Tree Lists

We all love trees, they cool our homes and neighborhoods, create habitat for birds and butterflies, help manage storm water and increase our property values.

Planting New Trees

It’s important to remember to plant the right tree in the right place to ensure they can thrive. Planting trees is a longterm investment and is best done after you have your home and landscapes designed to make sure you’re putting them in the ideal locations. When you are ready to choose your trees, we recommend these lists of Altadena All-Stars developed for Altadena Green by our expert team of arborists and local landscape designers. Please note that not all trees work in all situations or locations. Also, be sure to cross-reference your selections with the lists from the California Invasive Plant Council for your area. 

aja's oak tree

What Size Tree to Plant?

A special note on what size tree to plant: Everyone loves large, mature trees but planting smaller is often wiser. The larger a tree is in a nursery box, the more chance it has to become root bound and short-lived, while it is not instantly well-adapted to its new location. Planting larger trees is considerably riskier and more expensive. Generally speaking, planting smaller, younger trees and helping them get properly established in situ with correct irrigation and mulching is much better for their long-term success. The right tree in the right place with the right care can often grow very quickly, even outpacing larger trees in a short time. New trees are an investment for the future, not the best opportunity for immediate gratification. 

Search trees by characteristics or by their common or scientific name on the Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute at Cal Poly database.

Help Keep Altadena Green

Your support and contributions will enable us to protect trees in the Altadena burn zone and to help reforest the community. We can now accept donations via our fiscal sponsors Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs.

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