Our
California Tree List includes many of the trees that have been successful
in our landscapes.
Trees are a thought to the
future, but not always for as long as one might think. There are Acacias that have a
predictable lifespan of 10-15 years, more and then you are living on borrowed time.
Coast Live Oaks, while they may live for a hundred or more years do the majority of their
growing in the first 30, treat them well in their youth.
Trees can do so much to
change the physical comfort of the local environment. The temperature under
them is often several degrees lower due to the evaporation of the transpired water vapor.
They dictate the plantings that we use by the amount of sun they block out, the
space their roots take up, and the water they require, or don't. In short, time
should be taken for thought about what effect this tree will have on the
garden before it is planted.
I have seen great trees
planted too close to structures, or each other, far too frequently. Too often
this leads to their
untimely demise. Trees that have invasive roots are regularly used as street
trees. Trees that drop copious amounts of debris are planted where they overhang
lawns, pools, and parking areas. And then there is the ever expanding shade
issue. It is difficult to plan plantings for the growth of a young
tree knowing how rapidly this can change. In the first year there is no shade to speak of but by year three or later there can be a lot.
Plants that can tolerate, much less thrive, in both sun and shade are a rare commodity.
So enjoy our California Tree List and plant a few of the beauties here.
Your garden will thank you.
Our state tree is the California Coastal Redwood.
