Fast growing trees?

Question

We are in the process of trying to landscape our front yard. I would like to find some fast growing really attractive but not messy trees. I dont mind leaves, but I do not want to have to deal with the mess that sometimes accompanies fruit trees. I would like for them to grow to no more than about 60 ft. tall. Any Suggestions? I would love to have trees that would provide wonderful color durning the fall and winter.
Thanks
Cheryl

I live in Alabama

Answer 1

When we first moved into our house 4 years ago we had very young Bradford Pear trees. They grew fast and had lovely white blossoms in the spring and provided wonderful shade. Unfortunately, they are a soft wood tree and didn't last long. Last summer, we lost both in a huge wind storm. We were told to replace them Cleveland Pears because they look the same and grow fast but are harder wood than the Bradford's. Neither one actually produces fruit. Sycamore trees also grow fast, but they may grow taller than you would like. I would recommend contacting a local nursery or the National Arbor Foundation. They can give much better info for trees indigenous to your area.

Answer 2

Poplars are very fast growing and a choice for environmental cleanup of the soil if that is of any consideration. Plenty of leaves and probably may get to big unless you have a pretty large yard. Crepe Myrtles grow petty fast and are beautiful as long as you plant the right size and color and don't let anyone talk you into cutting them back every winter (often called crepe murder). They then become an ugly stubble in the yard all winter. They should be thinned by removing whole limbs or in the case of multiple trunk myrtles, cut a trunk to the ground from the center area of the tree to open it up to allow light within. Because the bark is beautiful it makes a nice specimen tree even in the winter unless it has been ruined by cutting all the limbs back short. Dogwoods can't be beat. All said there are many good choices but you should see your local nursery as they can give you the best advice for your area rather than getting it from amateurs on a web site. Present company especially included. Besides Alabama is a big state with Gulf Coast to the Taledega mountain areas and that is why you need a local pro.

Answer 3

Crape Myrtles, Flowering Pears and Dogwoods are all smallish trees. I wouldn't reccommend them as "shade" trees really. I'm not so sure about Alabama(I live in SoCal).

Fast growing tall shade trees here are Jacarandas, Eucalyptus, Chinese Elms.

Jacarandas make lavender flowers May-June. They are kinda opposite in that they keep their leaves through winter and begin dropping them in Spring before the flower. Then they put leaves on again. Don't plant them near your house door as sticky flowers get tracked inside.

Eucalyptus are evergreen. And there are many types.

Chinese Elms have fast growth, and are deciduous, but they have their faults too. You don't want to park under them as they rain sticky stuff. I don't see as a lawn tree that it would be a problem.

Gingkos are my favorites. Beautiful golden Autumn foliage on a very columnar tree. Make sure you get the male variety as females drop stinky fruit in Sept.

Answer 4

my fav is the tulip popular tree also know as a tulip tree...
the grow super fast, and get anywhere from 70-100 ft tall.
they also have flowers that are usually yellow and resemble a tulip. the last place i lived had one that had been there for 8 years and was approx. 30-40 foot tall.
they like well drained soil,moderate moisture and like sun to light shadey areas. its a deciduous tree.
also they have a longer life span than most other poplars.

Answer 5

How To Grow 3-6 Taller : http://GrowTallerSteps.com

Answer 6

1st check out where the power lines are and the septic lines run then find the place you wont to plant trees to stay away from are silver maple .try red sunset they change colors in the fall they start green then turn dark red then light red before they fall ,october glory start green then turn dark gold then turn yellow then fall any tree you plant you will have to keep pruned also stay away from pines if you dont wont a mess oakes make acorns,sweet gum make a mess i have been in the nursery work for 20 years in tennessee

Answer 7

Liquidamber (sweet gum) can also be mentioned.

For evergreens, Norwegian spruce, once it establishes its root system (3-6 years) visibly grows several feet a year.

Lombardy poplars can be messy (the bark peels) but is the classic temporary fix; one fells them when slower growing species reach a respectable size.

Answer 8

I guess it depends upon your area, but Water Oaks and Gingkos grow fast, and so do Bradford Pears (don't really make pears).

Answer 9

poplar tree's grow very fast, but have a short life. Try dogwood's and red maple trees.