How Fast Does a Yellow Poplar Grow?

Growth Rate

• The yellow poplar, properly referred to as a tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera), is considered to possess a fast rate of growth which, according to the Arbor Day Foundation website, denotes a tree that grows in excess of 24 inches annually. It achieves a mature height of between 70 and 90 feet with a canopy spread of 40 feet. Therefore, this oval, ornamental specimen requires at least 35 years to reach its full height.

Climate

• The speed with which the yellow poplar grows can be affected by the geographic location in which it is planted. The tuliptree is considered to thrive best in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 4 through 9, an area that encompasses most of the U.S. However, it will be adversely affected by the extreme climates prevalent in distinct areas like South Florida and the Upper Midwest.

Concerns

• The yellow poplar enjoys full sunshine and an average amount of moisture in the soil, although it displays some drought-tolerance -- but only in otherwise humid environments. For this shade tree to live up to its reputation as a fast grower it should be planted in well-drained, acidic, sandy or clay soils with a high degree of organic matter. Insects like the tuliptree aphid and tuliptree scale, in addition to diseases like Armillaria root rot, are capable of hampering the health of the tree.

Fun Facts

• Honored as the state tree of both Indiana and Kentucky, the yellow poplar yields a stout appearance. Its long, straight trunk, accentuated by a lack of lower branches, displays nicely in landscape environments. Tuliptrees planted by George Washington at his Mount Vernon estate in Virginia still stand today at a height of 140 feet. The hardwood of the tree has also been a historical favorite for the production of fence posts and railroad ties.