North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Lucky Pittman <lucky.pittman@murraystate.edu>]

At 10:14 AM 7/1/2003 -0700, you wrote:
> Be that as it may I have been searching around trying to find a list of 
> shade trees preferably moderate to fast growing (or even a fruit tree that 
> would offer shade) that is resistant to verticillium wilt.
>
> Does anyone have any suggestions.  My house, ranch-style, need shade.

Fluffy,
I'll chime in for bur oaks - they've been the fastest growing hardwoods in 
my young plantings around the yard - most are doing 1.5-2 ft per 
year.  They  have the potential to be there 400 years from now, but should 
be decent shade trees in less than a lifetime.  And - you can eat the 
acorns, if you're into that.  I don't know that verticillium is a problem 
for them.
Here's a link to some good general info:
http://www.urban-forestry.com/citytrees/v36n6a14.html

I've also got some F2 hybrid oak seedlings - most with bur oak in their 
background - that are also making good growth and will, within a few years 
be providing pretty decent shade.
Got most of these from Ken Asmus at OIKOS - check out his online catalog at:
http://www.oikostreecrops.com

Walnuts and pecans are relatively fast growers, and make nice shade trees, 
in my opinion, but some folks don't like the amount of 'litter' they 
drop.  Who wants a tree that drops bunches of tasty nuts in your yard?  ME!


Lucky Pittman
USDA Zone 6
Hopkinsville, KY