Trees with Minimal Problems

This list can be used as a guide to select trees suitable for your particular situation. Not all trees available to us are on this list and there may be other trees that could be considered, depending upon your growing conditions. Some trees were left off this list because they may get very large, such as Eucalyptus citridora, or they may have other problems like limbs dropping as a Grevilla robusta is prone to do.

We included Lagerstromia on the list because it is a beautiful tree inland, but along the coast you may have mildew problems. There are many things to consider when selecting the right tree for your yard. There may be other Palms, Sycamore, Ficus and Coral trees you might want to consider.

Height may vary according to water, fertilizer, soil conditions, and seedling varieties. Most of these trees will not pose a problem with sidewalks or driveways if deeply watered and the water can soak down deep. Hard soil and shallow watering habits can cause surface rooting on almost any tree, which may be a problem. Root pruning can help eliminate problems in these areas especially near sidewalks and driveways. There are also “root barrier” systems if you have concerns. If you have any other questions, most of these trees are listed in “Sunset Western Garden Book” or ask one of our professionals. Most of these trees can be kept smaller by pruning with the exception of palms.

Tree Common Name avg. height Type color bloom
Acacia subperosa Weeping Acacia 20'-30' E n.a.
Acacia baileana Bailey's Acacia 20'-35' E yellow
Agonis flexuosa Peppermint willow 20'-25' E small white
Albizzia julibrissen Silk Tree 2'-30' D pink
Aconthophoenix cunningharmania King palm 30'-40'+ Palm n.a.
Arecastrum/Cocos plumosa Queen palm 40' - 50'+ Palm n.a.
Bauhinia blakeana Hong Kong orchid tree 20'-25' S-E purple/pink
Bauhinia purpurea/variegata Orchid tree 25'-30' S-E pink
Betula varieties Birch tree 25'-35' D n.a.
Bischoffia javanica Bischoffia trifoliata 30'-40' E n.a. *
Brachychiton acerfolia Flame tree 30'-40' E red/orange
Brachychiton populens Bottle tree 30'-40' E cream
Brahea edulis Guadalupe palm 25'-35'+ E n.a.
Callistemon citrinus Bottle brush 30'-40' E red
Callistemon viminalis Weeping bottle brush 20'-30 E red
Calodendron capense Cape Chestnut 25'-35' S-E pink
Cassia leptophylla Gold medallion tree 20'-25' E yellow
Casurina stricta Beefwood/She oak 30'-40' E n.a. *
Cercis occidentalis Redbud tree 15'-25' D pink
Cercis "Forrest Pansy" Redbud "Forrest Pansy" 15'-25' D pink *
Cinamomum camphora Camphor tree 30'-40' E n.a.
Cupaniopsis anacarduiudes Carrot wood tree 30'-40' E n.a.
Eriobotrya deflexa Bronze loquat 20'-25' E white
Eucalyptus erythrocorys Red cap gum 15'-20' E yellow/red pod
Eucalyptus nicholi Willow leaf euchlyptus 30'-40' E n.a.
Eucalyptus sideroxlyn rosea Iron bark 30'-50' E n.a.
Eucalyptus ficifolia Flowering eucalyptus 40'-50' E pink, white, red
Eucalyptus polyanthemos Silver dollar eucalyptus 50'-60' E n.a.
Eucalyptus lehmani bushy yate 20' E n.a. *
Eucalyptus torquata Coral gum 20' E *
Geijera parvifolia Australian willow 30'-35' E n.a.
Ginko biloba Ginko or Maiden Hair Tree 40'-50' D n.a.
Jacaranda mimosifolia Jacaranda 30'-40' D blue
Koelreuteria bipinata Chinese flame tree 40'-50' D yellow
Koelreuteria paniculata Golden rain tree 20'-25' D yellow
Lagerstromia indica Crepe Myrtle 20'-25' D varies
Liquidamber stryaciflua Sweet gum 40'-50' D n.a.
Lirodendron tulipifera Tulip tree 40'-60' D cream
Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia 40'-50' E white
Magnolia g. "Majestic Beauty" Magestic Beauty Magnolia 40'-50' E white
Magnolia g. "St. Mary's" St. Mary magnolia 30'-40' E white
Magnolia g. "Little Gem" LIttle Gem Dwarf Magnolia 15'-20' E white
Meleluca linerifolia Snow in Summer 40'-50' E white
Meleluca quinquenerva Paper bark tree/Cajput 30'-40' E white
Metrosideros excelsa New Zealand Christmas tree 30'-35' E red
Michelia champacha Michelia 20'-30' E cream
Michelia doltsopa   20'-25' E white
Morus alba Mulberry 40'-50' D n.a.
Myporum latum Myoporum 20'-30' E white
Nerium oleander Oleander tree 15'-20' E many
Pinus canarensis Canary Island Pine 50'-60' E n.a.
Pinus halapensis Italian stone pine 30'-40' E n.a.
Pinus roxburgii Chir pine 25'-35' E n.a. *
Pinus thunbergia Japanese black pine 30'-50' E n.a.
Pistachia chinensis Chinese Pistachio 30'-35' D n.a.
Pittosporum rhombifolium   20'-30' E n.a. *
Pittosporum undulatum Mock orange/victorian box 25'-35' E white
Podocarpus gracillior Fern pine 30'-40' E n.a.
Podocarpus henkelii Long leaf yellow wood 30'-40' E n.a.
Pyrus kawakami Evergreen pear 25'-35' D white
Quercus ilex Holly oak 30'-40' E n.a.
Quercus suber Cork oak 40'-50' E n.a.
Stenocarpus sinuatus Fire wheel tree 20'-30' E red-orange
Tabeubia avellandae (ipe) Pink trumpet tree 20'-25' D pink
Tabebuia chrysotricha Golden trumpet tree 20'-25' D yellow
Tipuana tipu Tipu tree 35'-50' E white
Tristania conferta Brisbane box 40'-50' E cream
Tristania laurina Swamp Myrtle 20'-30' E yellow
         
E = evergreen        
D = deciduous (loses its leaves in winter)        
S-E = semi evergreen (loses some or most of its leaves in winter)      
Colors as noted n.a. - not applicable or so insignificant it doesn't matter      
* = sometimes difficult to find, not always available      

 

 

 

 

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