This column is written by the Master Gardeners of Yolo County each month. It provides answers to selected questions recently asked by Yolo County gardeners.
Question: I want to plant a shade tree in my front yard. What do you recommend?
Answer: Trees lend to yards and neighborhoods not only an element of beauty but, just as importantly, a cooling offset to the reflective heat created by the cement and concrete of sidewalks and streets. But they’re more than that.
“Trees are investments,” notes the UC Master Gardeners of Marin website. Consequently, asking and answering some questions in advance will help you narrow down the types of trees that will be best for your front yard.
Ideally, foremost among your considerations would be planning for a tree that’s suited to the local climate and one with low water requirements. Landscaping trends in California have continued to emphasize drought-tolerant, water-wise plants, whether those plants are California natives or introduced plants that can thrive under the same conditions as California natives.
If you regularly water your current front yard landscaping, then the tree you select will need to be compatible with that watering schedule and amount. If you’re indeed working on a water-wise front yard, the tree will then need to be able to tolerate that low water use once it’s mature.
Another consideration seems obvious: Before planting a tree, make sure that its size at maturity will be the right fit for the location. Does your yard have room for a big tree? Are there any overhead power lines that could become a problem? And will a big tree’s roots potentially damage underground wires or pipes, or someday damage nearby sidewalks or other surface structures?
Also, how easy will it be to maintain the mature tree when it comes to pruning and leaf litter? Then there are the aesthetic considerations such as canopy shape, foliage color, and so forth. And do you want your tree to provide shade in the summer but let in light during the winter? If so, you’ll probably want a deciduous tree rather than an evergreen.
By first addressing these and other questions, you’ll be able to narrow down the possibilities and select something right for you, your front yard, and ideally the local environment. “The ultimate goal,” says the UC Master Gardeners of Marin website, “is for the tree to fit its intended location, provide benefits such as shade and screening, and not cause unintended problems years later.”
The City of Davis has an Urban Forestry Division that, among other things, oversees the city’s street tree program and offers information to residents regarding the selection and care of trees. Even given the specific considerations of your front yard, the city’s program will have many recommendations for suitable trees. Reputable local nurseries and other resources, such as UC Davis, should also be able to assist you once you’ve determined your specific requirements.
For additional information, see Trees & How to Choose from UC Marin Master Gardeners.
Have a gardening question? Send it to jmbaumbach@ucanr.edu, with “Ask MGs” in the subject line. Include as much detail as possible and pictures if you have them.