Fast growing shade tree - Ask Extension
I lost a lot of trees in the 2024 ice storm. I live in Creswell. I lost a large ash tree and need a tree to go in that spot. It would need to grow fas...
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Fast growing shade tree #873753
Asked June 19, 2024, 10:12 AM EDT
I lost a lot of trees in the 2024 ice storm. I live in Creswell. I lost a large ash tree and need a tree to go in that spot. It would need to grow fast to provide shade and a screen from the neighbors. Good soil in a south bed. Full sun at noon. Bed has a below ground sprinkler system. Any suggestions?
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
Here are 3 suggestions:
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a very effective shade tree for smaller properties, with its fluttering heart-shaped summer leaves. In the right conditions, it will gain an extra two feet every year. Plant the Redbud in moist, well-draining soil in either full sun or partial shade. According to the Penn State Extension, it is adaptable and not fussy about pH levels.
Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)
While it is small, it has a naturally dense branching habit and foliage that lends it well to casting shade in summer. It is also a lovely wildlife tree, attracting pollinators and birds with its flowers and summer fruits. According to the WSU Clark County Extension, this hawthorn will fare well in poor-quality soil, but it prefers to be planted in moist, well-draining soil with full sun exposure.
Crepe Myrtle : It relies heavily on sunlight to bloom each summer (and add up to 2 feet of height a year), so plant it somewhere in your landscape that boasts at least six hours or more of direct light daily. Other than that, the crape myrtle is relatively easy to care for and, for all your TLC, you'll be gifted with gorgeous clumps of buds in white, pink, lavender and red hues. Be prepared for it to grow up to 25-30 ft. tall.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a very effective shade tree for smaller properties, with its fluttering heart-shaped summer leaves. In the right conditions, it will gain an extra two feet every year. Plant the Redbud in moist, well-draining soil in either full sun or partial shade. According to the Penn State Extension, it is adaptable and not fussy about pH levels.
Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)
While it is small, it has a naturally dense branching habit and foliage that lends it well to casting shade in summer. It is also a lovely wildlife tree, attracting pollinators and birds with its flowers and summer fruits. According to the WSU Clark County Extension, this hawthorn will fare well in poor-quality soil, but it prefers to be planted in moist, well-draining soil with full sun exposure.
Crepe Myrtle : It relies heavily on sunlight to bloom each summer (and add up to 2 feet of height a year), so plant it somewhere in your landscape that boasts at least six hours or more of direct light daily. Other than that, the crape myrtle is relatively easy to care for and, for all your TLC, you'll be gifted with gorgeous clumps of buds in white, pink, lavender and red hues. Be prepared for it to grow up to 25-30 ft. tall.
