Lecture: How to Choose the Best Native Street Tree for Your Garden

Speakers

• Lawrence Abbott: Retired biologist and restoration ecologist from San Leandro
  • Advocate for habitat protection and native plants.
• Brett de Marie: Landscape architect and arborist, works with San Francisco Public Works.
  • Advocates for native trees in San Leandro's street tree list.
  • Created California Native Street Tree list.

Why Native Trees?

• Importance of planning for street trees.
  • Different considerations for urban, suburban, and rural areas.
• Right tree in the right place:
  • Considerations for space above and below ground.
  • Long-term planning for tree growth and pruning.

Success Considerations for Planting

• Space availability: Aboveground and belowground.
• Ecosystem considerations: Future planning for environmental factors (e.g., solar panel installation).
• Pruning and planting techniques:
  • Bonsai techniques for small spaces.
  • Consider genetic potential and invasive root systems.

Narrowing Choices

• Walk through local parks and gardens for inspiration.
• Consider:
  • Specimen tree vs. multiple smaller trees.
  • Environmental realities and space constraints.
  • Utility conflicts and mature tree size.

Tree Placement Considerations

• Yards: Best for small to medium trees, less utility conflict.
• City Parks: Ideal for large trees; fewer constraints.
• Street Trees: Most challenging due to utility and space constraints.

Urban Tree Planting Challenges

• Need to reconcile environmental sustainability with operational constraints.
• Utility conflicts: Overhead and underground.
• Regulations: Traffic safety, pedestrian clearances.

Observations on Tree Planting

• Learning from nature: Choose species that thrive locally.
• Consider ecological factors:
  • Soil type, water availability, exposure.
• Use resources like Calscape and Selectree for guidance.

Advocacy and City Tree Lists

• City tree lists can be modified for more Natives.
• Success in San Leandro: 50% of new plantings were native trees.
• Building coalitions and engaging city officials can promote change.

Practical Planting Examples

• Community efforts and tree planting events.
• Example plantings and outcomes in San Leandro and San Francisco.

Useful Techniques and Resources

• Engage with local tree planting events and learn proper techniques.
• Resources like the International Society of Arboriculture standards for tree planting and pruning.

Final Thoughts

• Importance of community involvement in urban forestry.
• Opportunities to learn and volunteer in local tree-planting initiatives.