Fast Growing Tree Ideas

Tip: Fast Growing Trees

August 9, 2006

Question:

We recently had to cut down a 30-year-old willow tree with a 4 foot stump radius that I had planted for shade. It has left a big "hole" in my front yard; as the other side is smaller and has 3 tall maples and a large blue spruce. It was on the northwest side so it blocked the sun until it went down. I need to do something before fall and don't know what to do.

We are not allowed to burn the stump which we were originally going to do and replant something. We get very bad winds here and would like to plant something that will survive the winters and grow quickly. I don't have too much space with that huge stump.

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Thanks,
Betty from Slate Hill, NY

Answer:

Betty,My condolences on the loss of such a beautiful tree! Fortunately, you have several good options for fast growing replacements that grow well in your zone: hybrid poplar (up to 8 feet per year), Autumn Purple ash (great fall foliage), red maple (great fall foliage), flowering pear (white flowers), Ponderosa pine (evergreen), empress tree (for fast shade and lavender flowers), willow (to replace what you lost) and quaking aspen (often grown commercially for pulp because of its fast growth rate). There are more possibilities, of course, but these are some ideas to investigate. In general, 'fast growing' and 'the ability to survive high winter winds' are not necessarily traits that are compatible. You may find yourself compromising one trait in favor of another.

You didn't mention whether or not you're looking for advice on how to get rid of your stump, but if you don't plan on grinding it down, there are some inexpensive tricks that will make the wood breakdown faster. Normally it takes at least 4-5 years for the wood to breakdown (even longer for large stumps like yours). To expedite the process, I would recommend drilling several holes around the perimeter of the stump and filling them with some type of sugar (syrup, jelly, white sugar, molasses, etc.) or buttermilk. The idea is to get the decomposition process started quickly. After filling up the holes, wet down the stump and cover it with a thick layer of mulch. Cover the mulch with a dark colored tarp. This will reduce the time it takes the wood to decompose by half. In the meantime, maybe you could disguise the tarp by placing planters filled with seasonal plants on top.

Ellen

Comments

Lauren

July 13, 20060 found this helpful

How about another willow? All softwoods, including willows, grow relatively quickly. You're not going to have a replacement for that 30 year tree in a matter of months, but it's going to grow faster than say, a pine.

Annette

July 18, 20060 found this helpful

We have an Ash tree and it has been dropping leaves. they are spotted and some yellow also have found a few maple trees in door yard in same condition. never noticed until this year, busy at work. Is this normal? Thanks

edieparks

July 18, 20060 found this helpful

how about checking out austree.com?
we bought the 5 to 6 ' starter trees and in sept of 2001 and have nice shades trees already.
edie
these trees are hybrids , grow fast and are hardy.

By Carol in PA (Guest Post)

July 20, 20060 found this helpful

We had some poplars that were fast growing. I dont recommend fast growing trees becuase they grow too fast and then break off under the weight of snow. Or they just break off during a storm.

A tree that grows more slowly will be a stronger tree.

Plant your tree in the fall. Any tree for your USDA zone will make it through the winter.