We live in Saginaw, just north of Fort Worth and we are hoping to plant a bunch of trees in our backyard along the east fence to provide some afternoon and evening shade for our 'future deck'. We had hoped to buy Poplars as I read that they grow about six feet a year and make great screens/borders. However, I just heard the Dirt Doctor a week or so ago mention that these trees are riddled with disease problems. Can ya'll please suggest something that I can use? I would prefer evergreens but that isn't necessarily important.

Many thanks
Nina

Nina:
I prefer something in the white oak group like the Burr Oak. Lot's of shade with fewer trees and grow fairly fast.
Please not not select the Cedar Elm. Way too messy year round for your future deck.

A White Ash or a Texas Ash would grow well, very healthy, very sturdy, and pretty darned fast growers. They make for very nice shade, and the trees will be able to maintain good health as opposed to the Poplars.

Shatung Maple grows pretty quickly too and is quite pretty as well as very healthy. Heck, get a few of each.