Summer Care for Ornamental Trees in the East Bay: Best Practices for a Thriving Landscape

New Zealand Christmas Tree

Because this tree grows quickly, it makes an attractive privacy screen. In fall, it displays crimson, brush-like flowers against its delicate grayish leaves. It has a dome-like structure and is drought-resistant, growing well in salt air.

Marina Strawberry Tree

This medium-sized evergreen tree has a broad, dense crown and interesting bark that peels away to reveal showy red bark as the tree matures. It produces clusters of white flowers blushed with pink year-round and is quite drought-resistant.

Sweet Shade

The fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer are the main attraction for this slender evergreen tree. Its narrow, upright shape requires some pruning to maintain its form, but overall, it is low maintenance.

Ray Hartman (Ceanothus)

This evergreen is an excellent choice for coastal landscaping, with its continuous display of lovely, fragrant pale blue flowers. However, many landscapers also choose it for its unique twisting trunk and branches.

Maidenhair, aka Ginko Bilboa

The brilliant, glowing golden leaves of the Maidenhair are a showstopper in the fall. It is one of the oldest trees in existence, likely because it is virtually pest—and disease-resistant. The lovely, unique, fan-shaped pale green leaves are just as attractive throughout the rest of the year.

If you're unsure if your property's trees are ornamental, speak to your local certified arborist to assess your trees and determine proper care.

Inspect trees for pests and disease.

Pests tend to pop up in the spring, but it's essential to continue monitoring your trees for signs of common pests like bagworms and Japanese beetles that are later to arrive. This is also the best way to catch pest situations you might not have noticed in the spring when the pests might not be as obvious. Summer tends to see increased activity, which makes them easier to spot.

Some common Bay area tree pests include:



• Aphids which suck the juices from stems leave behind a sticky substance called frass
• Lace bugs which target nutrients in leaves and cause white splotching
• Tussock moth caterpillars which defoliate trees

Water trees during drought

Most trees require watering during prolonged droughts. When in doubt, consult an arborist, as too much water can be just as damaging as not enough. It is safer to provide about an inch of water once or twice a week in the early morning or late afternoon instead of watering with smaller amounts of water every day.



However, watering is tricky because different types and ages of trees require different watering schedules. For example, although Marina Strawberry trees are drought tolerant, they have a far more pleasing appearance with occasional summer watering.

Top up mulch

In younger trees, spring and fall mulching helps keep the trees hydrated and retain soil nutrition. A ring of mulch should be spread two to three inches deep and set away from the trunk to avoid rot. In the summer, check the mulch to maintain its thickness and move any mulch away from the trunk that might have shifted. As the tree matures, you can allow natural mulch, such as fallen leaves, to help protect the trees and provide a healthy cycle of nutrients.

Pruning

Because ornamental trees are planted for their appearance, many require pruning to help maintain their distinct shape. For example, the narrow shape of the Sweet Shade tree requires pruning to avoid looking untidy. This calls for professional pruning to avoid damaging the tree.