Just now, MarkBR said:

Rainbow gum (Eucalyptus deglupta) might be better, grows very fast.  In tropics often a species grown for timber, and insanely beautiful trunks.

Look at photos, only problem might be final size = gigantic

My suggestion if planting Bamboo, prepare to battle it eternally. Only way to grow bamboo, i.m.o. is to place an old porcelin tub in the ground and plant them in there so their roots dont leave that area...

Our 20 baht Royal Poinciana sapling grew as high as the house inside 4 years. Stunning red blooms and not overpowering in their shade.

 

 

If you want superfast though, better off having some big uns transplanted, but even then they'll take a while to get established and will cost big.

 

 

On 9/22/2024 at 9:02 AM, FlorC said:

Tamarind tree grow fast. Small leaves though.

Tamarind - Wikipedia

Folks here planted one 1,5 m high , 5 months ago , now 4 meter high.

And you get some fruit.

Tamarind trees a good idea...but they can grow we have one next to the house it has been they 10 years now ,now 12 meters high and still growing ,not the first time I have seen one come down in a strong gale ,the whole lot roots and all ,our one we are going to have to take the top out soon ,at least the roots do not grow long and get in the house foundations, what foundations  they is with Thai house building.

Eucalyptus ok but that can grow to 14 meters plus.

I would go with bamboo, we have some as well, but they leave's when they fall get everywhere, the wife is always cleaning them up. 

Trees with thick branches and leaves that become bushy are a nest to attract snakes in one's garden.

https://data.addrun.org/plant/archives/186-polyalthia-longifolia-sonn-thwaites

 

The above is an Ashoka tree. If planting a row of them they will grow to 5m within 3 yrs and then much higher. They are used as a wind break and good for 100% privacy if needed. But must be planted 60cm to 70cm apart. 

16 hours ago, kickstart said:

Tamarind trees a good idea...but they can grow we have one next to the house it has been they 10 years now ,now 12 meters high and still growing ,not the first time I have seen one come down in a strong gale ,the whole lot roots and all ,our one we are going to have to take the top out soon ,at least the roots do not grow long and get in the house foundations, what foundations  they is with Thai house building.

Eucalyptus ok but that can grow to 14 meters plus.

I would go with bamboo, we have some as well, but they leave's when they fall get everywhere, the wife is always cleaning them up. 

Yes , strong wind on wet tamarind branches makes them break too easily.

I read that some bamboo roots are dangerous near foundations or concrete driveways. 

I like bamboo , but did not plant any because of the roots. 

On 9/23/2024 at 9:02 PM, MarkBR said:

Buy one that is edible then after 3-4 years start cutting up to 1 quarter of new shoots to prepare & eat.

 

We already do this both to keep it restricted in place and for some home-grown food. The main issue here is that the leaves from grown shoots still drop and smothers the grass, and the OP likes his lawn.