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BARF arborists I need your advice

WoodsChick said:
Thanks a lot, GAJ, for ruining my productivity today :mad
I went through their entire product list on their website! :wow
I'm already planning a trip up there :laughing
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My apologies!

There may be similar places in the Bay Area but I sure haven't run across such a huge selection of trees available from 5 gallons to monsters that require a semi to deliver.

utfPic.jpg
 
GAJ said:
My apologies!

There may be similar places in the Bay Area but I sure haven't run across such a huge selection of trees available from 5 gallons to monsters that require a semi to deliver.

utfPic.jpg
Click to expand...

Belmont Nursery down in Fresno is a super fun place to go. It’s right on the way to our place up in Miramonte. The problem is once I get there the whole day is shot, along with any money I had in my pocket, and it’s only 10 acres! Told Eric about Urban Tree Farm’s 20 glorious acres and his response was “Oh no...” :laughing

As far as choosing trees, Kevin, a bit of advice: think about how they will impact your yard work. I planted a lovely little silk tree in my small front yard 25 years ago. It is now the 3rd largest tree on the block, eclipsed only by a 200-year old oak and a beautiful redwood. It is an absolute bitch to clean up after. My neighbor hates it, the flowers clog up the vents in all our cars, they completely cover all the expensive landscaping my neighbor put in (after living with the tree for 15 years so he should’ve known :rolleyes) and they pile up in the leaves of my ginormous giant bird of paradise that is now taller than the house. When the blooms drop our green bin is always full and there’s no room for anything else til they’re all gone. Obviously, in hindsight I would’ve chosen a different tree, but now that it’s mature I don’t want to start over with something different.
 
kevin 714 said:
Not all that great LOL it’s Sonoma county so prob plenty of Adobe in there

Basic search shows Autumn blaze as a potential, think I’m gonna schedule with the place linked above and get some hands on local expertise
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Well if the clay isn't too bad and there's no real hardpan layer to speak of, I really like the deep red (fall) varieties of maples. Moderate to fast growth rates, 35-50 ft. usually, excellent shade, fairly drought tolerant, and amazing colors in the fall, depending on soil, weather, etc. The only drawback is the leaf fall, and they may have a very fine sap mist in the spring.
 
MikeGyver said:
Both of these are slow growing and don't get tall enough to provide shade to a house unless they are planted right up against it.
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Have large Japanese Maple in backyard. Pretty sure it was planted in '96 when house was built but it'd pretty large and in charge. I also have a big Redbud (Forest Pansy variety) that is amazing coverage and shade during spring/Fall months that we love very much too.

As for fast growers and great coverage and less crap falling on the ground... my dad always had his go to of Liquid Ambers we would plant. They are. beautiful color and can't go wrong. They get quite tall as well so that can help if you want house shade.

All three above are fairly drought resistant too.
 
I'm not a liquid amber (sweet gum) fan in the least. They're messy, drop those little spiny fruits, and tend to develop very wide, shallow root structures, and will drip. Seen more than a fair share of sidewalks, driveways and streets torn up by the trees where old school developers were trying to meet tree requirements by the cities. Thankfully they've fallen out of favor, and I don't think any nursery would recommend one for this situation.
 
I ain't knowing shit about trees my G. Just wanted to say congrats on your new cat ranch!
 
Fruitless mulberries don't drop fruit. That's why they were developed. That being said, I would advise against them. Any tree that grows fast usually does so at the expense of strength and longevity.

I would get a certified arborist out for a site visit. They will take into account the soil type, any targets, fire danger, sewer line and other utility impacts, etc. It really shouldn't cost all that much.Disclaimer, I was a certified arborist in a past life.

Don't get a landscape architect. They aren't the best for determining the right tree, right place. (Apologies to any that may be reading this. There are many things you do well.).
 
Just make sure the roots dont fuck with your sewer lateral. :barf
Side walks are nothing compared to swear lateral work.
 
Congrats on buying the house.

Hawthorne is a beautiful shade tree with lovely blossoms. Also, consider awnings until the trees mature, trees sadly do need years to mature. My shade trees are Hawthorne, apple, and a ceanothus that grows up instead of out, and provides nice window shade in a few years.
 
OP, don’t be a sheeple. Think big, bro. Plant a baobab:

Baobab-Adansonia_grandidieri.jpg
 
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