When it comes to landscaping, Sacramento residents have to think about water usage, the amount of work needed to keep the trees healthy, and what trees will be favored by the area’s weather conditions. One of the best ways to avoid tree-related issues is going native.
Trees native to Sacramento tend to take less water and are generally capable of growing without many issues. Below, we have a list of the best trees for Sacramento. Recommended by arborists based in Sacramento, the following trees can adapt to the soil types, humidity, sun exposure, and other conditions in the region.
Top-Rated Trees for Sacramento
1. Keith Davey Chinse Pistache
A favorite tree for spectacular fall foliage, the Keith Davey Chinese Pistache forms a nicely-shaped, umbrella-like crown of pinnately-divided, lustrous green leaves. The foliage generally turns into a brilliant orange crimson as the fall progresses, with the tree losing its leaves in the winter season.
Featuring a moderate growth rate, the tree reaches a height of 25 to 40 feet, developing a crown of between 25 and 35 feet wide. The non-fruiting male cultivar performs well when planted in full sun, requiring regular watering in the initial days – generally, weekly – and less watering once established.
2. Autumn Blaze Maple
Fast-growing, with deeply lobed leaves and impressively fabulous fall color, the Autumn Blaze Maple is an exceptional ornamental tree. Combining the best features of its parents – that is, the silver maples and red maples – the hybrid shoots up to a height of 50 feet and a crown spread of 40 feet without succumbing to diseases and pests.
One of the most stunning Sacramento trees, Autumn blaze maple features a nicely balanced branching habit and explodes with orange/red color in the fall. The tree shares Silver Maple’s drought tolerance, making it an ideal choice for areas with water shortages.
3. Black Tupelo
Labeled one of the most attractive Sacramento trees, Black Tupelo carries dark green leaves with a high-gloss appearance in the summer. The most spectacular part of the tree, however, is the fall foliage which features many shades of purple, scarlet, orange, yellow, or bright red, with the colors often appearing on the same branch.
Preferring well-drained, acid soils, and medium sun exposure, the tree grows to a height of 30 to 50 feet and a spread of 20 to 30 feet. Its bark matures to medium grey, with most owners claiming that it resembles an alligator hide.
4. Live Oak
One of the best evergreen trees for Sacramento, Live Oak will be a picturesque addition to your landscape. When young, the magnificent tree grows rapidly, reaching maturity at a height of 40 to 80 feet and carrying a crown spread of up to 80 feet.
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The tree performs well in both partial shade and full sun, with Sacramento tree experts recommending an average of 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. One of the most adaptable Sacramento trees, Live oak does well in almost any type of soil. While the tree prefers normal moisture, it has some drought and flood tolerance.
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5. Deodar Cedar
A graceful specimen for people with large landscapes, Deodar Cedar needs plenty of room to showcase its spectacular drooping shape. An ideal choice for people looking for evergreen trees for Sacramento, the tree retains its foliage through all seasons. Carrying a gray-green color, the tree adds interest to a variety of landscape styles.
Growing to a height of between 40 and 70 feet, Deodar Cedar is one of the larger Sacramento trees. Although the tree demands full sun to perform optimally, it is adaptable to most of the soils located in California. While California tree service providers recommend planting the tree in moist soil, Deodar Cedar features good drought tolerance.
FAQs
Q: What Kind of Trees Are in Sacramento?
A: Though Sacramento is home to a large number of native trees, the most recognizable trees are:
- Valley oaks
- Oregon ash
- Gray pine
- California black walnut
- Fremont Cottonwood
Related Post: Sacramento Shade Trees
Q: Why is Sacramento Called the City of Trees?
A: Sacramento was first called the “City of Trees” back in 1855, and by the early 1900s, the title had taken hold. Just as the title suggests, Sacramento carries a large number of trees. The city’s tree canopy is thick with sycamores, oaks, elms, and hundreds of other tree species that together cover approximately a quarter of the urban landscape.
Q: Does Sacramento Have the Most Trees?
A: With an impressive 23.6% tree canopy coverage, Sacramento is one of the leading cities when it comes to urban tree cover. However, coming behind Atlanta and New York with 48% and 39% tree canopy coverage respectively, Sacramento is not the leading city in the US.
Local Tree Experts Overview
Due to its size, California has varying planting zones. Different cities and counties within the state support the growth of varying tree species. For example, the best trees for Fresno may not be the best trees for Sacramento. If you are thinking of improving your landscape with new trees, this article carries a list of the best Sacramento trees.
