The "best" also depends on where you are located, soil, moisture and other factors. around here at the edge of the smokies we have many varieties of trees. Trees can be a multi generational investment. I have observed over the past decade trees coming up on their own and having substantial growth. two stand in my mind right off the bat out boxelder and black walnut. boxelder is like a weed, grows fast comes up everywhere and maybe it is good for kindling. the wood rots fast if used to build anything outdoors with it. black walnut I have observed that has come up on its own grows almost as fast, has hard, solid desirable wood for lumber, is ok firewood but not good for smoking meats, and produces nuts that have a several uses. the hull of the nut has been used for dye and tattoo ink for milimium. I like trees that produce something you can eat and has multiple uses