Hi waters?, generally conifers do better in dry climates than deciduous
trees. Maybe you should consider a dense conifer as your deep shade tree
rather than a beech. There are some large growing junipers and cypresses
that might fill your needs, or even something like a Douglas Fir, which
might be faster growing. I think you said you had some oaks already - but
oaks and beeches are among the slowest growing trees. If you are set on a
deciduous tree and don't need to garden directly under it, you might
consider a Norway maple. These are invasive in the east, but that same
tenacity might make them a good candidate for your climate - (they are
widely planted in the dry inland Northwest). Here they are fairly fast
growing - you might have a decent amount of shade from one in 5 years from a
7 foot sapling bought in a nursery.
If you are anywhere near a water source, such as a little creek or spring,
you could plant a poplar. They are VERY fast growing and very large trees,
they cast a dense shade, and they are hardy to just about any condition in
the west as long as they can get water to their roots. (Just don't plant
them anywhere they can get into your sewer or water lines).
"waters" wrote in
In NW Arizona. Kingman to be precise.