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Northern Red Oak

12 Quick Growing Trees That Throw Shade On Hot Summer Days

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It’s hot out there. Last week, over 40 million people across 18 states from Montana to Georgia were under some type of heat alert. What can help? Trees. Particularly shade trees. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, here are 12 fast-growing ones. 1. Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides). With the widest natural range of any tree in North America, the quaking aspen is also the largest living organism, growing in clones that reproduce primarily by sending up sprouts from their roots. In fact, a clone in Minnesota has been estimated to be thousands of years old. While not a tree for all places, planted in the right location, the quaking aspen is a delight of color, movement, and sound. Zones 1-7 2. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra). Dubbed “one of the handsomest, cleanest, and stateliest trees in North America” by naturalist Joseph S. Illick, the northern red oak is valued for its adaptability and usefulness, including its hardiness in urban settings. This medium to large tree is also known for its brilliant fall color and great value to wildlife. Zones 3-8 3. Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) This is a tree that demands attention. White, showy flowers. Giant heart-shaped leaves. Dangling bean-like seed pods. Twisting trunk and branches. While not ideal for every location, this unique and hardy tree is a fast grower that finds a home in parks and yards throughout the country. Zones 4-8 4. Red Sunset Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’). One of the best red maple cultivars, this tree ...

12 Quick Growing Trees That Throw Shade On Hot Summer Days

It’s hot out there. Last week, over 40 million people across 18 states from Montana to Georgia were under some type of heat alert. What can help? Trees. Particularly shade trees. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, here are 12 fast-growing ones. 1. Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides). With the widest natural range of any tree in North America, the quaking aspen is also the largest living organism, growing in clones that reproduce primarily by sending up sprouts from their roots. In fact, a clone in Minnesota has been estimated to be thousands of years old. While not a tree for all places, planted in the right location, the quaking aspen is a delight of color, movement, and sound. Zones 1-7 2. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra). Dubbed “one of the handsomest, cleanest, and stateliest trees in North America” by naturalist Joseph S. Illick, the northern red oak is valued for its adaptability and usefulness, including its hardiness in urban settings. This medium to large tree is also known for its brilliant fall color and great value to wildlife. Zones 3-8 3. Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) This is a tree that demands attention. White, showy flowers. Giant heart-shaped leaves. Dangling bean-like seed pods. Twisting trunk and branches. While not ideal for every location, this unique and hardy tree is a fast grower that finds a home in parks and yards throughout the country. Zones 4-8 4. Red Sunset Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Franksred’). One of the best red maple cultivars, this tree ...