Charlotte, NC (ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct ) July 13, 2006 -- Want to slash those summer power bills, but dont want to spend a lot of money to do it? Consider planting fast growing trees. Some grow as much as 10 feet in the very first year, quickly providing shade and lowering cooling costs. Some of the best Empress mother trees in the world are selected for fast growth, form, and hardiness. We clone these in a laboratory then grow them in our nursery. This guarantees a near perfect tree and one thats non-invasive. According to the US Department of Agriculture, well placed trees can reduce overall cooling expenses by as much as 30% and can save 20%  50% on heating bills.

When average annual utility bills run from 1,500 - 2,500, this could add up to a savings of thousands of dollars in just the first few years. Plus, healthy, mature trees increase property values by as much as 10%, lower stress levels, and clean the air we breathe. Just a few trees can make a big difference. Start by shading the west and east sides of your home. Dont forget to shade your air conditioning unit; this alone can increase cooling efficiency by 10%.

Trees should also be planted near driveways to deflect heat away from your home. A diagram can be found at http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/EnergyDiagram.htm . So what is the fastest growing shade tree? According to the Fast Growing Trees Nursery , its the Royal Empress Tree. Nursery Manager Jarred Hicks explains that with a little care, an Empress tree can reach up to ten feet the first full growing season and go on to twenty five feet in just three years. Furthermore, they have a deep taproot that grows down, not out, so you dont have to worry about disturbing foundations, patios or driveways.

Royal Empress Trees have large, one-foot leaves that provide dense shade in the summer then drop in the fall to let sunlight through when needed most. Hicks recommends against Empress trees grown from seed but prefers a process where trees are cloned. He explains, "Some of the best Empress mother trees in the world are selected for fast growth, form, and hardiness. We clone these in a laboratory then grow them in our nursery. This guarantees a near perfect tree and one thats non-invasive."Other fast growing shade trees include Hybrid Poplars, American Sycamores, and new varieties of red maples that are faster growing, disease resistant, and more colorful.

For pictures and more information about fast growing trees you can visit the Fast Growing Trees Nursery or call 1-888-222-5150. Fast-Growing-Trees.com is a mail order nursery headquartered in Charlotte, NC. They specialize in Royal Empress trees, Thuja Green Giant evergreens, and 40 other fast growing varieties. Contact:Jarred Hicks, (888) 222-5150Fax: (704) 943-4488 http://www.fast-growing-trees.com .