For:
By: Daniel E. Mullins
Extension Horticulture Agent
Reconsider Before Choosing a Fast Growing Tree
Many home owners planning to beautify their property by planting trees are most interested in the fast growing species. It is wise to reconsider and select from a complete list of adapted trees, instead of placing too much emphasis on the growth rate.
Some of the fastest growing tree species include sycamore, golden rain tree, silver maple, tulip poplar, sweet gum, mulberry and laurel oak. Though these quickly form a sizeable tree, the wood is not as dense. They are therefore less wind resistant than some of those species described as having a slow to moderate growth rate.
I fear that some of our best adapted shade and ornamental trees have been overlooked because they have been described in the past as being slow growing. Obviously, some of the growth rate information was collected from trees growing under natural conditions.
Growing conditions in a natural habitat are much different from those found in a residential landscape. Under forest, or natural conditions, trees are generally spaced more closely and compete with others for light and nutrients. They are also dependant upon rainfall as the only source of soil moisture.
Trees established in a residential setting on the other hand, receive extra water each time that the lawn and landscape is irrigated. They are generally planted at a wider spacing which allows more photosynthesis to take place. And, landscape tree roots take up and use some of the lawn fertilizer each time that it is applied.
So, it is unfair to eliminate all trees listed as having a slow to moderate growth rate. A prime example is the live oak. It is described as having a moderate growth rate. Under good growing conditions, I have seen them grow large enough to provide limited shade within eight years.
The live oak is one of our best native trees and we value it for beauty, long life and storm resistance. Other well adapted trees that have sometimes been unfairly listed as having a slow to moderate growth rate include pignut hickory, fringe tree, loblolly bay, dahoon holly, southern red cedar, southern magnolia, tupelo gum, longleaf pine and southern red oak.
Established under residential landscape conditions even many of the so called “slow growers” develop at a surprisingly fast rate. For more information visit this web site: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EH140. This publication contains much more tree species information such as leaf persistence, form, shade density, adult size, drought tolerance and salt tolerance.
Question of the Week: Can I sod my lawn at this time of year?
Answer: Sod can be laid year
round in our area.
Purchase the most freshly cut sod possible. Studies have shown that sod begins to deteriorate thirty six hours after stacking if exposed to high temperatures. More specific information about lawn establishment by sodding can be found at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH013.