Re: Weed trees in California

At 1/17/2002, Nan Sterman wrote:
Thanks for the suggestions.  We had planted several citrus and Avocado trees along with several grape vines several years ago but a brush fire wiped everything out and it has taken me a while to restart.  We have some oaks planted and one even came back after the fire.

I have a purple leaf Acacia out front and would like to add some more in back.  There are some eucalyptus but would like to get rid of them. 

Also thanks for the book recomendations.

Quick growing:
  • California Pepper (Schinus molle)
  • Acacias  -- there are many kinds that are quite bushy and grow quickly to 15 feet and they are widely available in your area
  • Clumping bamboos (not running ones).  Again, there are several sources in the area
  • A line of avocado or citrus trees would be very appropriate for your area, quick growing and wide so as to screen out neighbors
  • Grevillleas
  • Pineapple guava (feijoa)
  • Lavatera
  • Maleleuca
  • Toyon



In a couple of years, you'll have your visual barrier using any of these.  Then, why not look to the oaks.  They will grow slowly but eventually, they will be majestic.

I strongly recommend against  planting any kind of eucalyptus.  I think they are poorly suited to So Cal for a number of reasons.  In addition, we are facing terrible problems with eucalyptus lerp psyllids (I heard recently that we are up to 9 types) and I would not be surprised if within a few years, most eucs are banished from the region.

For more ideas, get ahold of a copy of Trees and Shrubs for Dry California Landscapes by Bob Perry or if you are wiling to make an even greater investment, try Perry's Landscape Plants for Western Regions.  This book is extremely appropriate for your situation.


Don Bowen                          donb@cts.com
Valley Center, CA                

Senior Software Engineer
Full Sail Software Development, Inc.

http://members.cts.com/crash/d/donb
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