Best shade tree for So-Cal (zone 9 or 10)

 Hi guys/gals,

I don't know much about zoning (or trees) but I looked up my area and
it is a zone 9 or 10 in socal.  I was hoping to plant a fruitless
mulberry tree because of the fast growing and massive shade it can
create, but I don't think it will make it in this zone.  I love this
tree because my grand parents had one, and I have great memories
playing under it, noty too mention trying to climb it.  LOL.

Do you think this tree can make it here, or shall I look at other
kinds?  What other trees should I look for that are fast growing and
create great shade?

Thanks all!

 On 8/24/2007 10:28 AM, ULB wrote:

Near what city are you?

--
David E. Ross
Climate:  California Mediterranean
Sunset Zone: 21 -- interior Santa Monica Mountains with some ocean
influence (USDA 10a, very close to Sunset Zone 19)
Gardening pages at <http://www.rossde.com/garden/>

 On Fri, 24 Aug 2007 10:28:41 -0700, ULB


They do well here.  If you don't have a copy of Sunset Gardens
"Western Gardens" book, run, don't walk, to the nearest store and get
one.  Or look in the library, they should have a copy.  Lots of
information about trees and other things.  Consider where you are
going to plant it, how disruptive the roots will be, that sort of
thing.

Ficus microcarpa makes good shade, it also breaks up sidewalks and
driveways.  Pepper trees are nice if you have the room, they get messy
and kill other plants near them.  I just got an  Albizia julibrissin,
because I like them.  I'm in So Cal, zone 9.

 When you find the right tree keep in mind these common problems

--
Many tree problems are associated with the following: They are Case
Sensitive.

Troubles in the Rhizosphere
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/shigo/RHIZO.html

Unhealthy Trees from the Nursery / Improper Planting
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman/sub1.html
and
Look up "Tree Planting" http://www.treedictionary.com

Improper Mulching - http://home.ccil.org/~treeman/sub3.html
and
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/M/   Look up "Mulch"

Improper Pruning
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/tree_pruning

Improper Fertilization (See A Touch of Chemistry)
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/shigo/CHEM.html

Tree Farming and Related Problems
http://www.treedictionary.com/DICT2003/SOUND/

Sincerely,
John A. Keslick, Jr.
Arborist
http://home.ccil.org/~treeman
and  www.treedictionary.com
Beware of so-called tree experts who do not understand tree biology.
Storms, fires, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions keep reminding us
that we are not the boss.

 

Two trees that I really like and provide both color and shade are:

Hong Kong Orchid -- (Bauhinia blakeana)
Royal poinciana

Another good semi-tropical shade tree is a Mahogany.

For the HK Orchid, make sure you get the Bauhinia blakeana, which is a
sterile hybrid and has no seed pods.  Other varieties of Bauhinia have
similar blossoms but leave a lot of seed pod litter.

The Royal Poinciana needs a lot of space because it becomes a big tree.

In our present house we have a poinciana along the lake seawall, and have
planted orchids in the crotches of the tree -- including a Vanda terrete
that has grown to be almost 10' tall.  We also have two HK Orchids, which we
keep pruned to a nice umbrella shape and which are suitable for a smaller
yard.  Regards --