While there are many varieties of trees available, there are many factors to consider when deciding on one to plant. The first thing to consider is what features or qualities a person is looking for in a tree. Do they want a broad canopy tree for shade? Or maybe a deciduous tree to shade a home in summer and allow sun exposure in winter? Do they want a smaller or more upright tree for a tighter space? Are flowers and leaf color important, or do they desire one that doesn’t drop much litter? Branch strength, root damage potential and growth rates are other factors to consider when choosing a tree. Another concern would be whether the tree will survive in our climate; Long Beach having a coastal climate, with mild winters and relatively cool summers. Bixby Knolls in particular is located in Sunset Climate Zone 22, but is just on the border with Zone 24, which is a heavily marine influenced zone that reaches to PCH and the 710 fwy. While many tropical and sub-tropical plants and trees flourish here, some trees, like many Cherry varieties, require long hours of winter chill in order to flower and fruit. Trees sensitive to certain insects, like Aphids and Whiteflies, which thrive in warmer climates, may be under constant stress. While native gardens have become popular in recent years, many native trees are not suitable for home gardens because they have undesirable growth habits or are under attack from foreign pests and diseases. Southwestern Australia, Chile, South Africa and the Mediterranean are regions of the world that share our climate and trees and plants that are native to these areas do well in Southern California coastal regions.
A tree can live a long time if cared for and grown under the right conditions, so choosing one with all of one’s desired qualities is important. I have included here just few of my favorite trees for planting in home gardens.
Geijera parviflora – Australian Willow: A smaller evergreen tree that is tough but graceful looking with long, slender, blue-green leaves and clusters of small white flowers. Will grow 25-30’ high and 20’ wide and is drought tolerant and low maintenance with non-invasive roots.
Ginkgo biloba – Maidenhair Tree: This tree is considered a living fossil, surviving since pre-historic times. This tree requires a longer commitment because while mature trees are absolutely beautiful, they are slow growing and can look awkward when young. It can eventually grow to 35-50’ to 15-30’ wide. This deciduous tree has fan shaped leaves that turn bright yellow in winter that blanket the ground in a golden carpet. The male cultivar ‘Autumn Gold’ is a good variety.
Koelreuteria bipinnata – Chinese Flame: This fast growing and well-behaved tree develops a broad canopy of fern-like leaves, clusters of yellow flowers in the summer followed by salmon colored, papery seed pods in winter. Growing 20-40’ high and 15-30’ wide, this tree provides lots of shade and beautiful color.
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