Best backyard tree for an urban setting?

Question

Hello! My backyard needs shade, but a large tree in time will overwhelm the above powerlines.

Are there any trees that provide ample shade, grow fast, look beautiful, and (most importantly) won't interfere with the powerlines that are 15-20 from the ground?

Answer 1

We would be able to answer this better if we knew where you lived.  I live in SE Arizona and here we have palo verde and mesquite trees for light shade.  They don't grow that tall unless provoked and are easily trimmed back.

But a palo verde or mesquite would not survive in Chicago, Philly, New York or Boston.  Those are my favorite trees.

I would think maples, ash, some oaks would be ideal, too.