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Schinus terebinthifolius...merits?

>From: Dave Encisco <dencisco@eos.arc.nasa.gov>
>Subject: Schinus terebinthifolius...merits?
>Sender: owner-medit-plants@ucdavis.edu
>Date: Fri, 14 Nov 1997 08:53:34 -0800 (PST)
>
> ----- Sean O'Hara wrote -----
> >Schinus terebinthifolius, also common in our area, is a very
> >different tree with its own set of merits.
>
> Sean,
>
> I would like to know what the merits are of the Brazilian Pepper. My
> neighbor (actually he had a landscaper do it) planted four good size
> trees 10 ft. apart three feet from our west fence. This will probably
> have a rather drastic affect on my sun loving garden. Time to put in a
> root barrier.
>
> Dave

Dave -

Well, perhaps these will be less of a problem than you think.
Schinus terebinthifolius is actually a far better choice for a small
garden than it cousin just discussed.  It is much smaller in stature
and slower growing.  Those I have seen planted as stree trees don't
seem to be causeing pavement problems and are a nice size for this
use.  Eventually they can become larger than, say, a purple leaf
plum, but they are certainly no where the size of an Ash.  Their
brilliant fall color and deciduous nature gives you a show in the
fall and good light in the winter.  Perhaps you'll enjoy a bit of
shade in the summer afternoons.

Regarding root barriers, this might still be a good idea as any tree
tends to have far more extensive root systems than most people
believe.  The old rule of thumb that the roots extend to the
'dripline' (the edge of the tree's shadow at 'high noon') is a myth
- they usually extend about twice that it they can.

Another nice feature of this tree are the clusters of small blue
berries on female trees.  Almost metallic in color, the are a nice
addition to the crown of the tree when the leaves turn a blaze of
red, orange, or yellow.

 Sean A. O'Hara                     sean.ohara@ucop.edu
 710 Jean Street                    (510) 987-0577
 Oakland, California 94610-1459     h o r t u l u s   a p t u s
 U.S.A.                             'a garden suited to its purpose'
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