Growth Rate

• Consider the growth rate of the tree. Most fast-growing trees, identified by more than 12 to 18 inches of growth annually, are short-lived. Cottonwoods, poplars, birches and willows may quickly provide shade in a new landscape, but they are prone to weak wood and branch breakage and seldom live more than 20 to 40 years. These trees become a potential hazard in the yard as the trunks rot or the branches become weak.
  
  

Soil Conditions

• For the best tree performance, select a tree naturally suited to the soil found in your yard. Many maple and oak species thrive in the coastal areas of the U.S., but may develop iron chlorosis when planted in the alkaline soils found in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain areas. Try saucer magnolia or river birch for moist, acidic soils. Consider Chinese elm and English oak in alkaline soils.
  
  

Form

• Vigorous, fast-growing trees don't necessarily perform well in a home landscape if their form is unattractive or ragged. Boxelders and Russian olives, for example, grow quickly, but have a messy, untidy form. Russian olives drop fruit and leaves, creating a mess. Willows, cottonwoods and poplars may also drop leaves, fruit or cotton, and produce suckers, as well as shallow roots that create obstacles in the yard or burrow into water pipes. Select trees that have a tidy, attractive form, such as red maple or silver linden.
  
  

Disease, Insects and Maintenance

• A tree's performance may be compromised if the plant is prone to insect and disease infestations. Consult a county extension office for trees that grow well in your area with few insect and disease problems. Siberian elm, crabapple and lavelle hawthorn, for example, have many desirable traits, but are prone to insect infestations that can spread to other trees. Diseases and insect infestations are less of a concern in dry climates than in hot, humid areas.