The unique climate in the area allows gardeners to plant trees in Bakersfield throughout the year. In fact, the ecosystem looks better than ever before, and with a variety of Bakersfield trees available or planting, it can be quite difficult to choose one for your own garden. In this article, we will talk about the best trees to plant in the area, how to care for them, and their specific requirements.
Keep reading to find out more about trees in this beautiful city and their unique characteristics!
Trees in Bakersfield – Common Varieties
1. Fremont Cottonwood
Fremont cottonwood is a large tree with a trunk up to 5 feet in diameter. It has a very smooth bark while it is young and becomes deeply fissured as it gets older. Long drooping catkin is characteristic of the flower clusters that bloom from March to April.
At maturity, Fremont cottonwood can reach up to 115 feet tall. Like most trees in Bakersfield, it requires plenty of sun and moist soil for healthy development. Regular irrigation is also recommended by tree services Bakersfield.
2. Western Sycamore
Western sycamore is native to California and it usually grows in floodplains, canyons, or along streams. In addition, it is commonly used as a landscape tree due to its unique looks. The trunk usually divides into two or more large parts that split into many branches.
Once it hits maturity, this tree can grow up to 115 feet tall. Similar to other Bakersfield trees, it is a though tree and it grows fairly easy, but it does require regular watering and full sun exposure.
3. Blue Elderberry
Blue elderberry is a smaller tree and it is also native to the area. Its distinctive cream or yellow flowers in the spring and purple berries in the fall makes it suitable for almost every landscape. Birds in California love this tree, so keep that in mind if you decide to plant it in your yard.
This tree can grow up to 30 feet in height at maturity. It handles a variety of different soil moisture levels once established. Almost every tree service California recommends full sun exposure.
Related Post: Best Fruit Trees For Southern California
4. Gooding’s Black Willow
Gooding’s black willow is a very common native tree that grows at a moderate rate and can survive though conditions. Its green flowers are average in size and they usually bloom in the early spring if the weather is fine. In nature, it tends to grow in streamsides, at elevations from 0-2,000 feet.
Once it hits maturity, Goodling’s black willow can grow up to 40 feet in height. It tolerates poor water quality, salinity, and alkalinity.
5. Honey Mesquite
Honey mesquite is a medium-sized flowering tree that belongs to the legume family. It serves as a very important habitat plant for many different species of wildlife. In addition, it is characterized by a rounded crown and drooping branches with feathery foliage.
At maturity, Honey mesquite can grow up to 30 feet in height. A very deep taproot allows the tree to adapt to arid environments and find water.
6. California Ash
California ash belongs to the Oleaceae family and is usually found at elevations of 330-4265 feet in nature. This small tree has cylindrical to four-angled stems and dark green leaves with three to seven leaflets.
The tree can grow up to 22 feet when it hits maturity. Full sun exposure is required for healthy development, but there’s no need to water the tree once established.
Related Post: California Ash Tree
7. Sandbar Willow
Sandbar willow is one of those Bakersfield trees that can be found almost in every county in California. This deciduous small tree forms dense clonal colonies and is characterized by narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers are produced in catkins in late spring, just after the leaves appear. The fruit is basically a cluster of capsules and each contains numerous minute seeds embedded in smooth white silk.
Like most willows, this one can reach about 23 feet in height at maturity. It prefers full sun exposure and moderate moisture. Sandbar willow is tolerant of various soils as long as there’s enough water.
8. Japanese Maple
The Japanese maple has elegantly cut leaves and extraordinarily colorful foliage, especially in the fall when the leaves warm up to dazzling shades of bronze, red-purple, and golden-yellow. It is fairly easy to grow but is always a great addition to a landscape.
This tree typically grows up to 25 feet tall. There are dwarf varieties if you need it planted in a specific spot. It is perfectly suited for small gardens or large containers since it usually grows slowly.
9. Silver Maple
Silver maple is a fast-growing tree characterized by its unique leaf shape. They are green on top and silvery-white on the underside. It has a vigorous root system, so it is recommended to plant it where it won’t affect other plants from getting water.
It grows up to 80 feet in height and prefers full sun exposure. Due to its fast growth rate, you can expect it to establish its root system quickly.
Related Post: California Fast Growing Trees
10. Arizona Ash
Arizona ash is a classy-looking tree known by a number of alternate names. This upright, stately tree has a rounded canopy of deep green leaves. It displays smooth, light gray bark that turns darker as the tree matures.
At maturity, this tree can reach up to 50 feet in height with proper maintenance. Full sun exposure and regular watering, while the tree is young, is necessary for proper development.
What can I plant in Bakersfield?
There are many different tree species you can plant in Bakersfield. Some of the most popular are Fremont cottonwood, Western sycamore, and Blue elderberry. Consult with your local arborist if you’re unsure which one would be the best for your backyard.
Local Tree Experts Overview
Trees in Bakersfield can thrive even though they face tough conditions and drought. You just have to take care of them when it comes to hot summer months. We recommend you hiring an arborist to help you with everything you need regarding your trees!
