Fast growing shade tree

What is the fastest growing shade tree?

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##FULL QUESTION## Dear *Gardening Life*, I would like to know what is the fastest growing shade tree available. Thank you. *—L. Malo*

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##FULL ANSWER## You don't say where you are located so make sure whatever tree you choose is hardy for you. Some of the trees that are recommended for their rapid growth such as honey locust, poplar and willow are either shortlived or can create problems down the road. They are ok if you want only temporary shade. For a more permanent shade tree, I would suggest our lovely native red maple (*Acer rubrum*) or tulip tree (*Liriodendron tulipifera*), or American elm (*Ulmus americana* -- Brandon elm is a compact 60') if Dutch elm disease is not a problem in your area. You can buy quite a large specimen for instant impact, but be sure to prepare the site well -- have the grower or nurseryman plant it professionally if you want to be sure -- and give your tree lots of TLC (regular watering and mulching) for at least the first year. Lack of proper care in its early years is a key factor in premature tree death. Good luck! *—Karen York, Botanical Editor* Other questions recently answered by the GL team: Growing on a septic field How to battle weeds between flagstone and alternative options Mysterious orange powder on the lawn What to do with end-of-season potatoes on the vine How to control Japanese knotweed What to grow in a dry area The proper way to plant astrantia What is the star flower and how do I manage it? How do I eliminate my ant problem? Preventing red beetles from attacking lilies Vine types to grow on a new pergola Maintaining purple fountain grass Keeping bougainvilllea healthy throughout the winer How to rid invasive green goutweed Good garden uses for fireplace ashes Growing grape hyacinth indoors The best way to convert a lawn into a meadow The proper way to grow rhododendrons Eliminating beetle damage to spruce trees Annual resembling Japanese maple Planting ivy near cedar trees In search of the 'Sundance Kid' sunflower Caring for canna bulbs A supplier for barren strawberry ground cover Winter care for roses Cutting back mauna loa The best time to harvest curly-leaf lettuce Eliminating invasive trumpet Caring for double-flowering hibiscus trees Eliminating white aphids from honeysuckle vine Where to purchase Japanese blood grass An alternative to rhododendrons Growing a vegetable garden over a septic field Dividing and replanting daylilies Proper care for oakleaf hydrangea The best care for shrub roses 'The Fairy' Pest eating purple leaf sand cherry Preventing lawn brown spots Keeping plants sturdy Preventing suckers from a cut-down serviceberry tree Best tomato seeds to sow Preventing wind damage to grasses Plants to highlight a pool Reshaping yew tree The best way to replace a lawn Best screening plants for privacy Buying snowberries in Montreal Keeping 'Endless Summer' hydrangea growing strong The proper way to fill planters The proper way to grow hyacinths Boston ivy and rough winters

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