How To Choose The Best Arborist For Tree Care In San Diego

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Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  60-100’
WIDTH:  50-60’
LIFESPAN:  40 – 150 years
FLOWERS: 
HABITS:  Oval shaped, compact tree with a low canopy.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun – partial shade
SOIL:  Moist
NATIVE:  India and Malaysia

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Mealy Bugs, Scales and Spider Mites, Root Rot, Sooty Mold and Verticillium.

Features
Hedged
Common houseplant
Enjoys tropical climates

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  40-50’
WIDTH:  20-25’
LIFESPAN:  Over 150 years
FLOWERS:
HABITS:  Vase shaped. Fruits very large, brown cones in the Winter.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun – partial shade.
SOIL:  Moist to dry
NATIVE:  California

Pests & Diseases

Susceptible to Aphids, Beetle Borers and Spider Mites, Armillaria and Pitch Canker.

Features

Drought tolerant
Protected tree in some areas
Attracts wildlife

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Deciduous
HEIGHT:  80’
WIDTH:  40’
LIFESPAN:  Over 150 years
FLOWERS:
HABITS:  High canopy with feathery fronds.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun – partial shade
SOIL:  Wet to dry
NATIVE:  Eastern U.S.

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Invasive Shot Hole Borer, Aphids, Caterpillars, Scales and Spider Mites, Armillaria, Anthracnose, Chlorosis and Sooty Mold.

Features
Maple-like leaves
Color-changing foliage
Water-wise

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  50’
WIDTH:  20-30’
LIFESPAN:  50- 150 years
FLOWERS:  Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer. White flowers.
HABITS:  High canopy with feathery fronds.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun
SOIL:  Well-drained
NATIVE:  Brazil and Argentina

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Scales and Spider Mites, Butt Rot, Armillaria and Root Rot.

Features
Durable trees
Requires low water
Acclimated to extreme conditions
Tropical tree

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  50-70’
WIDTH:
LIFESPAN:  Over 150 years
FLOWERS:
HABITS: Oval or rounded shape. Fruits small green cones in the Fall. Requires proper drainage.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun – partial shade
SOIL:  Well-drained
NATIVE:  South Africa

Diseases & Pests
N/A

Features
Used as hedge or privacy screen
Good for smaller spaces

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Deciduous
HEIGHT:  40-50’
WIDTH:  40-50’
LIFESPAN:  50-150 years
FLOWERS:  Fragrant flowers in the Spring or Winter
HABITS:  Oval to round shaped canopy that is low or high spreading.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun
SOIL:  Moist to dry
NATIVE:  China

Pests & Diseases
Susceptible to White Fly, Sooty Mold, Verticillium.

Features
Fragrant flowers
Fairly resistant to Fire Blight
Attracts birds

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  100’
WIDTH:  60’
LIFESPAN:  Over 150 years
FLOWERS: 
HABITS:  Requires abundant space. Fruits large, brown cones in the Summer.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun – partial shade
SOIL:  Moist
NATIVE:  Norfolk Islands

Diseases & Pests
N/A

Features
Often used as an indoor house plant

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  50-70’
WIDTH:
LIFESPAN:  Over 150 years
FLOWERS:
HABITS:  Oval or rounded shape. Fruits small green cones in the Fall. Requires proper drainage.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun – partial shade
SOIL:  Well-drained
NATIVE:  South Africa

Diseases & Pests
N/A

Features
Used as hedge or privacy screen
Good for smaller spaces

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  20-40’
WIDTH:  15-25’
LIFESPAN:  50-150 years
FLOWERS:  Summer or Fall. Pink, purple or yellow flowers.
HABITS:  Oval or rounded low-hanging canopy.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun – partial shade
SOIL:  Wet to dry
NATIVE:  Australia

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Phytophthora and Root Rot.

Features
Fruit attracts wildlife
Seed propagation

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  20’
WIDTH:  10’
LIFESPAN:  50 – 150 years
FLOWERS:  Spring, Summer and Fall. Fragrant white flowers.
HABITS:  Oval or rounded shape. Likes deep, infrequent watering.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun – partial shade
SOIL:  Moist

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Invasive Shot Hole Borer, Aphids, Scales and Spider Mites, Armillaria, Root Rot and Verticillium.

Features
Attracts birds & wildlife
Thick canopy
Beautiful flowers
Several species

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  50-70’
WIDTH:  10-15’
LIFESPAN:  50-150 years
FLOWERS:  Lavender flowers
HABITS:  Feathered Palm. Requires abundant growing space.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun – partial shade.
SOIL:  Moist
NATIVE:  Australia

Pests & Diseases
Susceptible to root rot

Features
Popular Southern California Palm
Extremely durable

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  75-180’
WIDTH:  70-130’
LIFESPAN:  Greater than 150 years
FLOWERS:
HABITS:  Rounded or umbrella shaped spreading tree. Requires abundant space for growth and ample water.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun- partial shade
SOIL:  Moist
NATIVE:  Australia

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Scales

Features
Fire resistant
Smog and saline tolerant

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Deciduous – partly deciduous
HEIGHT:  40-50’
WIDTH:  20-30’
LIFESPAN:  50- 150 years
FLOWERS:  Spring, Summer and Fall. Beautiful blue or lavender flowers.
HABITS:  Oval, rounded, umbrella or vase shaped. Has a high, spreading canopy. Flowers often used in bouquets.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun
SOIL:  Moist
NATIVE:  Argentina and Bolivia

Diseases & pests
Susceptible to Invasive Shot Hole Borer and Aphids, Phytophthora and Root Rot.

