Since the 1800s, Santa Barbara’s landscapes are adorned by shrubs and trees. They are a part of the city’s natural history. Planting trees is promoted as a part of establishing a healthy urban forest not just for aesthetics but also for air quality, energy savings, and wildlife habitat, among other things.
From deciduous to evergreens, you will have countless options for Santa Barbara trees. We are here to make your life easier. In this article, we’ll share some of the most notable trees to consider.
Top-Rated Santa Barbara Trees
1. Mexican Blue Palm
While this isn’t one of the Santa Barbara native trees, it is from Baja, California, so it is understandable why it is a popular choice on our list. It is an erect palm with striking foliage, making it a prominent feature in many landscapes. The attractive trunk looks even more mesmerizing when complemented with garden lights.
The Mexican Blue Palm is an extremely hardy plant, so it can survive even in drought. It also grows slowly, so it is best to buy one that is large enough based on the size you want.
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Like many other palm trees, the crown can be unsightly when it is not compact. To help you manage its growth and appearance, don’t hesitate to ask help from top providers of tree services California.
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2. Arbutus Marina
A single-trunked evergreen, it can grow up to 40 feet. It is tall and wide, yet it is compact enough for most gardens. It has deep-green and oblong leaves with a leather-like texture. It produces bright pink flowers, which will perfectly complement the reddish-brown bark.
When planting this tree, make sure to choose a place where it enjoys full sun. The soil needs to be moist to dry. Clay, loam, and sand will all do fine. It also grows in places where the soil is slightly alkaline and highly acidic. It is resistant to many pests and diseases, including oak root fungus.
Another good thing about this tree is that it is a desirable wildlife plant. This is a great way to attract birds in the backyard.
3. California Lilac
If you are looking for Santa Barbara native trees, California lilac will make a nice option. While it is mostly a shrub, you will also find a couple of tree-sized varieties, such as Ray Hartman, Gloire de Versailles, and Ray Hartman.
While this tree is available in several forms, in most instances, it will not grow more than 10 feet. This is a great option if you are looking for small trees to plant in the garden.
Another good thing about this plant is that it is a natural source of nitrogen. It retrieves nitrogen from the air, and in turn, stores such in its roots. In turn, this will improve the soil quality, as well as the health of the plants around it.
One of the best things about this tree is that it thrives even with neglect. Once the tree establishes, it does not require regular watering. Once or twice a month will be enough.
4. Australian Willow
For those who do not have the luxury of space in their gardens, this is another great choice for a tree to grow in Santa Barbara. It has grey-green drooping leaves, making the tree look like a weeping willow. It has small and creamy-white blooms that appear in early spring and can last until early fall.
The tree has deep and non-invasive roots, so this is recommended even near sidewalks. It will also cast a good shade in your property, although, the branches and leaves may seem all over the place when it is not regularly pruned. You don’t need to do this on your own. Instead, get in touch with the pros for tree trimming Santa Barbara.
5. Jacaranda
Not just in Santa Barbara, jacaranda is a common option for a tree in California. This is especially the case if you want to add flowers to your landscapes. It has purple blooms that are guaranteed to attract attention. It also has fine-textured and light-green foliage, making the showy lavender flowers even more beautiful.
Related Posts: Santa Barbara Flowering Trees & Purple Trees In San Diego
Requiring minimal care and maintenance, it is unsurprising that jacaranda is one of the well-loved trees in Santa Barbara. It is drought-tolerant and will survive in most soils, although, the most ideal is loamy. It also resists oak fungus. To improve its form, prune while it is young.
Local Tree Experts Overview
The best Santa Barbara trees can significantly transform your home landscapes. Whether as a shade or ornament, the trees listed above will make a great addition to any property. The best thing is that even if you do not have a green thumb, you can successfully grow these trees. All you need is to pack patience and exert a little effort!
