Hi Everyone: I need to plant a tree in my backyard to provide some shade from the summer sun and to give some privacy from neighbours. Ideally, it would be fast-growing, low mainenance and also give me some fruits to enjoy. Any suggestions? I have a septic tank (so I do want to avoid invasive roots) but there's about 50 feet between the house and back fence so I have some room. Thanks.
Fig: provide shade, fast growing, fruit(although can be messy below), some pruning to keep in check. As for the septic, I have customers with figs near drain tiles and don't seem to be any problem but would be worth further research. Another great summer shade tree would be a Gleditsia with its umbrella habit. Yellow variety too slow.
