I am taking care of my church garden starting next spring, I want to plant some trees in the garden and I want to plant fast growing trees any suggestions?
How big do you want it to get? Does the site have sun or shade? Do you want something flowering, shade tree, or evergreen? A little more info on your wants/needs and site conditions will really help in answering your questions. Any more info you can add will help. Thanks.
Paulownia wouldn't be a good idea, it is an invasive weed in that part of North America. Catalpa would be worth considering.
I suggest caution when choosing your tree and foresight when planting the tree. Fast growing trees can be problematic. Fast growing trees can be structurally weak, invasive and messy. Anticipate the trees mature size and locate the tree far enough away from buildings, fences, utilities and walkways. Decide on the 'right' tree for the place, even if it's slower growing and incorporate showy shrubs and flowers for more immediate impact.
I too caution against the Paulownia . I had one that lost it's main tree due to ant damage. I cut it down and next thing I knew it was sprouting every where. What are some of the trees that grow well in your area or that of the church? that might be a good start. Are you going to frame the church or are they to be planted in front of. This might determine what you choose. For eg I have a tall cedar house that sits above a slope. So when I am at the bottom of the block and look up I often think 2 or 3 of those pencil type cypress trees would look good as a frame. I am speaking of the yellow ones not the dark green. I already have some feathery leafed trees as part of the picture. I need a defining shape. Liz
You wrote "above 15" feet. Is it okay if the height is rather indefinite after that? Is there anything significant nearby already, that has color, like a brick wall or other established trees?
I suggest you try to get to know more information about Thuja Green GLiant, Nelly Stevens Holly or Leyland Cypress. I heard that they grow fast, takes little room and can be used as a fence for privacy. You can search for information on these trees online. I just don't know if it will suit your area. ___________ Mary Henderson
Definitely stay away from Leyland Cypress. Fast-growing yes, but dull and boring to look at, and prone to disease.