Description

Coastal Scrub Oak (Quercus dumosa) is an excellent choice for California-friendly gardens. It is a small, California native tree that can mature up to 15' tall and 8’ wide. For small gardens, this is an excellent choice as it has the beautiful foliage of the larger oaks, but its size makes it appropriate for gardens of all sizes. It can be pruned to expose the trunk and take on the shape of a small tree. This plant is unparticular about its soil, but it is very low-water-use and prefers to receive most of its irrigation in the fall, winter, and spring. Summer water can lead to root rot, so avoid watering during the hottest time of the year. This plant will stay small enough that a licensed arborist will not be required to keep it looking and performing at its best. Plant this with other California natives or drought-tolerant plant material. This tree should be planted at least five feet away from any hardscape areas and 10 feet from structures such as houses and buildings. Shrubs and perennials should be planted about two feet away from this tree. It should be irrigated for about 45 minutes once a week when using most in-line drip irrigation systems.