I live in central Illinois, and have a small backyard, in town, that runs the legnth of my house, with the back fence about 25 feet from the house. The backyard is on the south of the house. It is a shade backyard, and has been beautifully landscaped with rocks and raised beds. it reminds me of a secret garden, with lots of ivy and roses. it has 2 large ash trees on the central and west sides of the yard, and, until last year, a Crimson King maple on the east side. I believe this tree was 30 years old, full grown with a beautiful crown. Unfortunately it had to be cut down as it was infected with verticillium wilt and dying a quick death.

I am trying to find a tree that is a fast growing shade tree to replace the maple, but will also be resistent to any residual certicillium wilt. I am also concerned that a tree that has the potential to grow too large will result in roots affecting my garden.

any ideas?