Features
Shady street tree
Attracts wildlife & pollinators
Fast growing

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  40-80’
WIDTH:  40-60’
LIFESPAN:  50- 150 years
FLOWERS:
HABITS:  Conical or umbrella shape with spreading nature, requiring abundant space. Sources pine nuts.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun- partial shade
SOIL:  Moist to dry
NATIVE:  Mediterranean

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Aphids, Armillaria, Phytophthora, Root Rot and Pitch Canker.

Features
Unique pine tree
Provides nuts
Attracts wildlife
Slow growth rate

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  20-55’
WIDTH:  20-45’
LIFESPAN:  50- 150 years
FLOWERS:  Spring or Winter. White flowers.
HABITS:  Rounded, spreading branches.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun – partial shade
SOIL:  Wet to dry
NATIVE:  Southeastern Australia

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Beetle Borers, Armillaria and Root Rot.

Features
Smog tolerant
Attracts birds and bees
Many varieties
Durable

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Deciduous
HEIGHT:  15-25’
WIDTH:  10-25’
LIFESPAN:  50-150 years
FLOWERS:  Summer time. Beautiful lavender, pink, red, rose or white flowers.
HABITS:  Spreading, low-hanging canopy in an oval, round, vase or umbrella shape.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun
SOIL:  Moist to dry
NATIVE:  China

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Aphids, Powdery Mildew and Sooty Mold.

Features
Drought tolerant
Can be screened or hedged
Attracts wildlife
Beautiful ornamental tree
Small tree- utility line friendly
Long bloom cycles

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  20-70’
WIDTH:  20-70’
LIFESPAN:  Over 150 years
FLOWERS:
HABITS:  Fruits large brown acorns in the fall. It’s great spreading canopy can be greater than the total size of the tree, requiring abundant room for growth.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun- partial shade
SOIL:  Moist to dry
NATIVE:  Central and Southern California

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Invasive Shot Hole Borer, Goldspotted Oak Borer, Aphids, Beetle Borers, Beetle Grubs, Caterpillars, Coddling Moths, Insect Galls, Scales and White Fly, Sudden Oak Death, Crown Rot, Mistletoe, Armillaria, Phytophthora, Powdery Mildew, Root Rot and Sooty Mold.

Features
Fire resistant
Attracts wildlife (birds, squirrels, deer)
Often times protected

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen to partially deciduous
HEIGHT: 40-60’
WIDTH:  50-70’
LIFESPAN: 50-150 years
FLOWERS:
HABITS:  Rounded or oval shaped canopy. Requires abundant space for growth. Shade capacity is considered moderate and begins when the tree is at a young age.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun – partial shade.
SOIL:  Moist
NATIVE:  Japan, North Korea, Vietnam, China

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to root rot.

Features
Drought tolerant
Attractive, dark green foliage
Quick-spreading canopy

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  40’
WIDTH:  30’
LIFESPAN:  50-150 years
FLOWERS:  Winter time. White flowers.
HABITS:  Oval shaped, low-hanging canopy that spreads. Mature trees can produce fruit that drops, while others never fruit.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun- partial shade
SOIL:  Wet to moist

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Invasive Shot Hole Borer, Root Rot and Verticillium.

Features
Shade tree
Hardy and resilient
Unique look- Branches resemble a carrot-top

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  50-80’
WIDTH:  20-35’
LIFESPAN:  50-150 years
FLOWERS:
HABITS:  Spreads, requires abundant growing space
EXPOSURE:  Full sun- partial shade
SOIL:  Moist to dry
NATIVE:  Canary Islands of Spain

Native to the Canary Islands of Spain, this evergreen displays wide sweeping foliage against a dramatic red/brown bark. These trees can grow up to heights of 50-80’ and widths of 20-35’, with a lifespan of 50-150 years. A partially shady location with ample space and moist to dry soil is most desirable for these large Pines.

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Aphids, Beetle Borers and Spider Mites, Armillaria, Phytophthora, Root Rot, Sooty Mold and Pitch Canker.

Features
Resistant to Oak Root Fungus and Verticillium
Moderate to dense shade
Drought tolerant

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  50-60’
WIDTH:  ~40’
LIFESPAN:  50-150 years
FLOWERS:  Spring time
HABITS:  Spreads, requires abundant growing space
EXPOSURE:  Full sun
SOIL:  Moist to dry
NATIVE:  Canary Islands of Spain

This Palm is a staple here in San Diego and one of the most common in California! Native to the Canary Islands of Spain, this tropical tree can be identified by its unique pineapple shape. These trees are quite hardy and thrive in coastal to desert regions- making them perfect for the San Diego region. Their typical height is 50-60’ with a width of 40’ and they thrive in full sun exposure. Their dark green, exotic fronds and light brown trunks make them beautiful trees to line driveways or plant near pools.

