I need a new TREE! (Where and what kind?) (Memphis: new house, price)

[CountryGirl2b=]

Our silver maple tree is kaput and at the end of the summer we will need a new tree. This one is bigger than the house. Would prefer to go smaller but have a TINY yard (to go with the tiny house). I'd like a tree that doesn't get too big, is full, and maybe can be bought partially fully grown (not a puppy tree) for a reasonable price? What grows well in Middle TN? Something fast growing? Anyone have any TREE suggestions? And if so, a good local Nashville tree nursery?

What I mean by "puppy tree" is I don't want a twig that looks like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree. I want some serious shade by next Spring.

Thanks!

[BirdieBelle]

Red maples grow very quickly. The only issue with maples is that they have surface roots that spread, so don't plant it too close to the house.

I have had good luck up the street from you at John Deere Landscapes. FYI But this is the worst time of year to plant trees here. The heat is VERY hard on them.

[CountryGirl2b=]

Thanks Wmsn . .

I was thinking more at the end of the summer as the current tree still has a little life left in her and I was told she'd last the summer.

Thinking more like October??? Is that a good time? Or I guess even later. The ground doesn't freeze here, does it . . .????

Thank you!

[DubbleT]

I second the red maple suggestion. We replaced our silver maple in Memphis with an Autumn Blaze. Has a nice orange color in fall, nice contrast to the predominantly deep reds and golds typically found in the area.
Nice growth rate, not super fast but we went from a 6' stick to a respectable size with some shade in about 5 years or so. If you start out with a nice sized sapling you should have your shade pretty quickly.
We planted in the fall without any problems. I think October sounds about right,

[NY Annie]

Don't laugh at my suggestion - at least not right away. We have two mulberry bushes. They are over 30' high. That's right, taller than our house (3 stories). I know they've been here a very long time but have no idea. We are seriously considering planting two of them at our new house - why?

Because they have multiple "trunks" and branch well, they are fantastic for climbing - whether children or kittens. Our kitties love to sit up in the tree/bush and observe. Right around July 4th, the fruit drops. If you catch it before it drops, it's delicious - juicy and sweet, like a watermelon. The birds love the fruit as do butterflies.

And, since it is a bush, you shouldn't have to worry about the roots too much.

[46Barb]

My neighbors have birch trees that are very pretty.

[cantsleepclownwilleatme]

Did anyone have any suggestions for the OP regarding where to get more mature trees? I'm curious as well, as we're about to move into a 1.2 acre property with a definite lack of trees. I was thinking (like the OP) that I would prefer to plant a more mature tree due to my significant lack of patience with Mother Nature.

I also have had good luck with Red Maples -- beautiful trees - -

[BP300]

Hewitt Garden Center. The best.

[peanut423]

We searched and found a Moutain Ash (Green Ash) - a fast growing, beautiful shade tree that is indigenous to Tennessee. Having it put in by a landscaper cost around $200. It's worth it. These Mountain Ashes are not as susceptible to the Emerald Ash Borer, either.

A tree that stays smaller but that shades is the Eastern Red Bud also indigenous to our area. You can get one already 8 or so feet high.

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