think about how big a tree will become is before it gets big.
Concerned about a tree on your property? Get in touch with Brien's Tree Solutions →
