Good tree for a beginner in zone 10

16 years ago

Hi, I've been living in this house for 2 years now (bought), and have just now gotten around to doing landscaping. I must confess, I don't have a lot of experience w/ planting/gardening, but I can follow instructions very well, and don't mind the maintenance.

I've done some research online for trees in my area, and have received a lot of conflicting info on what would be "good" for a relative beginner like me.

1. I would prefer something that's decently quick growing, reaching ~20 feet in ~5 years.

2. decent coverage in terms of shade

3. I don't mind "fall" (though I'm not sure there's really ever Fall here in southern california) cleanup.

catch:

it's long beach, where the lots are rather small, and planting area limited, my house falls into that category. the front yard where i would like to plant a tree is approximately 18'x15', WITH A POWER LINE RUNNING THROUGH A PORTION OF IT. -I've spoken with the power company about moving it, since it's cutting across my property, but feeding my neighbor's house, they were reluctant to move it, but grudgingly admitted that they can move it if it becomes a problem.

The location i'd like to plant the tree would be slightly offset, favoring the drive way, and the house, which, if the tree grew straight up, would have ~8' of clearance from the power line, at a height of approximately 10'.

Is there a tree where i can prune the branches to keep the trunk from spreading until it reaches above that height? or a tree that is fairly contained with the branches that i'd miss it?

Thanks for any suggestions you guys may be able to offer.

Jeff

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Comments (3)

Dibbit
16 years ago
Well, if you want shade, the power line has to move. Double check with the power co. about how far their right-of-way extends - around here, it's 15' in all directions around the wires - they have the right to trim back or cut down any vegetation that is or that might (they trim back line ROWs every couple of years, so can get pretty pro-active) infringe into the ROW. There are some majorly BUTCHERED trees along the power lines!!

For shade, for the house, you need a tree that grows at least 20' tall, maybe 15', but taller is better - you don't want to plant any tree closer to your house than 6-8', and 10-12' is better. Planting a tree too close to the house can lead to problems with roots, with branches rubbing and with mold and mildew on the house siding. If you want to shade a patio, you can plant right on the edge of the patio, but still need to pay attention to the distance from buildings.

Since trees usually grow about one third to half as wide as they grow tall, you need to allow for the width. There are trees that are columnar, taller than they are wide - a number of various species and widths. Columnar trees don't cast as much shade, however. Some trees do grow wider than they are tall, but most conform to the above. As trees grow, you can trim off lower limbs to allow for walking under them, etc.

I think you need to get more info from the power company, and then figure how much room you will actually have for a tree to grow in. Planning to have to trim a tree annually, to keep it in the shape it HAS to stay in, is foolish - it's much better to find a tree that grows to the size and shape you want it to have without needing expensive - and usually unattractive - trimmings. When you have more idea of the space you can "fill up" with a tree - then you can get better advice from here.

In the mean time, go to local parks, the zoo, an arboretum, etc., ask around, and see what trees, what shape of tree and what height, you like and that appeals to you. Also, get a couple of books (try the library), and see what appeals to you there. Go to local nurseries, and see what is available - just be aware that the "mature height" listed on the hang-tag may in fact be only the height it will grow to in 10 years, not the tallest it can grow to. It may be that whatever tree you REALLY like won't do in your situation, but having a starting point will help.
quirkyquercus
16 years ago
Post a photo of the site
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ca_jeff
Original Author
16 years ago
back from doing some additional research:

the power line is not suppose to be over my front yard. There is no easement/right-of-way there. the power for my neighbor's house is suppose to come from the pole behind the house. I can request this to be moved.

I also took some pictures of the yard:
1. overall area (told you it was small)
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f384/dwargue/IMG_0367.jpg
2. closeup of the area
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f384/dwargue/IMG_0364.jpg
3. tree in area (also shows just how much elec company cares about pruning, there's literally 7 powerlines sprouting out of that tree).
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f384/dwargue/IMG_0365.jpg
4. another tree in area.
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f384/dwargue/IMG_0366.jpg

I'd really like something more of a canopy tree, but I honestly don't think my yard has the room to allow that.

Hopefully I can get some suggestions on trees that can help break up the very plain front yard, and add some more green to the street.

TIA,

Jeff

Good tree for a beginner in zone 10

Comments (3)

Dibbit

quirkyquercus

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Good tree for a beginner in zone 10

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Dibbit

quirkyquercus

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