Deciding which tree to plant in your yard can have a lifelong impact on the look, feel, and function of your outdoor environment. From reducing energy bills in your home, to filtering noise and air pollution, to enhancing the beauty and value of your property, the many benefits of trees should not be overlooked when designing a landscape. And there’s no better time than now, right after the first fall rains, to plant a new tree in your yard! But not all trees are created equal and deciding which tree to plant on your Sonoma County property can be a difficult decision. In this post we’ll highlight 4 medium to large shade trees that may be appropriate for a larger planting space on your property.
Let’s start with some characteristics that you may want to consider when choosing a new shade tree for your property. A desirable shade tree in Sonoma County will have some or all of these characteristics:
- Capacity to grow into a large and structurally sound mature tree
- Drought tolerant
- Resistant to pests and diseases
- Attractive canopy, bark, and structure
- Non-invasive root system
- Native to California
- Will thrive in a warming climate
With that in mind let’s jump into 4 of our favorite medium to large trees for your Sonoma County property.
1. Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia)
This California Native is likely the most common tree you will see in our local parks and woodlands and will be right at home on your property. As an evergreen tree that can grow into a mature size of over 50 feet tall and 50 feet wide, the coast live oak will provide plenty of shade and benefits wherever it is planted. But because of its size, ensure that you give it plenty of space to develop away from any structures, we recommend at least 20 feet away from any structures and at least 10 feet away from any hardscapes to allow for proper root development. A final consideration is that the coast live oak is susceptible to sudden oak death, so do not plant this tree in an area where the disease is present.
Characteristics:
- Mature size (height x width): 35′-60′ x 40′-70′
- Evergreen
- Low water use
- Strong spreading branches
- California Native that is inviting to native birds and wildlife
2. Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis)
This common ornamental tree can tolerate a variety of soil conditions as well as temperature ranges, making it a dependable choice for a wide variety of sites. Its claim to fame is the brilliant fall colors it displays starting in October. As a medium sized tree that doesn’t require a large planting area due to its non-invasive roots, the chinese pistache is a great choice for a shade tree where not much planting space is available.
Characteristics
- Mature size (height x width): 35’ x 35’
- Deciduous
- Very low water use
- Brilliant fall color
- Adapted to wide range of soils and climates
3. California Buckeye (Aesculus californica)
If you appreciate an ever-changing look to your garden throughout the year, the California Buckeye may be the right choice for you. The buckeye is one of the first trees to put out new leaves in the spring (as early as February), but also the first to drop its leaves in mid summer. Beautiful white flowers emerge in the summer followed by large buckeye fruits that dangle from the tips of bare branches through late summer and fall. The bare canopy with white bark makes for a beautiful silhouette in a fall and winter landscape. Though many would consider this more of a small tree or large shrub, if given some space and a little bit of water in the summer, buckeyes can spread their canopies to over 30’ and make for a beautiful shade tree. One consideration is that buckeye fruit is toxic to humans and many animals, so if you have small children or dogs you may want to choose a different tree.
Characteristics
- Mature size (height x width): 15’-40’ x 20’x40’
- Deciduous (early leaf drop)
- Low water use
- Beautiful, changing aesthetic throughout the year
- Attractive flowers in summer
4. Drake Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’)
If you’d like a slightly faster growing tree that will provide you with shade more quickly than the other trees mentioned, the Chinese Elm is known to put on at least 3 feet of growth each year (and sometimes much more). The Chinese Elm is resistant to many of the diseases that afflict other elms, especially the ‘Drake’ variety which isn’t as susceptible to Anthracnose, a common disease damaging the foliage of many trees in California. Tough and adaptable to many site conditions, the Chinese Elm will quickly make for a showcase shade tree on your property.
Characteristics
- Mature size (height x width): 45’ x 45’
- Partly deciduous
- Low water use but will do better with some summer irrigation
- Attractive exfoliating bark
- Fast growing
And there you have 4 of our favorite medium to large trees that will be well adapted to our Sonoma County landscape. For more ideas on what tree to plant this Fall, check out the resources below. If you have any questions about planting, pruning, or the health of your trees, reach out to Cameron Long with LongView Tree Care for a free site visit today!
https://www.srcity.org/DocumentCenter/View/35364/Climate-Ready-Tree-List
https://ucanr.edu/sites/scmg/files/370607.pdf
https://selectree.calpoly.edu/
http://climatereadytrees.ucdavis.edu/northern-california-central-valley-trees/