Redlands is Celebrating Earth Day- April 24, 2015 by Planting 2 Trees
Earth Day is being celebrated in Redlands by planting two trees, the California Sycamore and the Palo Verde tree, which are both drought resistant trees and need very little water. This celebration is scheduled at Heritage Park in Redlands, CA on April 24, 2015 from 2-4 pm. Please join the celebration and for more information, call (909) 798-7655.
Native to the southwest desert and Mexico, the Palo Verde is the state tree of Arizona. Once established these trees truly need no supplemental water to live. One look around in our washes and open lots will prove that. However, in a landscape setting, some supplemental water will accelerate growth, prevent limb die-back and produce a more lush and attractive tree.
To survive the harsh desert climate, the Palo Verde can do some amazing things. The bark of the tree is green and can photosynthesize something that in most plants only leaves do. This allows the leaves to be very small which decreases water loss through evaporation and transpiration. The leaves can also be shed if extreme drought occurs. During periods of extended drought, small branches will also die back. When water again becomes available, new branches will sprout out.
The Foothills Palo Verde is also known as Little Leaf Palo Verde. It is a shrubbier, slower growing tree. It will reach about 20 feet tall. The blossoms are a paler yellow with a delicate fragrance. Each branch ends in a thorn, making it undesirable for planting close to walkways.
The new Palo Verdre tree is a hybrid between the Blue Palo Verde, the Foothills Palo Verde and the Mexican Palo Verde. Because it was found and worked on by researchers at the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, it is call the Desert Museum Palo Verde. This tree has all the good characteristics of each of its parents. These include rapid growth, strong upright branching structure, large showy yellow flowers that bloom over a long period of time and disease and pest resistance. In addition, it has no spines, few pods and very little litter.
The Palo Verde tree is a great choice for your landscaping needs. and the beauty of the tree and its magnificent spring time bloom display make it attractive for any setting. While it will survive on no water it can also be planted near areas that get a lot of water such as a lawn or planting bed. Like all trees, be careful about planting too close to your septic system, power lines or foundations.
As a native tree the Palo Verde will provide food and homes for our native wildlife. Hummingbirds love to nest in the tree and raise their young. I have a Palo Verde in the front and backyards of my home and for many years each has provided a home for a local hummingbird family. Mourning doves and White wing doves will also nest in Palo Verdes, as well as many other species of birds. The pods are devoured by small animals, rabbits munch on fallen litter and quail will roost in them at night. Every living thing including people will appreciate the shade provided in the summer.
When considering a new tree for your landscape, think about the easy to grow and water resistant, Palo
Verde tree.
Happy Earth Day 2015
Comments(19)