Help me choose a fool proof fast growing tree

[Cecilia4848]

I have recently got new neighbours and suddenly feel quite overlooked. I really want a fast growing tree which is also fool proof and will thrive in clay- type soil. My cherry tree didn’t grow at all and just died and I am not a gardener. Someone said a pear tree might be a good idea. Any thoughts?

I think Pear trees are usually pretty slow growing, or at least to fruit “you plant a pear for your heirs” my gran used to quote!
Is it a small garden? If so a big shrub like lilac might work. Fast growing and lovely flowers/fragrance for a few weeks, nice green screen the rest of the growing year.
Hawthorn, Malus (crab apple) would be nice, or just go to the garden centre and see what takes your fancy!

Lilac is a good suggestion. They're a bit boring though. Lovely flowers for 3 weeks.

I'd be tempted to put up an arch and grow climbing roses on it.

It’s quite a big garden so I need quite a big tree. I would love a cherry tree. My neighbours planted one 3 years ago and it’s now really big, whilst mine just died 😰

try another cherry. Dig a big hole, bigger than the rootball, clear any grass away in a circle of about 2 foot and keep it clear. Mix some manure in the planting hole. Water it in well, a whole large watering can and do the same amount of water once a week, more often if it’s really hot.

I think any tree should also be planted in late autumn so it has time to establish.

How about Buddleia? Very fast growing, lovely flowers that the butterflies and bees love.

Sycamore?

I planted a Damson tree in clay that went up like a rocket. My only comment is they send out suckers / and drop seeds which can become a real pain. Without care your garden may quickly turn into an orchard.

Birch? Poplar and willow also grow quite quickly.

If there is a wall or strong fence a clematis armandii might work well. Grows quickly, gets big and thick if you want it too but only a bit taller than whatever it is climbing so won’t take too much light like a big tree might.
delicious flowers in early spring and evergreen

Ash trees grow very quickly too

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I would avoid ash at the moment because of ash dieback.

How big is the garden - and specifically how many metres to your house and the neighbour's house(s) from the planting spot? Willow, Poplar, Ash, Sycamore should not be planted unless the space around them is substantial - you'll risk a subsidence claim among other complaints. Birch are beautiful and less problematic but many also get huge.

This is a good link: tree distances

Poplar if it is a big garden (an acre or more). Very fast growing, but also easy to have felled if necessary, as they are very light.

I’d plant a hawthorn, there are some beautiful ones, or a flowering cherry. Not willow, ash or sycamore.

I planted a willow for the reason and it's very fast growing.

We have a crab apple which has interest all year round: blossom, attractive foliage and the fruit.

Red robins are fast growing and very pretty, A few could form a hedge.