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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.

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

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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.

 

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