Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Monday - April 27, 2015

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Planting, Trees
Title: Fastest growing shade tree for Austin.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

What is the fastest growing shade tree suitable for Austin? We are anticipating selling or renting our house in two to three years and want a shade tree for a baked full sun area of the yard that will be largish and well established by then. Thank you!

ANSWER:

When planting a tree, there are multiple factors to consider, but three important ones are; tree selection, the size when planted, and growing conditions.

I”m going to provide you with several links that should prove helpful. The first is a previously answered question that is very much like yours, and has some examples of possible trees for you. Pay attention to all the links to the Texas Tree Planting Guide in the answer.

The second is a forum  on fast growing trees. Note the the comment  by "jobert" about the starting size of the tree.

Two other links are about cedar elm and bur oaks and also have useful information.

 

More Planting Questions

Repotting non-native Agave ghiesbreghtii from Spring TX
June 03, 2012 - I've recently purchased an Agave ghiesbreghtii, and will need to re-pot it soon. I have some cactus soil mix as well as a few rocks to put in the bottom of its new pot. There seem to be roots comi...
view the full question and answer

Growing Loblolly Pine in Salado, Texas
March 09, 2016 - I would like to plant a loblolly pine in Salado, Texas. Will these grow well here?
view the full question and answer

Need fast growing shade tree in San Diego County, CA
June 17, 2015 - I am looking for a fast growing tree that provides great shade. The reason being, is I need shade for three horseshoe pits and the sooner i get shade, the better. I live in San Diego county, zone 9b. ...
view the full question and answer

Replacement for maple tree lost in Hurricane Sandy from Hauppauge NY
March 17, 2013 - Lost a Maple street tree in Hurricane Sandy, was forty-eight years old. Town will not replace the tree. Must do it on my own. What would you suggest? Nothing that grows too tall.
view the full question and answer

Sumacs under live oaks dying in Austin
August 08, 2010 - Converted my yard to native plants last fall. All of the fragrant and evergreen sumacs are dying off one by one - they have never thrived. I ensure they get a good soaking at least once a week. I w...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.