What are the Trees to Plant in Northern California?

For many Americans who’ve never visited California, the mental image goes something as follows: Los Angeles glitz, Beverly Hills Glam, Hollywood starlight, surfing, the Golden Gate Bridge, a few earthquakes here and there, and maybe—just maybe—the occasional sequoioideae. By getting a California LLC, you can also start your own business.

Sequoioideae is the botanical term for those giant redwoods that grow in northern California. If you’re not from out of state, chances are you already knew that (if you know how to say it, please shoot me an email). Or perhaps you’re new to the area and want to know more about the trees that grow there. If this happens to be the case, you’re in luck, because today we’ll be discussing the best trees to plant in northern California.

NorCal climate is conducive for plant growth, with its mild summers and cold, wet winters. But because it suffers droughts from time to time, it’s wise to plant climate-friendly specimens. A significant number of instead pretty trees can thrive here to provide shade, color, and maybe even a smile from Greta Thunberg. Shown below are some of the most attractive trees that do particularly well in this part of California. We’ve had the chance to interview Folsom Tree Service and got a lot of great info we’re sharing here.

Netleaf Hackberry

Though native to the southwest, this tree does just fine in any number of soil types. Count on a 25 to 30-foot height with a rather fetching canopy of foliage. Deciduous in nature, you’ll get green leaves in the summer and yellow in the fall. Red drupe flowers will set the area to music with singing birds.

Mulga

For something a bit more lawn friendly, we have the mulga. This is a very hearty tree that grows from 15 to 20 feet in height. Leaves are green all year round in the spring yellow blossoms put on an excellent show. Dark red branches become darker still as the tree ages. Plant this tree as a windbreaker, or as a complement to lakes or swimming pools. Sandy, loam, or clay soil are perfectly okay for the mulga tree.

Texas Ebony

Another evergreen is the Texas Ebony. It’s also deciduous, with sweet-smelling yellow flowers that blossom every year. This specimen grows to about 30 feet high and stands up strong against droughts. During its first year, it’s a good idea to water these trees about once per week. Get a more upper canopy by pruning it in early summer. Oh, and be careful not to turn your ankle on any of the specimen’s falling seed pods.

Shoestring Acacia

This beautiful tree grows to 30 feet high with a full, shady canopy that whispers on the wind. Yellow flowers burgeon brightly from fall to spring. This is another tree that does well against droughts, and even better in well-drained soil. Saplings may need staking until they’re strong enough to stand on their own.

Rosewood

This northern India native tree can grow to be quite large—50 feet for the most healthy specimens. But you’ll love its full canopy, and its ability to make quick comebacks from frost damage. It grows in sandy, clay, and loam soil without complaint while maintaining a reasonably firm resolve against droughts. Many enthusiasts adore the rosewood tree for its deep, vibrant color, along with the pleasant odor of roses that tends to hover about its branches.

Emerald Sunshine Elm

A deciduous tree that may grow—quite quickly—to 35 feet with a shape similar to that of a vase. It’s sturdy against heat and wind, and because of its narrow canopy remains a popular choice for smaller lawns and even curbsides. Diseases and pests tend to leave this tree alone, making it even more desirable. No flowers, but the leaves take on a lovely yellow shade in the fall.

Canby’s Oak

This rather handsome specimen will reach heights of 40 feet or more. Its leaves are dense, its acorns small. The Canby’s Oak is easy to grow in several different soils and climates. It has been known to withstand temperatures from 20 degrees Fahrenheit all the way up to over 100. Many tree-lovers admire this one a great deal and are puzzled that it isn’t planted more often. Perhaps today is the day to turn things around.

Northern California rivals some of the best places on the planet for climate, culture, pretty flowers, and tall, majestic trees. Finding just the right tree for your landscape isn’t a chore, so long as you consider the variables and are willing to provide a bit of TLC from time to time. Often, if you own these trees on your property, they will require regular tree trimming.