Coast Live Oak for Coastal Landscaping
Coast Live Oak is another great species of shrub/tree for the Pismo Beach area. These trees prefer a bit more water than some of the more arid-loving species, but they are hardy and tend to find their own water by stretching out their roots. While they are not commonly found directly on the coast, they take advantage of the coastal fog as well as the milder climate that is afforded by close proximity to the ocean.
These trees are a beautiful evergreen oak and, in their older years, can have magnificent, gnarled trunks that give a look like few other plants in the region.
Coast Like Oak are fairly easy to grow, but many residents of the Pismo Beach area employ professionals such as ours at Evergreen Landscaping Service to plant and maintain the trees for the first year.
For the first year, watering once per week is a good idea. By the end of that year, or when the tree attains the height of ten feet, watering can be cut back to once per month. The base of the trunk of the tree should be kept dry, while the roots will reach for water. Somewhat riparian areas are perfect for these trees.
The roots of the Coast Live Oak prefer shade, so when first planting, covering the ground around the base of the tree with mulch, rock, or other landscaping items is a good idea, at least until the tree takes hold. Once these trees start to grow, they will take off fairly quickly.
Young trees can start out shrubby, but they can grow quite quickly to 10 to 15 meters tall. The crowns of younger trees are very lush and full in a rounded shape. As the trees get older, the crowns tend to thin out some. These trees, though, have been known to live for 250 years, so they can provide a great, permanent landscaping treasure for those willing to care for them until they take hold.
Rocky hillsides that hold some moisture are perfect for Coast Live Oak. Proximity to a small stream or the presence of coastal fog is great for these beautiful trees as well. The yellow flowers make a beautiful contrast to the lush, green leaves when they are blooming in February to April. Oaks are very important wildlife plants. They attract a great variety of animals, birds, and reptiles.
When pruning these trees, it is best to do so at the driest time of the year, in July and August. At this time of year there is less likelihood that disease-causing pathogens will survive and infect the tree at the pruning site.
Many people do not feel comfortable pruning their own trees, and Evergreen Landscaping Service is happy to help. We’ve spent years caring for trees of all shapes and sizes and we understand just what it takes to keep them healthy and looking good.
Whether we planted those trees or not, we’re more than willing to help you keep them looking great and providing you with years of enjoyment. Call us today to set up an appointment to see how we can help you create the prefect outdoor living space.