Fast growing...

Within the last two years I've lost two massive maple trees that have shaded my house from the summer sun... one to a garbage truck driver that hit a high over-hanging limb that caused a split in the tree from about 10 feet high to the ground. Denied it, of course, but the only proof I had was the deep gouge in the tree. Since I live on a "dead-end" street it either had to have been him or the garbage fairy. The second one I lost when I noticed a split that seemed to threaten dropping half this majestic maple on my roof during the next nasty thunderstorm. Had to have it taken down...rotted inside.
So...here I am with a second story like Hades in the summer with no leafy trees to provide shade. I've already replaced one with a red oak. Fast growing, I hope. Tried to replace the other with a sycamore, but I don't think it's survived the winter. One neighbor complained about the "stickey balls" they drop. I've also considered a ginko, but understand they produce some evil-smelling fruit?
I'm too old to wait too long for something to grow that will shade my home again.
HELP!!!

Ginkgo trees are slow growing, thats probably not what you want. Have you considered tulip poplar? It is a fast growing tree and it is gypsy moth resistant.

This message was edited Apr 14, 2006 6:43 PM

I think you may want some of those new solar shades, in the meantime. You can see through them, but they provide UV protection.

Ah yes...a aunt of mine lives on street in Phily lined with ginko trees...many females...the fruit get crushed by foot traffic...they smell up the whole neighborhood...and the smell travels with you on the bottom of your feet. What is not to like? You could stick with males, but Ginko trees provide a light shade even when mature.

Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a decent suggestion but they do eventually get very large (though so do Sycamore trees). I have to imagine that any decent tree you pick will take 15 to 20 years to provide much shade to your second story. My advice is to pick a nice tree, site it properly and enjoy watching it mature.

- Brent

tootsiepotts (love the name)

first...i feel your pain on the loss of your beautiful trees.

you may want to start with a 'Brandywine' acer. they are supposed to be the fastest growing of all other red maple varieties. they are a cross between the 'Autumn Flame' and 'October Glory'. Autumn Blaze is also fast growing but NOT as fast up here in the east.

also the Tilia americana which is a linden tree grows really fast and is native to our area. the Basswood/Amer. linden gets flowers that smell really nice too!

good luck with whatever you go with!

Remember, tootsiepotts, the faster the tree grows, the weaker it is.

raisedbedbob great point! that's why i mentioned the maples. the types i mentioned don't burn out as many fast growing trees do. they were bred for hardiness and color as well as being able to tolerate adverse conditions which would not effect their growth. but they live a nice healthy life span.


the linden as well...it simply is a fast growing tree. i see these people with polars OMG......about 3 people in my area with these roots that have taken over their lawns....actually those roots most likely have taken off to places unknown to mankind!

there is just no quick fix...:(

Although I love maples, especially one of the ones I have that turns a brilliant coral color in the fall, my neighborhood is pretty much maples. That's one reason why I chose the oak and the sycamore to plant. I stopped by Lowe's on my lunch hour yesterday and was tempted by the tulip poplar. And the bradford pear and the weeping willow, but just didn't feel right about any of them.
Soooo....gambler that I am, I decided that the American Liberty Elm, purchased on-line from the Elm Research Institute, was exactly the shape, size, and rate of growth I'd like to try. According to their claims, it is almost impervious to Dutch Elm Disease. There's a sucker born every minute, and I'm probably one of them, but I'd like to try anyway!
It wasn't so expensive that I'll have to re-mortgage the house, and if it fails...I'll go back to the sycamore. Thanks so much for your input!

I love my tulip poplar. It has grown very large in the 15 years or so since I planted it as a 2' tree. My only regret is that is is a little too close to our house for such a large tree. It's only about 25-30 foot from the foundation, and should be at least 40' away. We love it's blooms, too, and so do the orioles.
It does drop quite a few twigs.

Another fast growing tree that I am fond of, is the thornless seedless honey locust. I believe they are strong and long lived, too. They do not give a heavy shade, so you can grow many things under them.

This message was edited Apr 18, 2006 6:08 PM

The Gleditsia triacanthos is a beautiful choice. But I'm glad you took a chance on the American Liberty Elm. think you're safe, and made a wise decision.

"Liberty" actually is a series of clones. Some (e.g., 'Independence') are reportedly better than others. Ask them to tell you which one you're getting. Good luck with it --

Guy S.