Hi,
I recently stumpled over this site and was hoping that you could assist.
I have a property in Livermore, CA (zone 9a, I think) and am looking into plants that can be used to line a long asphault driveway. We're up in the hills and have limited well water so sprinkler/drip system is probably out of the question. I've read that lilac or crapemyrtle were some of the more popular drought resistance plants and wanted to get your opinion to confirm. If not, may I solicit your opinion for a tall dome-like tree that will color in the fall. My mother wanted a maple like tree but I fear that water may be a problem. This is a rental property so we're not there frequently to care for it during its most critical stage.
Thanks for your input.
Hi Arrow,
California Lilacs (Ceanothus spp.) would be a great choice.
https://www.laspilitas.com/groups/ceanothus/california_ceanothus.html
If you won't be there to water, they don't need much once established, you might want to consider these to help you out while getting established. Scroll down at the second link.
https://www.treegator.com/
https://www.treegatordirect.com/junior/index.html
https://www.engineeredwatering.com/Ooze_Tube.htm
Whatever you choose, I would definately recommend natives. They will be better adapted to the site conditions and need less care. Not sure I'd use the crepe myrtle as it's not native and can be a bit fussy in a situation with not much water to establish. For more suggestions you might consider contacting the local extension service in that area. Let them know you prefer something native.
https://ucanr.org/
You could also look at these sites too. The second one sells California natives and is rated well at Garden Watchdog.
https://www.mynativeplants.com/search_options.php
https://www.laspilitas.com/
You can check references for mailorder and search by state or plant material here.
https://davesgarden.com/gwd/
Here's some handy sites about planting and watering.
https://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/trees/f1147w.htm
https://www.tlcfortrees.info/planting%20depth.htm
https://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/mulching.aspx
https://www.watersaver.org/pdfs/FALL_CARING_FOR_TREES.pdf
https://www.mdvaden.com/advice-landscape.shtml#wateringsuggestions
https://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07833.html#post
Newt
California Lilacs (Ceanothus spp.) would be a great choice.
https://www.laspilitas.com/groups/ceanothus/california_ceanothus.html
If you won't be there to water, they don't need much once established, you might want to consider these to help you out while getting established. Scroll down at the second link.
https://www.treegator.com/
https://www.treegatordirect.com/junior/index.html
https://www.engineeredwatering.com/Ooze_Tube.htm
Whatever you choose, I would definately recommend natives. They will be better adapted to the site conditions and need less care. Not sure I'd use the crepe myrtle as it's not native and can be a bit fussy in a situation with not much water to establish. For more suggestions you might consider contacting the local extension service in that area. Let them know you prefer something native.
https://ucanr.org/
You could also look at these sites too. The second one sells California natives and is rated well at Garden Watchdog.
https://www.mynativeplants.com/search_options.php
https://www.laspilitas.com/
You can check references for mailorder and search by state or plant material here.
https://davesgarden.com/gwd/
Here's some handy sites about planting and watering.
https://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/trees/f1147w.htm
https://www.tlcfortrees.info/planting%20depth.htm
https://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/mulching.aspx
https://www.watersaver.org/pdfs/FALL_CARING_FOR_TREES.pdf
https://www.mdvaden.com/advice-landscape.shtml#wateringsuggestions
https://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07833.html#post
Newt