“There’s no need to be a slave to your landscaping,†says local tree expert Lisa Smith, with an enthusiastic smile. “But you’ve got to be realistic.†How? For the most part, simply by understanding our climate and the way plants affect each other.
Not just anyone can call herself an arborist and get away with it (Smith is one of the few Certified Arborists and Consulting Arborists in L.A.). Arborists often serve as expert witnesses in lawsuits, perform hazard evaluations, and are increasingly used by high-end real estate agents to inspect gardens and trees for vigor and longevity.
When it comes to the health of L.A.’s trees, the main culprit is water. Native species, accustomed to an arid climate, don’t like much moisture – but the grass and shrubs planted around them do. The result is over-watered trees, ripe for fungus that can damage or even destroy them. When water is regularly directed at the trunk, over time it can rot the tree at its base. “Better to plant drought-tolerant shrubs and non-thirsty ground cover near these kinds of trees, if you must have something green,†says Smith.
Preventing too-quick growth also reduces pruning expenses. And don’t forget to remove stakes from newly planted trees within six to 12 months, to prevent leaning and damage to the trunk.
Beyond species like Eucalyptus and Coral trees, which do well with minimal water, there are four protected “native†tree species in L.A. – the Coast Live Oak, Western (California) Sycamore, California Black Walnut and Bay Laurel. Beware: If the tree’s trunk has a diameter of four inches or more, you may not cut it down or damage it in any way. If in doubt, call the L.A. Urban Forestry Division at (213) 847-3077.
“For me, this sort of work is a passion. But all of us are stewards of our trees,†says Smith.
Learn more about tree care at www.thetreeresource.com and www.treesaregood.org
