HI Alison,

I think I read that the most heavily planted street or boulevard tree in the
US is the Red Oak-- Quercus rubra. It's an outstanding candidate for the
growing conditions you're describing. As to their growth, Dirr writes:

"Red Oak can grow 2' per year over a 10 year period in moist, well-drained
soil; however, in Wichita, KS tests averaged 11.5" per year over a 9 year
period."

Red oaks provide abundant shade and are also pollution and soil-compaction
tolerant-- they of course provide a great source of food for local wildlife.
During their juvenile and more mature growth they exhibit grace, although
they do gain a certain massive gravitas later in life.

Tilia cordata, the Littleleaf Linden, is also a great choice and is not as
widely planted.

Dave


"Alison" wrote in message
m...
I would like to plant a tree on the sidewalk grass strip in front of
my house that will eventually grow into a tall, graceful shade tree
(no fruit trees, please). The strip is less than 5 feet wide, but I
have seen some pretty big trees growing in strips that size in the
area. I would like to avoid trees with shallow, invasive roots (my
perennial garden is less than 10 feet away), and would be looking for
one that has beautiful fall color. I live in Providence, Rhode Island
(zone 5), and the location faces south. I don't mind slow growers,
because I see this as a tree for future generations, and I would like
my garden to get some more sun in the near future.