Student Awards and Tree Trimming and Planting Service
Middle schools through out the country have specific award programs that give students the opportunity to develop leadership, communication and other career skills. When students are attracted to these award programs because they feel it gives them a competitive advantage when applying for college and college scholarships. Some of these programs allow students to choose various projects through out the year so they can participate in things that interest them. Some projects our students are working on are things such as starting a small business, developing a website, welding projects volunteering in hospitals, and even spending time with local businesses like contractors or even pharmacies! Most of these awards require students to plan and execute local service projects. these projects give students valuable leadership skills as they commit to a project with their class mates.
One of our students is from Burbank California and he put together a local tree planting service project. His grandfather is a local arborist that does tree trimming Burbank and this student is very interested in the family business of tree services! We ask students about their experience and what they enjoyed or learned. Our student mentioned that when planting trees in California you need to choose specific trees for the area and climate. This students excels in environmental science and was fascinated with how the local environment affects tree growth. If you choose the wrong tree then it is possible to have decay or disease in the future. Our student put together a list of the best trees species for the Burbank California area!
Best Tree Species for Burbank California
Metrosideros excelsus – New Zealand Christmas Tree
Metrosideros excelsus is a popular tree in Burbank for its many benefits. Not only is the tree effective in California’s salty air along the coast and on the Peninsula, but it can also be used as a shrub or a conventional specimen tree. The tree’s dense network of blades helps to deflect wind and water, and its roots help to hold the soil in place. In addition, the Metrosideros excelsus is very deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for a privacy shrub. The tree blooms in the winter, peaking in mid- to late-December. Thanks to its rapid growth rate, lovely flowers, and low-maintenance requirements, the Metrosideros excelsus is a popular choice for both home and commercial landscapes.
Burbank residents like having hummingbirds and bees attracted to the flowers in their garden, and they also appreciate the unique look of the plant. The grayish leaves are opaque, making the surrounding foliage of the other plants really stand out. It can grow up to 82 feet tall with a spreading, dome-like structure and thrives in poor rocky soil and steep slopes. This particular tree is great because it comes in both a ‘standard’ and a multi-trunked spreading tree version. Ultimately, the tree is a beautiful and versatile addition to any garden.
Arbutus Marina – Marina Strawberry Tree
Arbutus Marina is one of the San Fernando Valley’s most popular medium-sized evergreen trees. It reaches a height of 50 feet and has a broad, dense crown. The older bark peels away from the trunk and branches as the tree grows, revealing the gorgeous glossy red new bark beneath. The pendulous clusters of urn-shaped white-blushed-pink flowers bloom all year along the shore, with spring and fall being the busiest times. Burbank was especially fond of this species of tree and planted many along the roadsides in San Francisco. Today, the arbutus marina can be found in many different habitats including gardens, parks, and coastal areas.
After the blossoms, a red gritty fruit appears, which is edible but not particularly pleasant. Plant in full sun to partial shade. It’s drought resilient, although it looks best when watered once in a while in the summer. In compacted soils like DG, it will face difficulties. Flowers, fruit, spent inflorescences, twigs, and bark fall all year, making it a touch dirty. Consider installing in a location where debris may be easily removed. This is one of the best trees for the Bay Area if you’re seeking for something unique.
Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’ – California Lilac
Ceanothus ‘Ray Hartman’, originally selected as Ceanothus ‘Blue Sky’, This is a Burbank California favorite evergreen specimens for coastal installations. The blue flowers are lightly fragrant, great honey bee attractors, and really sparkle against the dark green abundant foliage. It can require staking and maintenance to support it until it’s well established. Thinning in the autumn helps to prevent winter wind damage. This tough little shrub is drought tolerant once established, and will thrive in full sun or partial shade. It’s a great choice for seaside gardens, or anywhere you want to add a touch of coastal charm!
It makes a fantastic specimen for night lighting, especially downlighting over a path, thanks to its naturally twisted trunk and branching behaviors. It’s also fairly pest-free and drought-tolerant. It can reach a height of 15 feet as a California native and thrives in thick soils or sand with an erect shape. It can also be trained as a single trunk standard or as a low-branched hedge with great success.
Pittosporum undulatum – Victorian Box or Mock Orange
Pittosporum undulatum is an evergreen tree that grows to about 50 feet tall. It has wavy leaf edges and features orange, woody fruit for several months after fragrant flowering in spring or early summer. Sometimes also known as Sweet Pittosporum, Victorian Box or Mock Orange, it is a fast-grower that has a handsome profile in Bay Area gardens. Pittosporum trees are native to Australia and New Zealand, but they have been widely cultivated in California for many years. These hardy trees are relatively drought-tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. Although they are typically trouble-free, they can be susceptible to fungal diseases if they are grown in too much shade.Pittosporum undulatum is an evergreen tree that grows to about 50 feet tall. It has wavy leaf edges and features orange, woody fruit for several months after fragrant flowering in spring or early summer. Sometimes also known as Sweet Pittosporum, Victorian Box or Mock Orange, it is a fast-grower that has a handsome profile in Bay Area gardens. Pittosporum trees are native to Australia and New Zealand, but they have been widely cultivated in California.
Tristania laurina – Water Gum
Tristania laurina, also known as the water gum, is a native to Australia. It grows well near the coast and along the banks of streams and is often found in swampy areas. The water gum is a slow grower, usually reaching between 15 and 30 feet tall. It is often multi-branched and can be pruned to maintain a compact shape.
The flowers of the water gum are bright yellow and have a distinctive scent that is attractive to bees. The tree usually blooms in the late spring or early summer. Tristania laurina is an excellent choice for a medium-scale evergreen tree. It is tolerant of salt spray and windy conditions, making it a good choice for coastal locations. The water gum has few pests or diseases and does not require much care once established.