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Fusarium and Root Rot.

Features
Desirable appearance
Durable
Large fronds provide shade

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Deciduous
HEIGHT:  30-80’
WIDTH:  20-50’
LIFESPAN:  150 years
FLOWERS:  Spring time
HABITS:  Spreads, requires abundant growing space. Dense shade capacity.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun- partial shade
SOIL:  Moist to dry

A California native with deciduous foliage and a dense spreading canopy, typically in a rounded or umbrella shape, providing ample shade. These riparian trees typically reach heights between 30-80’ and widths of 20-50’, with a lifespan of 150+ years. Their bark is a light cream color and smooth in texture, while their foliage ranges from green to brown. CA Sycamores are durable trees, able to withstand extreme heat and wind conditions, making them great contenders for properties on a hill or canyon.

Pests & Diseases
Susceptible to Invasive Shot Hole Borer, Leaf Miner, Scales and Spider Mites, Anthracnose, Armillaria, Phytophthora, Mistletoe, Apignomonia venata and Root Rot.

Features
Fire resistant
Attracts birds
Large canopy
Tolerates extreme conditions

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  30-60’
WIDTH:  20-40’
LIFESPAN:  150 years
FLOWERS:  Spring time
HABITS:  Spreads, requires abundant growing space
EXPOSURE:  Full sun- partial shade
SOIL:  Moist to dry

California Pepper trees are evergreens, Native to Peru, with weeping high canopies that spread over an extensive amount of space. These trees can reach 50’ in height and up to 40’ in width, requiring ample growing space. Their fern-like foliage provides wonderful shade and they make ideal front yard or backyard trees. They produce fragrant yellow or white flowers in the summer and enjoy a nice full sun exposure.

Pests & Diseases
Susceptible to Aphids, Psyllid, Scales and Thrip, Armillaria, Phytophthora, Root Rot, Sooty Mold and Verticillium.

Features
Shady
Fast-growing
Desert/warm climates
Attract bees

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Deciduous
HEIGHT:  20-25’
WIDTH:  15-20’
LIFESPAN:  50-150 years
FLOWERS:  Spring time. White flowers.
HABITS:  Multi-trunk. Native riparian shrub or small tree.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun- partial shade
SOIL:  Moist to dry

California Ash trees are beautiful deciduous, multi-trunk trees with a rounded canopy, which are often planted as garden or accent trees. They are relatively small, reaching a height of 25’ and a width of 20’, and they typically live 40 – 150 years. They display snowy white flowers in the Spring, which contrast nicely against their light grey bark and medium-green foliage. They thrive best in full sun to partial-shade.

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Scales, Root Rot, Sooty Mold and Verticillium.

Features
Drought tolerant
Native species
Attract birds/pollinators
Fire Resistant

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT: 15-30’
WIDTH:  15-30’
LIFESPAN:  50-150 years
FLOWERS:  Summer time. White flowers.
HABITS:  Umbrella shaped. Produces red berries in the Winter.
EXPOSURE: Full sun – partial shade
SOIL:  Moist to dry

Brazilian Pepper trees are evergreen South American natives with low and wide spreading canopies that provide abundant shade. They reach heights and widths of 30’ and they have a lifespan of roughly 50 – 150 years. They bloom small white flowers in the summer and produce colorful red berries in the winter. They are best suited in warm areas with full sun to partial shade. These drought tolerant trees are aesthetically beautiful and create nice privacy barriers.

Diseases & Pests
Susceptible to Scales, Armillaria, Root Rot and Verticillium.

Features
Easy care
Single or Multi-trunk
Privacy and shade
Attract Pollinators
Fruit attracts wildlife

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  20-25’
WIDTH:  25’
LIFESPAN:  40-150 years
FLOWERS:  Red, showy flowers in Spring or Summer
HABITS:  Oval or round shaped, low-spreading canopy.
EXPOSURE:  Full sun – partial shade.
SOIL:  Moist to dry
NATIVE:  Australia

Pests & Diseases
Susceptible to Chlorosis

Features
Drought tolerant
Beautiful, bushy flowers
Attracts bees and birds

Characteristics
FOLIAGE:  Evergreen
HEIGHT:  30-60’
WIDTH:  20-40’
LIFESPAN:  150 years
FLOWERS:  Spring time
HABITS:  Spreads, requires abundant growing space
EXPOSURE:  Full sun- partial shade
SOIL:  Moist to dry

Aleppo Pines are a two-needled monoecious pine species that grow 20-25m tall, with single-stemmed trunks and deep growing roots, requiring ample growing space. Their needles are pale green in color, grey bark with a reddish-brown inside and the cones are often grey or a reddish-brown. Aleppo Pine’s are drought resistant, require full sun to partial shade and flower in the Spring. These Pines often live 100-200 years.