Tree Planting in Lakewood, CA

Planting in a planned 1950s city

Lakewood was built almost all at once in the early 1950s, with thousands of homes on similar, modest lots laid out on a flat grid. That history shapes how we plant. Yards are small, houses sit close to property lines, and many homes still have their original clay sewer laterals running from the house to the street. Roots from the wrong tree, planted too close, can crack a slab, lift a patio or find their way into those pipes. On a lot this size, the choice of species and the exact planting spot matter more than anything else.

The parkway belongs to the city

The strip between the sidewalk and the curb is called the parkway, and the trees in it are city trees. Lakewood's Public Works department plants, trims and removes them, and residents are not supposed to trim or replace them on their own. The city's code also requires a Public Works permit before anyone plants or changes a tree in a roadside area, and it keeps a list of approved street tree species. If you want a parkway tree replaced or added, the request goes through the city. We focus on planting in your front and back yards, and we will make sure anything we plant near the parkway does not compete with the street tree.

Trees that fit Lakewood yards

Lakewood has a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers, cool winters and most rain between November and March. Water restrictions and rising bills make drought tolerance important. For small front yards, we often suggest western redbud, strawberry tree, crape myrtle, desert willow or a fruitless olive. These stay modest in size and need little water once established. For more shade in a back yard, Chinese pistache, Brisbane box and Australian willow are good choices, with roots that are less aggressive than ficus or sweetgum, which have damaged many sidewalks in this area. Citrus and avocado trees are popular too, and we can plant them where they will have the sun and drainage they need.

We avoid planting large-rooted trees within about 10 feet of the house, the sewer line or the driveway, and we ask where your lateral runs before we pick a spot.

The planting process

• We visit, look at sun exposure, soil and space, and talk about what you want from the tree: shade, fruit, privacy or color.
• Utilities are marked through DigAlert before we dig.
• The hole is dug wide and shallow so the root flare sits slightly above the soil.
• We backfill with native soil, build a small water basin and add mulch kept away from the trunk.
• Drip emitters or a bubbler are adjusted or added so the tree gets deep, slow watering.

When to plant

Fall is the best season here. Planting from October through early spring lets the roots grow during the cooler, wetter months before the first hot summer. Spring planting works well too. Summer planting is possible but takes careful watering.

Caring for a new tree

Water deeply once or twice a week for the first summer, then taper off as the tree establishes. Keep lawn grass and weed trimmers away from the trunk. Avoid heavy pruning for the first few years beyond removing damaged branches. When it is time for shaping, our tree trimming crew can set up good structure. If an old tree or stump is in the way, our stump grinding service can clear the ground first.

Shade where it helps most

A well-placed tree can cut cooling costs noticeably. In Lakewood, the most valuable shade usually falls on the west and south sides of the house, where afternoon sun heats walls and windows from June through September. A deciduous tree there shades the house in summer and lets winter sun through after the leaves drop. We also consider your neighbors, since on narrow lots a tree near the fence line can shade the house next door or drop fruit and leaves into their yard. Planning those details at the start avoids problems later and keeps the tree welcome for decades.

Questions

Can you plant a tree where an old one was removed?

Yes, once the stump and major roots are ground out and the soil is refreshed.

Can you help me pick a species?

Yes. An arborist consultation is a good start.

Do you work nearby?

Yes, including Bellflower, Cerritos, Paramount and Long Beach.

Get help planting the right tree

Call (562) 502-1431 to schedule a planting visit and a written price.