Sequoiadendrons

Sequoiadendrons

Giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) are famous for being some of the largest organisms on the planet. Known colloquially as big trees, Sierra redwoods, Sequoiadendrons, or simply sequoias, these trees have been one of the most important species in Northern California for millions of years.

Taiwania cryptomerioides

Taiwania Trees

Taiwania trees (Taiwania cryptomerioides) are large evergreens, native to East Asia. Relatively poorly known among North American tree enthusiasts, these immense trees can make interesting specimen trees in yards and commercial areas, provided that you can find specimens for sale.

Bald Cypress

Bald Cypress

Found in swamps, floodplains and riparian areas throughout the Deep South, bald cypresses (Taxodium distichum) are some of the most iconic trees in the country.

Amid California drought, fears rise of trees dying, falling

TreePeople volunteers water a tree at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center Martinez Arena in Griffith Park, Friday, July 31, 2015, in Los Angeles. As Californians and the communities they live in cut back water usage and let lawns go golden, arborists and state officials are worrying about a potentially dangerous ripple effect. Nearby trees are […]

Lodgepole Pine Forest from Cascade Mountain

Without Sufficient Water, California Trees Face Additional Challenges

In fact, recent estimates by U.S. Forest Service suggest that the drought has killed off at least 12 million trees from National Forest lands. Before the end of the summer, millions more are expected to perish. And although they are not true trees, Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia) – perhaps the most iconic denizens of the desert and well suited for amazingly arid conditions – are even starting to die, courtesy of the drought.

Jersey barriers

Irricades: An Aussie Solution to a Californian Problem

As we strive to cope with the current drought – which has now lasted about 4 years – we must be sure that our state’s street trees do not get lost in the shuffle. Not only do street trees improve property values, reduce crime and improve the health of those living near them, they help mitigate some of the effects of the drought.

Wildfire in California

Fire Suppression Strategies Exacerbate the Drought

Trees confer a variety of benefits on cities and suburban areas; they reduce local temperatures, provide shade and provide food and shelter for wildlife. Given a few basic caveats, such as selecting the right tree species for the available space and planting the trees properly, most tree professionals heartily encourage the planting of more trees near our homes, schools, playgrounds and shopping malls.

foggy forest

The Coastal Redwood Forest’s Foggy Future

Most of California’s trees have evolved to live in our periodically parched state. Some species, such as wax myrtles (Myrica californica), produce glossy leaves which reduce water loses, while others, such as black oaks (Quercus kelloggii), send roots deep into the ground to access water few other plants can.

wildfire

Drought and Wildfire

The current Californian drought presents more problems than are apparent at first glance. One factor that contributes to the danger of wildfires is the fire-suppression strategies of the recent past.

Myrica_californica

Drought-Tolerant Trees

California is not the only place in the world with drought-tolerant trees, and many exotic species are equally suited for surviving low-water periods.