The Bay Area has a very unique, highly-desirable Mediterranean climate with many different micro-climates. This diverse environment gives us an opportunity to plant a wide variety of trees that are less common, yet very popular. Bay Area trees usually tolerate a wide range of conditions and are commonly used in landscaping. It is always recommended to opt for a tree that aligns with the requirements of the location as it matures.
We have assembled a great group of beautiful specimens to help you with the challenge of selecting the best trees for Bay Area. Read on!
Bay Area Trees – Popular and Recommended Varieties
1. New Zealand Christmas Tree
New Zealand Christmas tree is one of the most common Bay Area trees used in landscaping. It grows perfectly well in salt air along the coast and on the Peninsula as well. You can use it either as a standard specimen tree or as a shrub. Owners report that it looks incredible at night with low-voltage lighting when used in groups. In addition, it grows very quickly, making it a very good privacy shrub. Its beautiful flowers and resistance to drought make it even more desirable.
At maturity, this tree can reach up to 80 feet in height in the optimal environment. It prefers full sun exposure and is able to thrive even in poor rocky soil. According to tree services San Francisco, the flowers attract bees and hummingbirds, so keep this in mind if you opt for this tree.
2. Marina Strawberry Tree
Marina strawberry tree is a medium-sized evergreen tree commonly found in residential landscapes. As the tree matures, the older bark will peel away from the branches and trunk, revealing the beautiful shiny red bark underneath. The pendulous clusters of whiteish-pink, urn-shaped flowers are produced throughout the whole year along the coast with peaks in fall and spring.
It grows to about 50 feet in height with a broad, dense crown. The tree can thrive in full to part day sun without any problems. Occasional summer watering is preferred, but the tree is considered to be drought-tolerant. Compacted soils represent a challenge, but the tree will most likely be able to adapt to it, which is another reason why this is one of the best trees for Bay Area.
3. Sweet Shade
The sweet shade is a slender evergreen characterized by its unique gray bark and shiny green leaves that form clusters at the ends of the branches. The tree has very fragrant flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. This Australian native is appropriate for areas where a narrow upright tree is needed for privacy reasons. Additionally, if you decide to hire a tree pruning San Jose company, you can make this tree a bit tidier.
Once it hits maturity, the Sweet shade can grow up to 40 feet in height. It prefers full sun to light shade and deep, infrequent watering system. In addition, it can grow in almost any type of soil, but we recommend consulting with your arborist about it.
4. California Lilac
California lilac, also referred to as the Blue sky, is one of the favorite evergreen specimens in coastal regions. Users report that the tree blooms almost continuously from the moment they planted it. Its blue flowers are lightly fragrant, providing a great contrast to the dark green abundant foliage. Honey bees are one of the most frequent visitors, but other wildlife can also be noticed around these trees.
This is a smaller tree, growing up to 15 feet in height. Due to its height, it is optimal for smaller yards. It prefers full sun to part shade and heavy or sand soils, according to almost every tree service California.
5. Victorian Box
The victorian box is an evergreen tree characterized by its wavy leaf edges. Months after fragrant flowering in spring or early summer, you can expect orange, woody fruit to appear. This fast grower is very popular in the Bay Area and is always a great addition to almost every type of garden in the area.
It grows up to 50 feet tall in the optimal environment. Full sun exposure and regular irrigation, while the tree is young, are needed for healthy development. Additionally, this tree is adaptable to different types of soil, so you probably won’t have any problems with it.
6. Water Gum
Water gum is another Australian native on this list. It performs really well near the coast and along the banks of streams. Usually, its branches and trunks tend to be shaped in the direction of a water current. It can be pruned to maintain a compact shape and is usually multi-branched, so you might want to hire an arborist to help you with maintenance.
At maturity, Water gum grows to about 30 feet in height. This beauty prefers full sun exposure and somewhat regular irrigation during the summer months.
7. Persian Pear
Persian pear is a deciduous tree more commonly found on the coast side of the Bay Area. It is used to achieve the widest possible range of foliage color. Its beautiful light green leaves change to yellow, orange, and red during autumn. In addition, this tree is fairly wind resistant and has a pretty interesting branching habit in the winter. Still, they are not completely exposed to the indirect winds on the ocean coast. Both standard and multi-trunked specimens are available for plantings.
This tree grows to about 40 feet in height as it matures. It prefers full sun exposure and acidic, well-drained soil. This beauty is without a doubt one of the best trees for Bay Area due to its unique characteristics.
Local Tree Experts Overview
Bay Area trees are adapted to the specific climate in the area. Most of these trees are commonly used in both residential and urban landscaping. We recommend consulting with your local arborist if you have any questions about planting, maintenance, or pruning. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if the answers will make your trees look and feel better!
