 | Need shade in a hurry? Don’t have time to spray or you don’t like chemicals in your garden? If you look around your yard, and you say to yourself, “I simply don’t have enough trees;” if you live in an area which owns the patent for most diseases and pests, this is the list for you. Disease resistance and fast growth is essential for the lazy gardener. These trees will grow anywhere. Once established these trees are towering in just a few years.
- The Green Ash (fraxinus pennsylvanica) is a highly disease resistant tree, with a bonus – it is very fast growing. It can grow over 3 feet a year, and in 5 years it will be taller than your house. It continues it’s rapid growth until it reaches 60 feet. The bright yellow fall color is nothing short of breathtaking. Transplants very well, and it is perfect for lining a long drive or the edge of your property. Makes a great windbreak. Zone: 3-9
- Hybrid Poplar (populus deltoides x populus nigra) is one of the fastest growing disease resistant trees. The key word here is “hybrid.” This is a tree that will give you shade in a hurry, and unlike the Lombardy Poplar, it’s branches are sturdy and will withstand cold, wind and disease. It grows 5 to 8 feet in a year, and it is long lived. It’s glossy foliage turns golden in the fall. Zone: 3-7
- The Dawn Redwood (metasequoia glyptostroboides) is truly a living fossil. It is deciduous and fast growing. Looking most like a Sequoia or Coast Redwood, it’s foliage and growth habit are much the same. It’s beautiful green needles turn an orange brown in fall. A newer cultivar, Metasequoia ‘Gold Rush,’ has golden needles, which remain true to their color even through summer heat. Carefree and beautiful, the Dawn Redwood makes a beautiful property screen. Grows to a height of over 70 feet. Zone: 4-8
- Thuja Green Giant (thuja plicata x standishii 'Green Giant') is considered the most beautiful evergreen in America. Introduced by the U.S. National Arboretum, and recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this breathtaking tree grows 3 to 5 feet a year, topping out at over fifty feet tall. Once established it stays green all year round, and it is totally pest free. Adapts to any kind of soil, including clay. Exceptional as a single specimen, this beauty also makes a quick screen on property lines. Grows to a height of 50-75 feet. Zone: 5-8
- The Catalpa (catalpa speciosa), also known as Northern Catalpa, grows to a towering height of 90 feet. On a mature tree, Catalpa’s green, heart shaped leaves can often grow 12 inches long. In late June, she bursts into bloom with creamy white flowers, that hold themselves above the leaves in fascinating bouquets. In late summer, long bean-like pods appear that can reach 18 inches in length. Catalpa prefers a moist soil but will tolerate an average dry soil. Attractive as an ornamental, Catalpa is often grown for a steady supply of fence posts. Catalpa produces more good fence posts in a short time than any other native tree. Zone: 4-8
- Silver Maple (acer saccharinum) is the fastest growing Maple, reaching a height of 50 to 70 feet. It’s leaves are deeply lobed, with bright green above and silvery white beneath. When planted in full sun, the leaves turn a beautiful pale yellow in the fall. Silver Maple grows fastest in moist, rich, well drained soil. However, it does well in any wet soil, including clay. It’s branches are wide-spreading, and they reach for the sky. Bird lovers will love this tree, as it attracts many different species. A yard filled with Silver Maples is a lovely yard indeed. It is the best tree for quick shade. Native to eastern to mid-United States. Zone: 3-9
- Weeping Willow (salix spp.) is the perfect tree for wetlands. Just the site of it’s lovely catkins in spring, and it’s graceful habit in summer, whispers, “stop, sit, and stay awhile.” This fast growing ornamental begs to be planted near a pond or stream. It’s distinctive shape and drooping branches make this specimen tree a must in your landscape. It will give you many years of enjoyment. It can grow to a height of over 40 feet. Zone: 4-8
- Red Oak (quercus rubra) is the fastest growing oak. Its beautiful, dense green foliage turns a deep red in the fall, clinging to the tree for weeks. It transplants easily, and it withstands a wide range of soils and conditions. It tolerates salt, ozone and sulphur dioxide, making it a perfect tree for the city. It grows 60 to 70 feet high, so watch out for those power lines. Very valuable as a timber tree. Zone: 3-7
Each of these trees will grow very big, very fast! So use some common sense. Plant at least fifty feet away from power lines, water lines, sewers and septic tanks. Plant away from your house, even if you are growing for shade. Think of the full grown tree, and plant accordingly. No need to buy a huge tree. These trees adapt to most soils quickly, and the smaller the tree, the more quickly it grows in it’s first five years. Just plant, water, and fertilize; then step back and watch it grow! By Jaye Lewis
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