Made in the shade with these trees

Here in Mira Loma we have to consider the strong seasonal winds that whip through here, so I prefer a deciduous tree (it looses it's leaves in the fall) such as the Fruitless Mulberry. In the summer months, it is a fantastic shade tree, beautiful with light/medium green foliage, growing large enough for deep shade. In the autumn, you will have to deal with falling leaves, but the bare branches will withstand the wind and it is much less likely to be uprooted. Once it's established, it doesn't need a lot of water, but it does eventually get big, so be considerate of where you put it. Around here with the gusts we get, you need to stake any young tree well so it grows straight. Look around - there are a lot of trees with a permanant lean to them!

Liquidamber styraciflua (American Sweetgum) do very well in this region. They are deciduous and have particularly beautiful leaves in the Fall. If you like pine trees, the Aleppo Pine (P. halepensis) does well in this area and grows quickly if cared for. Both of these can grow quickly and become established in a couple of years, providing beauty and shade.

Most important to water all trees in S. Calif deeply and infrequently and they won't need staking after the first year or two. Shallow watering, as in using the lawn sprinkling, forces the roots to lie shallow and spread out, causing damage to sidewalks, etc. and falling over in the first high wind. This is the key to success.

....my Chia Pet died last week....