I am looking for a tree that will do well in a hard(er) type soil. We've had no luck growing maple trees.

Since I want to get shade quickly, I'd like something that would grows medium-speed.

It must be deciduous. Location is SW-Ontario (not too far from Detroit). So the weather is -30 to 95 and moderate rain throughout the year. It should be a rather low maintenance tree.

 

Don't know if they'll grow there and they ARE messy, but what about Chinese Tallow trees? I have a couple that kinda self-seeded into my yard and they grow relatively fast. Some areas have declared them as undesirable, so check before committing yourself.