I am doing a research paper on the favorite trees for landscaping in Central Valley (zones 7, 8, 9) for a class I am taking at College of the Sequoias in Visalia. Any ideas about the favorites? I will also be canvassing the local nurseries for their ideas. You can post here or email me at catrscr@sbcglobal.net.
Thanks in advance for your comments.
I will be happy to help you out. This is what I've got growing in my yard.
Honey Locust trees which were planted by my husband's grandfather.
English Walnut trees, also planted by DH's grandfather.
I planted cutting taken from my grandmother's house in Sacramento of Australian Poplars for their shade.
I also planted a cutting from a curly leaf willow which did well until the honeysuckle strangled it.
I have a volunteer California Live Oak growing in my yard too.
I also planted an Incense Cedar Tree which is happy if given a little water.
We also planted several Fan Palms, and a couple of the Monterrey Pine Trees in our front turn around, The pines are dying and I am planning on replacing with Dogwoods, and another tree, but haven't decided yet on what kind.
We planted several varieties of Eucalyptus as a windbreak too, but they are along the edge of our farm.
Locally, we have lots of people plant various types of citrus trees and other fruit trees. I've seen Jacaranda trees, and various types of palms. Oh don't let me forget the Italian Cypress, people seem to like them too.
I know of a Torrey Pine that is thriving which was planted by DH's great grand uncle as well.
I know you were asking about landscaping trees, and I hope this will help some.
I will do a more thorough survey of my area when I get home from vacation.
Good luck!
Walk In Beauty!
SingingWolf
Thanks, SingingWolf. That's a great list.
You are very welcome, catrscr. I'll see what the developers have been putting in. Although, in my community they have to work around the Live Oaks when building houses.
I'm surprised that you haven't received more responses so far, but most people are probably out in the yard. LOL! Wait til the weather changes.
One note I should have mentioned about the Monterrey Pines. We do have people who like to buy them in containers and take them home and plant them. Unfortunately, most Monterrey's only live about 20 years in our area, which is why we have to replace those ones that are dying in the front turn around.
Not a good choice for landscaping. The Aleppo Pine which is a non native, grows in our Mediterranean climate and is often planted for landscaping instead of the Monterrey Pine.
The Australian Poplars send up runners and can be invasive, but are quick growers and good shade trees. Good for perimeter planting that is far away from your lawn or any good water source, like your septic tank.
Good Luck on your project and I do hope that the lurkers will weigh in too.
WIB!
SW
thanks again, SW :). I know around here (Hanford, CA) the popular tree is Raewood Ash. GAG. I had to take out all of mine because their roots grow shallow and popped up the concrete in my back patio. I hated taking out any tree and planted Chinese Pistaches in their place. In the front I have taken out my lawn because of our several water restrictions. I have a desert willow growing there. Anxious to see how it does.
thanks again.
blessings,
^--^
>k< catrscr
We have & love our crape myrtles, green Japanese maple, loquat, and arbutus unedo "Marina". We also have fruit trees, including loquat, 2 persimmons, Asian pears, almond, Anna apple, and 3 Spire apples.
I also have 2 liquidambar trees that I planted, and we have a love-hate relationship. I love the autumn colors; I hate the stickery balls. I deep-rooted them when they were young, so they're not lifting any sidewalks or anything. But they can be a major problem.
The street tree the city planted is a Chinese pistache, which is nice at times (also good autumn color), but which drops massive clusters of seed pods. I wouldn't call it one of my favorites, either.
Found another one I forgot but I both have and have seen a lot of around here.
Mulberrys! Both fruiting and non fruiting varieties.
Got to go, new kitten trying to eat my lap top. Must play with kitten!
WIB!
SW
Got another one for you that I hate. Pepper trees.
WIB,
SW
Thanks SW and Imapigeon (love that name too). Now my professor has redefined the parameters for me and I am off in a different direction in research but I will use this info and "graft" it to the what I find.
Catrscr
Happy I could help even a little.
Good luck and study hard!
WIB,
SW
