Tree Selection

September 18, 2004

By Jiordana Stark, Master Gardener

Q: I live in Los Osos and have lost several Monterey pines. I would like to replace them. Do you have any suggestions?

Sally T.
Los Osos

A: Before going out tree shopping, it might be time well spent to consider some of the attributes that you are looking for in replacement trees. Do you want California native species again? Evergreen or deciduous? Fast growing? Disease and pest resistance?

These are but a few of the characteristics that should be kept in mind before planting, so you can get the maximum enjoyment from your selection as the trees mature. Luckily for you (and for all of us) there is an excellent website that might help in your decision.

The site, http://selectree.cagr.calpoly.edu/, easily remembered as SelecTree, has a myriad of trees in its database. They can be accessed by common or botanical name, or by certain qualities that are desired in your quest. For example, if you were searching for another native evergreen tree (like your Monterey pine), which would do well in your Sunset zone 17, in sandy soil under dry conditions, you are able to key in these attributes and do a search. A list of 46 selections containing these characteristics will come back. To give you a better idea of what each tree looks like, there are a number of photos for each entry, including a representative typical of the species, leaves, bark, and fruit or blossoms. Besides ornamentals, there are numerous fruit and nut trees, and large bushes that can also be used as small trees. Use as bonsai, topiary, and espalier are also included. You may be pleasantly surprised at the number of choices you find, and then some. It is very user friendly, easy to access and easy to understand. Each characteristic available is clearly described to minimize any confusion in terms. SelecTree is a valuable resource to have available in making wiser choices for the success of our yards and gardens.

Websites mentioned are sites outside of the University of California domain. No endorsement is intended of products, services or information, nor is criticism implied of similar sites that are not mentioned.

University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers can provide additional gardening information upon request. Call the San Luis Obispo office at 781-5939 on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 to 5 PM, the Arroyo Grande office at 473-7190 on Wednesdays from 9 AM to 1 PM, or the Paso Robles office at 237-3100 on Wednesdays from 9 AM to Noon.  The San Luis Obispo Master Gardener website is at http://groups.ucanr.org/slomg/. Questions can be e-mailed to mgsanluisobispo@ucdavis.edu.