Plan for your landscape by understanding how fast your plants will grow and where they will eventually land

What Determines Growth Rate?

Growth speed varies by:

• Species & cultivar

• Soil quality

• Sunlight exposure

• Watering consistency

• Fertilization & pruning practices

• Microclimate differences across the Bay Area

Standard Growth Rate Categories

Fast-Growing (2–6 ft per year)

Examples:

• Italian Cypress

• Podocarpus gracilior

• Willow hybrid

• Eucalyptus

• Many bamboo varieties

Best for:

• Instant privacy, noise buffering, wind protection

Moderate Growth (1–2 ft per year)

Examples:

• Citrus trees

• Olive trees

• Japanese maples

• Most flowering shrubs

Best for:

• Balanced landscapes needing shape and control

Slow-Growing (under 1 ft per year)

Examples:

• Dwarf conifers

• Topiary forms

• Specialty ornamental plants

Best for:

• Small gardens, patios, decorative focal points

Understanding Mature Size

Each plant has an expected “mature height” and “mature spread.”
This helps determine:

• Proper spacing

• Pruning expectations

• Long-term maintenance

• Whether it will outgrow your location

Example Ranges

• Citrus: 8–15 ft

• Privacy conifers: 15–40+ ft

• Japanese maples: 6–20 ft

• Shrubs (flowering/hedges): 3–12 ft

When in doubt, choose based on:

• Space you realistically have

• Maintenance level you prefer

• Desired look at year 1 vs year 5