Hearty beautiful tree suggestion

Question from Jenny: We need suggestions for a hearty, low maintenance, attractive tree or bush that won’t grow too tall (we don’t want to block neighborhood views of the ocean) that can withstand being planted by two people with black thumbs....

Italian Cypress Trees For Narrow Land Strip

Question from Nolanda: 1. I reside in Pasadena, CA. I have read alot of problems, mostly dust mites, killing italian cypresses after 3 yrs despite  professional care & spraying.  2. Is the italian cypress  too difficult to thrive in the CA valley...

Citrus and Coffee Trees as Houseplants

Question from Bob: My grapefruit tree never bore fruit (I think there was something about the way commercial grapefruits are produced), but it had tough, firm, deeply green lustrous leaves that gave off the scent of citrus when rubbed, and it grew to...

Gray scaly bark on Crape Myrtle

Question from Jonnie: My crepe myrtle was purchased with a gray scaly bark = it looks like fungus.  What organic spray can I use to rid the plant of this fungus. What kind of soil would you use to put in ground for the crepes? Answer from Pat: Without...

Tree for in front of our house

Question from Heather: thank you for your very detailed answer to my husband’s question about planting trees in a parkway.  While he and I agree on many aspects of our garden, we differ  in opinion about what type of tree to plant in front...

Small, Drought-Tolerant, Evergreen, Flowering Trees for a Parkway

Question from Josh: I have about 60-feet of parkway that I want to plant trees in. It’s right outside of downtown Los Angeles, on a bit of a slope, and is surrounded by Craftsman and Victorian homes (in case this helps). The trees will not get...

Torrey Pine Trees

Question: Can I legally prune or cut back Torrey Pine Trees. I have three native Torrey Pines in my yard. They were growing here when my family bought property next door in 1946. My neighbors are complaining that their view is being blocked. I...

Planting Macadamias

From Dave: Pat, quick report – planted 2 Beaumont Macadamias from 10 gallon containers into ground 2 weeks ago. Each was planted in clay soil amended with 1 cubic foot of chicken manure mix from Armstrong. Tress are very happy and have new growth...

Sick Bay Tree

Question from Tony: Thank you for your advice on the atlas cedar. I’ve replanted a nice specimen in a raised planter over soil that has been treated with gypsum for better drainage. I hope to get your help with a new problem.  For many years...

Fertilizing Deciduous Fruit Trees

Question from Jane: When do I fertilize my fruit trees and what do you recommend? Thank you I live in Fallbrook Answer from Pat: No, I do no suggest bloodmeal as the best fertilizer for deciduous fruit trees. It is strong nitrogen and can burn. Not...

California Pepper tree

Question from Linda: Hi, Am helping my cousin landscape her yard in San Diego and she says that nothing she’s tried will grow in the ground under the dripline. Any suggestions? Answer from Pat: I am one of those people who happen to love the California...

Trees for new home

From Paul: As usual, thanks for your help. Here is my latest plan: Swan Hill Fruitless Olives anchoring the house on both sides and middle in the front. (full sun with sea breeze) Acacia baileyana near street on both sides of driveway. (full sun with...

Planting or Transplanting a Fig Tree

Question from Margaret: I am being offered a fig tree. I live close to the coast in in Southern California, probably Zone 24, and am not sure of the variety. That being said, can you tell me what is the best month to move it from my friend’s home...

When to Prune a CAMPHOR TREE (Cinnamomum camphora)

Question from Barbie: We have a very large Camphor tree about 45 years old. W have had it trimmed/laced several times. We want to be sure we have this done at the right time (or season) of the year. We live in So. CA about 20 miles North of San Diego....