Fast growing tree for south-central Texas?

I am trying to find a fast growing shade tree for the New Braunfels area. Have pretty much eliminated Chinese Tallow (too much negative feedback on that one) and the Chinaberry (not really a long living tree, I understand, and prone to be easily damaged). Any sugggestions? Would love to have some fall color, but not necessary.

Given that many trees are not appropriate for small yards because of their ultimate size, what's the ultimate size your yard can handle?

Yes, those Chinaberrys can grow and give shade in 1 season! No kidding! But, they are very messy with all the stuff falling in the yard, and they blow over and break in the least little wind. And soon you would have lots of Chinaberry trees all over.

I have a small to medium size tree in my yard that seems to be growing pretty fast. It's a Shantung Maple and is on the list of Texas Superstars for all of its good qualities.

I believe the Chinese Pistache grows fairly fast and the Texas Ash.
The Chinkapin Oak is a great tree and grows in a moderate to fast rate.
They all have great fall color.

Bettydee - We do have a relatively small yard, however I think it would handle a 50 to 60 foot tree easily, especially if it didn't have a very wide growth habit.

Thanks sugarplum1, I'll do some reading on those.

The Texas Forest Service has a great website to help homeowners select a tree:
http://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/CustomSelector.aspx
I agree with SugarPlum about the Chinkapin Oak. Also consider the Escarpment Live Oak. Mature height is 40' and about as wide. This one is susceptible to Oak Wilt however. If you do choose an oak (Many are relatively fast growers when young.) choose one that is resistant to Oak Wilt.

Many of the "fast growing" trees are also considered "trash" trees — grow quickly, are short-lived, have brittle wood, etc. Longer living trees are slower, but worth the wait.
Here are some more links that may help you decide:
http://www.centraltexasgardening.net/database.htm
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/
http://www.centraltexasgardening.net/links.htm
http://www.greenbuilder.com/general/articles/AAS.trees.html
http://mtfsa.com/oaks.htm

Thanks bettydee. I was concerned about oak wilt since it is prevalent in the San Antonio area (maybe many other areas, too.) I know what you mean about many fast growers being trash trees. We had planted a Chinese Tallow that died at the first heat wave this spring and now I'm thinking that was a blessing. It's a beautiful tree, but has too many negatives. Ditto for Chinaberries. Have been considering a Mexicola Grande Avocado for the back yard. DH asked about it for the front, but I'm afraid we might not keep all of the fruit if it's in the front!

I look forward to purusing the sites you listed! Thanks again.

BTW, did you mean that the Chinkapin or the Escarpment Live Oak is susceptible to oak wilt? I assume you meant the Escarpment, but want to make sure.

The Escarpment Live Oak. Texas has two types of live oaks the Q. virginiana ( The live oak we normally think of and found by the coast.) and the Q fusiformis, the Escarpment Live Oak, found in the Hill Country. They hybridize easily so out in the wild you'll see a sliding gradient from pure Q. virginiana to Q. fusiformis. They are all susceptible to Oak Wilt. We have a large number of 200 - 300 year old live oaks here on the ranch. Some are Q. virginiana, but mostly hybrids very close to true virginiana.

I found out from the Texas Forest Service that once Oak Wilt has left the area, it is safe to replant live oaks and other oaks again.