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Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

I am looking to put some trees on the bank of the creek behind my property as both erosion control and aethetics. Was looking for something fairly fast growing with a reasonable spread, no surface roots, good fall color and needs little care. I currently have some Valley Oaks in the back at about 15 feet but we all know how fast those Oaks grow. Was thinking about White or Red oak but not sure how they would do. I am in Zone 9 in the bay area of CA. Highs in 100s in summer, lows of 20s in winter and rain from about Nov to April but nothing exciting.

Open to all suggestions. Even considering fruit trees. These would be on county property, but within a stone's throw so I could get the fruit without the mess!

10/26/2006 11:45:34 PM

Rapid City, SD

ash grow fast.......

10/27/2006 12:10:31 AM

Maine

popler grows real fast

10/27/2006 8:42:53 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Why not plant some bushes instead of trees? Our some berries.

10/27/2006 9:17:45 AM

Follansbee, Wv

I have to agree with Poplar. Most varieties are very fast growing but the Hybred Poplar variety is the fastest. It would be perfect for the creek bank. They are deep, strong rooted trees and can grow as much as 5-8 feet a year. Excellent yellow and orange fall colors.

10/27/2006 9:19:54 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Poplar sp are fast but often grow too big & short lived.

Eric,

You want deciduous trees or evergreens? Many Pines grow rapidly.

10/27/2006 3:37:46 PM

Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

Ok, poplar may be good but I think they are the ones that grow fast, spread by root and as Steve said, die about ever 10 years or so. Pines are not my favorite as I am not a big fan of the looks. I do prefer deciduous and the shape of the oak, or the christmas tree pyramidal shape. I have also looked at those "gimmick" trees. Someone also said willow. Berries are a good idea but I don't want to have to keep them at bay. I want a fast growing, big tree, non-invasive root (but good deep bank holding roots), deciduous with fall color, .....

I know I am asking for the moon but.....

10/27/2006 5:49:35 PM

Cincinnati,OH

Try arborday.org/righttree

10/27/2006 6:33:46 PM

Mn

you want to plant your fast growing trees and hardwoods or pines at the same time. the faster growing trees fill in the space while the slower growing oaks, walnuts,ect....grow in. The hardwoods will eventually out live the faster moving trees. This is just my idea.

10/27/2006 8:01:40 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Creek bank - deciduous - fall color - I'm thinking River Birch, Red Maple & Sycamore (if Anthracnose isn't a local issue). I also like MN PG's idea of diversity. Pests can have a field day if you pick the wrong single species. If space permits then you might try the natural thing where Birch & Cedar start first (Pioneer Species), then the scene segues in time toward the climax forest.

10/27/2006 9:24:23 PM

Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

Had never even considered birch. Birch grows great here and I had to actually take out some large ones I planted when I expanded the house. Filling in with others in the mean time is a great idea too.

Will also look at the righttree link.

Thanks everyone

10/27/2006 9:44:39 PM

Montoursville, PA

Most areas have specialists to help those just like you choose from several choices that would be right for your situation. Here we have heavy attention being given to native plants and trees. Most of us would not know your native plants.

10/28/2006 11:53:54 AM

Pocatello (cliffwarren@yahoo.com)

Here's a tip... Sensation Box Elder. It's a maple. The "Sensation" part of it is key... it's an "improved" Box Elder. The reason I suggest it is that Box Elders are naturally riparian (they grow on river banks) and being a maple it has great fall color which you also desired. I have two of them in my backyard. They have been growing quickly for me. Good luck, Cliff

10/31/2006 5:28:44 PM

Portugal

hELLO
i have lots of seeds of Acacia melanoxylon.
in some areas it a invasive tree,check your area!
it grows incredible fast and it's allways green

if you'd like a few say something
Best Regards
RMatos

11/28/2006 11:44:56 AM

Simi valley, ca

I planted silver dollar euk for similar reason & its very beutifull tree today !

12/25/2006 6:35:36 AM