Well now, let me tell ya somethin’ ’bout them shade trees down here in Southern California. It gets hot, real hot, and you need somethin’ to keep that sun off yer back. We ain’t got all them fancy trees like they do ever’where else, but we got some good ones, ya know?
First off, let’s talk ’bout them oaks. Oaks, them’s sturdy trees, the kind that last a long time. They grow kinda slow, but once they get big, they give ya some real good shade. Keeps the house cooler too, saves ya a bit on that ‘lectric bill. My old man, he planted one a’fore he passed, and that thing’s still standin’ strong, bigger’n a house now.
Then there’s them maple trees. Purty things, them maples. Their leaves turn all sorts a’ colors in the fall, real nice to look at. And they grow a bit faster than the oaks, so you don’t gotta wait forever for some shade. But ya gotta water ’em good, they get thirsty in this heat.
Now, some folks like them elm trees. They grow tall and spread out, makin’ a nice big shady spot. Good for picnics, ya know? But they can be a bit messy, drop a lotta leaves and twigs. Got to rake ’em up, or they’ll make a mess a’ yer yard. My neighbor, Mrs. Henderson, she got one a’ them elms, and she’s always out there sweatin’ and rakin’. Bless her heart.
And don’t forget them sycamores. They got them big ol’ leaves, give ya lots a’ shade. They grow pretty fast too, which is nice if you’re in a hurry. But their roots, they can get everywhere, so ya gotta be careful where ya plant ’em. Don’t want ’em messin’ with yer pipes, now do ya?
- Here’s a list of some other trees folks talk about:
- Redwoods: Big, real big, but they take a long time to grow. Good if you got the space and the patience.
- Black walnut: Gives good shade, and ya get them walnuts too, if the squirrels don’t get to ’em first.
- Blue Palo Verde: Some folks like these, says they grow good here and don’t need too much water. Pretty yellow flowers too.
- White Mulberry: Seen a few of these around, they grow up north and down here too. Don’t know much ’bout ’em though.
- Magnolia: Now them’s purty trees. Big leaves, big flowers, smells real nice. But they get big, real big, so make sure ya got room.
Ya see, findin’ the right shade tree ain’t just ’bout gettin’ outta the sun. It’s ’bout findin’ a tree that’ll grow good in this here Southern California weather. Some trees, they just can’t handle the heat and the dryness. And ya gotta think ’bout how much water they need, how big they’ll get, and how much mess they’ll make. It’s a whole thing, ya know?
And let me tell ya somethin’ else. Fastest growin’ ain’t always best. That weepin’ willow, it grows fast, alright, but it ain’t always the strongest tree. And some a’ them other fast growers, they got weak wood, break easy in the wind. You want a tree that’ll last, somethin’ that’ll be there for years to come, givin’ ya shade and makin’ yer yard look nice.
So, if you’re lookin’ for a good shade tree for Southern California, you gotta do yer homework. Talk to folks at the nursery, see what they recommend. Look around yer neighborhood, see what’s growin’ well. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. There’s plenty of folks ’round here who know a thing or two ’bout trees.
And remember, plantin’ a tree is an investment. It takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end. Nothin’ like sittin’ under a big ol’ shade tree on a hot summer day, sippin’ some lemonade, and just enjoyin’ the breeze. That’s what livin’ in Southern California is all about, ya know?
Tags: [shade trees, Southern California, oak, maple, elm, sycamore, redwood, black walnut, blue palo verde, white mulberry, magnolia, fast growing trees, tree planting, gardening, landscaping]
