Top Cities In California

With a land area of approximately 160,000 square miles, California is the third-largest state in the United States. It is home to over 39.5 million people, making it the most populous state in the country. From deserts to coastlines, it has a diverse environment, which is also why it has a varied selection of trees. It has over 33.2 million forested acres, 18 national forests, 70 state parks/forests, and 148 communities are members of Tree City USA.

Most of California has a Mediterranean-like climate, characterized by warm and dry summers and wet and mild winters. It is rare to have freezing temperatures. If you are looking for the best trees in California for your garden, below are some of the top picks:

• Crape Myrtle: This fast-growing tree is a great option for small yards in the Golden State. Some varieties grow at a width and height of 20 feet, while some can be larger. They have delicate white, purple, or pink flowers that look like crepe paper, which is where the tree got its name.
• California Box Elder: If you have the luxury of space in your garden, this is a great option. The tree can reach a height of up to 50 feet. After it has established, it is drought-tolerant and will survive even with less than five inches of water in the summer.
• Bay Laurel: You can grow it even in a container, making it perfect for limited spaces. However, some can be as tall as 50 feet, especially if you do not prune them. This evergreen tree is also known for its aromatic leaves, which are often used in cooking.

While there are plenty of trees in California, the most popular is perhaps the redwood. It was designated as the state’s official tree in 1937. Hyperion, a coast redwood, is considered the tallest tree in the world. It stands at a towering height of 380 feet.

For an up-close encounter with some of the most beautiful and historic trees in California, below are the best places worth checking out:

• Sequoia National Park: One of its highlights is the Giant Forest, which is home to the biggest sequoia trees. The park has deep canyons and massive mountains hosting many trees.
• Yosemite National Park: The Mariposa Grove is where you can find more than 500 giant sequoias. Throughout the national park, you will find other amazing trees, including ponderosa pine, California black oak, white fir, and incense cedar.
• Los Padres National Forest: At approximately 1.95 million acres, this is one of the largest forests in California. It is divided into several wilderness and recreational areas. This botanically diverse forest is home to coastal redwoods, junipers, and California black oaks, among other trees.

Over the years, millions of trees were damaged and killed in the state. Because of this, there is an abundance of organizations active in promoting tree planting. If you want to volunteer, make sure to check out California ReLeaf, One Tree Planted, Tree People, City Plants, and California Urban Forests Council, among other organizations.

All Cities In California