Native Plants
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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
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.
rate this answer
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 Trees Questions
Shumard Oak failing to leaf out in Pflugerville TX
March 27, 2010 - I planted a five gallon container grown Shumard Red Oak late last October and so far this spring there is no sign of any leaves on the tree. The branches are not brittle so I don't think that the tre...
view the full question and answer
Time to trim oak trees in Austin
October 29, 2011 - We have several large oak trees in desperate need of a good trimming. Given that the trees have had a very stressful drought year, when would be the best time to trim them?
view the full question and answer
Watering newly-planted Afghan Pines
May 11, 2015 - I just planted some Afghan pines in Amarillo, tx (avg. rainfall about 2O in. Per year) What would be the appropriate amount of water and how often would I need to water during this time.
view the full question and answer
Central branches on Texas Ash have died
June 09, 2015 - I have a Texas Ash tree that was planted about 4 years ago. It seemed fine last summer and was well watered. This spring, when it started leafing out, the central branches at the upper part of the tre...
view the full question and answer
Hurricane damage on oak in Houston
April 01, 2013 - We have a very large oak tree that survived our last hurricane with lots of lost limbs. Then there was the drought. We have lost three large limbs on separate occasions on non-windy days. I love this ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |