If you rely heavily on wood for heating or cooking, planting fast-growing species can help replenish your supply quickly. While slower-growing hardwoods like oak or hickory produce outstanding heat, they can take decades to mature. Fast-growing trees aren’t always as dense but often provide a steady supply of decent firewood, especially if appropriately managed.
1. Hybrid Poplar (Temperate Climates)
Where It Thrives: Cooler, temperate regions with sufficient rainfall.
Why It’s Popular: Hybrid poplars can grow several feet a year, making them one of the fastest options in moderate climates. They’re relatively easy to establish and can reach harvestable size in just 5–7 years.
Firewood Quality: While poplar isn’t as hot-burning as oak or maple, it seasons quickly and is good for shoulder-season fires or mixing with denser logs.
2. Eucalyptus (Warm, Mild Climates)
Where It Thrives: Mediterranean or subtropical zones.
Why It’s Popular: Certain eucalyptus species shoot up quickly and yield dense wood that burns hotter than you’d expect from a fast-grower.
Firewood Quality: Eucalyptus splits easily once seasoned, and it gives off a pleasant aroma. Just be aware that the high oil content can lead to more spark and snap in the fire, so keep a screen in front of your fireplace.
3. Willow (Moist Areas)
Where It Thrives: Wet, swampy regions or near water sources.
Why It’s Popular: Willow trees love moisture and can grow rapidly in the right conditions, easily towering over other species in a short span.
Firewood Quality: Willow logs aren’t as dense and burn faster. They produce moderate heat but are excellent for kindling or mixing with slower-burning hardwoods. Seasoning well helps reduce smoke.
4. Paulownia (Rapid Growth in Warmer Climates)
Where It Thrives: Mild to warm climates with good drainage.
Why It’s Popular: Known as the “princess tree,” Paulownia is famous for its incredible growth speed—up to 10 feet in a year under ideal conditions.
Firewood Quality: Lightweight and not as long-lasting as traditional hardwoods, but it seasons quickly and ignites easily. It’s often used as a supplemental fuel rather than a main heat source.
5. Pine (Colder Climates)
Where It Thrives: Cooler, upland areas with moderate to ample rainfall.
Why It’s Popular: Many pines—like Lodgepole Pine—grow swiftly and reforest quickly in cooler climates. They’re also relatively easy to manage.
Firewood Quality: Pine burns hot but fast. Resins can create more creosote, so proper seasoning is critical. It’s a great choice for starting fires or mixing with denser wood to maintain steady heat.
Final Thoughts
Fast-growing trees won’t always match the high heat output or long burn of slower-growing hardwoods. But in many climates, they’re a practical option for replenishing your wood supply. No matter which species you choose, proper seasoning is still key—aim to dry the wood to below 20% moisture content for cleaner, more efficient burns. With good management, these fast-growers can keep your woodpile stocked without the decades-long wait.