It's an arboreal conundrum. Most of us want trees that fill
out fast, but the same qualities that make a tree gain height quickly often
render it a pest or weakling. Consider the fast-growing silver maple, with its
greedy surface roots and weak wood. Then there's the princess tree, touted in
newspaper and online ads, that grows up to 15 feet a year but spreads to such
an extent that in some states it's known as the worst sort of weed.
Conventional wisdom says that slow-maturing trees live
longer and are stronger. So can you grow a tree that'll shoot up without
toppling onto your house?
Yes—with some careful vetting. First, refine your notion of
fast growing to a growth rate of 1½ to 2 feet per year. Or, as Warren Roberts,
longtime superintendent of the UC Davis Arboretum, puts it: "A
fast-growing tree is one you can sit in the shade of, five to six years after
planting." Keep in mind that most trees grow fastest when young and when
planted in soil that supplies optimum moisture and nutrients. Choose well, and
you can enjoy your tree in both the short and long term.
We canvassed tree experts to find good choices for shade,
for screening, or for outstanding ornamental qualities that'll grow in various
areas of the country (check your Plant Hardiness Growing Zone). Read on for a
dozen best shade trees
A shade tree is an investment in your home's future and in
the environment. A misplaced tree is doomed to a stressful and perhaps short
life. A tree that outgrows its space can damage and endanger nearby structures.
No matter what type of shade tree you choose, you need to consider the
following:
Soil - Do a soil test and follow the recommendations. Urban
areas often have shallow or compacted topsoil that needs amending.
Sun - How much sunlight does the site get? Most shade trees
prefer full to partial sun. Check the plant tag for sunlight requirements.
Wind - Strong prevailing winds dry out the tree and the
soil. Trees with dense foliage can be toppled by severe storms.
Space - How much space do you have? Plan for the tree's size
at maturity. The mature height and width should be on the plant tag. You can
also check a plant guide for these key measurements. Remember the space needed
for proper root growth. A tree's roots can grow up to three times the diameter
of the canopy. Consider your neighbors when choosing and planting - they might
not enjoy raking leaves as much as you do. Don't plant a shade tree too close
to other trees. They'll compete for water and nutrients and none of them will
thrive.
Utilities - If you have wires overhead, your tree can only
reach a maximum of 20 feet in height (maybe less) before interfering with
utilities
