What are some fast growing trees that would be good for shade?

Question

we have red clay soil. climate is hot summers and cold winters

Answer 1

I like the look of an Ash tree.
White Ash Fraxinus americana. Native. It can tolerate drought, poor drainage, clay, and low temperature plus it has amazing Fall color, it goes a sort of tonal purple red that glows with color. The leaves are compound so the are easy to deal with. Moderate growing though http://www.hort.net/gallery/view/ole/fraam/
http://woodyplants.nres.uiuc.edu/plant/fraamwc
http://woodyplants.nres.uiuc.edu/plant/fraamaa
Kentucky coffeetree Gymnocladus dioicus another compound leaved tree. I like the lacey look
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/trees-new/gymnocladus_dioica.html
GINGKO, Gingko Biloba but be sure to get a male tree as the female produce an unplesant smell. It is has fan shaped leaves and beautiful yellow fall color.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo
Honeylocust Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis. This is a thornless cultivar, with small leaflets that do not require raking. This make it a very popular street side tree. It is a bright yellow in fall. This one is the fastest growing and a bit safer to be around than most poplars. Bees love this tree, in June when it blooms it hums. It is also fragrant.
The problem with fast growing trees is they drop limbs.
http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/g/gletri/gletri1.html
Bitternut Hickory Carya cordiformis fast growing but with better longevity. This ones attraction is its good bark.
http://www.noble.org/webapps/plantimagegallery/Plant.aspx?PlantID=25&PlantTypeID=3

Answer 2

Hybrid poplars, theyr'e a cross between a cottonwood & poplar. Grow fast (6ft or more of new growth per year after established) but don't live for a long time. Plant the hybrids at the same time as you plant some slow growers (oak, sycamore) and by the time your slow growers are big enoegh, the poplars may be ready to die or just remove.

Answer 3

fan tex ash
sycamore
cottonwood
chinese tallow