We are a “hurry-up” people and like to have our trees resemble us in this respect. After the hurricane of 1938, the public showed great interest in fast-growing trees in their desire to help replace the terrific losses caused by that storm.
With many new homes being built today, there is again a general renewed interest in trees “that I can enjoy in my lifetime.”
The tree experts do not share the enthusiasm that the general public likes to bestow upon trees of rapid growth, and the experts have a lot of evidence to support their belief.
Fast-Growing Trees
Fast-growing trees develop a brittle wood that is very subject to breakage in a wind or sleet storm, with very large branches going down at times.
Some of these trees have aggressive root systems that raise havoc with drain tiles and other underground services.
Fast-growing trees are frequently more subject to insect and disease attacks than other trees and are comparatively short-lived.
Because of these faults, fast-growing trees, in general, are not recommended as street trees, and where city officials have the power to regulate street tree planting, they never allow such trees to be used.
One more fault should be mentioned, although it does not apply to well-spaced street trees. However, it applies to shade trees placed about the grounds of both large and small properties.
Such trees are spaced irregularly, and some may be placed more closely than the 40 to 60-foot spacing of street trees.
A fast-growing tree will ruin its shape when placed near a slower-growing tree. Then, when the fast-growing tree outlives its period of usefulness and must conic out, there is a one-sided tree left that is not very pleasing to look at.
Faults of Fast-Growing Trees
These faults of the fast-growing trees should be borne in mind because some can be overcome or much lessened if proper planting practices are followed.
The following procedures are recommended :
1. Do not depend entirely on fast-growing trees. Always plant some slower-growing trees at the same time.
2. Keep fast-growing trees a minimum of 40′ feet away from other trees.
3. Place the trees so that when the fast-growing trees are removed, the other trees will present a pleasing landscape.
4. Remove fast-growing trees within 25 years after planting. By then, the more desirable trees have reached fair size, and many of the faults of the fast-growing trees are just becoming evident.
Despite all their faults, we still admire these trees that are noted for rapid growth, and the public will continue to ask for and use these trees. We should, therefore, evaluate these plants as we now know them.
Commonly Used Fast-Growing Trees
In former years, fast-growing trees commonly used were the Carolina poplar, Lombardy poplar, silver maple, box elder, and weeping willow.
Because of its very brittle wood, the Carolina poplar is little used today, at least in New England. The Lombardy poplar is subject to a trunk canker, making it a poor risk.
Many other fast-food-type trees are being advised, although, unfortunately, they cost considerably more and are much slower-growing.
The silver maple and catalpa are still being used in the Middle West but not very extensively in the East.
The box elder or ash-leaved maple is considered a “weed” tree and seems to have few friends. The weeping willow, more than any of the others of this group, continues to be used.
The weeping willow often develops into a fine tree, but there is always the threat that serious insect or disease infestation will move in.
Because of its very pendulous branches, it has limited usage in our landscape and should not be used on a small property for the most part.
It sends out fresh yellow-green leaves very early in the Spring and is one of the most pleasing announcements of Spring in many cities.
Elm Trees
Other fast-growing trees are probably better and are being more commonly used today. The most publicized of present-day trees is the so-called Chinese elm. Again, the experts unite in condemning this tree.
They say that it needs the dryness of such a state as Nebraska. It is also very subject to breakage, although it will quickly grow out of this condition.
The tree under discussion is more properly called the Siberian elm, although it is generally known, even by nurserymen, as Chinese elm.
To add to the confusion, there is a true Chinese elm, which is very similar in appearance, slower-growing, and considered more desirable but not generally available for purchase.
To help clarify this situation, we should look at the scientific names. The Siberian elm is Ulmus pumila and the Chinese elm is Ulmus parvifolia.
Siberian Elm
The Siberian elm (Chinese elm to most people) is possibly better than the experts rate it. It is a small tree and quickly grows to 35’ feet.
It has small foliage so that its texture and the size of the plant are in scale with the small houses of today. It retains its leaves as a dark green well into the fall.
American Elm
Although it is immune to the Dutch elm disease, it should not be considered a substitute for the American elm.
The thornless form of honey locust approaches the arching form of the American elm much more than can be found in any of the Siberian or Chinese elms.
Maple Tree
The Weir’s culled maple is a desirable tree if it is removed before it becomes too large. It is a silver maple form with a more deeply incised leaf than the type. The smaller branches are also more pendulous, which adds to the gracefulness of this tree.
The red maple or swamp maple is very little planted in the East, although it is highly regarded in Ohio and other states of that region where it is not such a common native plant.
Japanese Poplar: Populus Maximowiczii
The Japanese poplar, Populus maximowiczii, is not well known but has considerable merit. It is of medium-coarse texture and has a very leathery leaf. The leaf is light green, attracting considerable attention when it sends out its new foliage in the spring.
It is subject to a stem canker and so will not grow to be a huge tree before it will be necessary to remove it.
Chinese Tree-of-Heaven
The Chinese tree-of-heaven, of the “Tree That Grew in Brooklyn” fame, is a rapid grower, but, unfortunately, it reseeds and suckers badly and so sometimes becomes a pest. Despite its fast growth, it has great heat value for fireplace use.
It rates almost as high as the oak. The tree-of-heaven is at its best in the packed soil of a slum area where nothing else will grow and where conditions are not conducive to its spreading.
Fast-Growing Evergreens
The red pine, hemlock, and Norway spruce are suitable for larger areas in the country or suburbs where fast-growing evergreens might be desired.
The red pine is coarse and can withstand a drier location than the other evergreens mentioned.
The Norway spruce is the most graceful of the spruces. It needs good soil and will withstand sonic wind. The hemlock grows quite rapidly on favorable sites in the East.
It has a pleasing fine texture and is very graceful. It likes good soil and cannot withstand strong Winter winds.
The balsam fir will not thrive under urban conditions. It belongs in a cool, clean northern forest country.
44659 by Dr. H. O. Perkins