I'm new to this forum and haven't looked through very many threads yet, so I hope this isn't a repeat. I'm wondering if any of you could recommend a good shade tree. The more research I do, the more confused I get. The choices seem overwhelming. Maybe my requirements could help narrow it down. Here is what I am looking for: 1. A fast-growing, or even extremely fast-growing shade tree. 2. Full size would be a very large tree, but not gargantuan size. 3. Needs to withstand occasional strong winds. 4. Needs to do well in very sandy, well drained, probably nutrient-poor soil. 5. Needs to survive well in a smoggy, semi-urban environment in southern California, on the edge of the desert. Very hot, dry summers, and mild, sometimes very wet winters. I can water as needed. 6. My house foundation is a flat slab, so I need a tree that doesn't have an agressive root system, one that will not likely tunnel under my house and cause problems to my foundation. My yard is modest, even small. When fully grown, I would expect such a tree to practically dominate my entire back yard, and even be the most distinguishing feature of my property. 7. I would prefer to find a tree that is particularly beautiful, fragrant much of the year with annual blooming flowers, and one that doesn't drop a lot of litter in my yard like small branches, seed pods or the like. However, I would expect most shade trees to drop their leaves. #7 would be "bonus" features for me, but first and foremost I just want an exceptional shade tree. Maybe such a tree doesn't exist! Maybe I'm too picky, but I hope to find something suitable! Any ideas out there?
Not many very large trees you can grow on the edge of the desert. If you don't mind a non-flowering tree, try Pinus brutia (Turkish Pine, a.k.a. Afghan Pine, Mondell Pine). Some Eucalyptus would also get large, but you might get problems with the roots (and also maybe invasive seedlings)
Gums are having pest problems in California, too, plus they are all over the place already. Otherwise, that is what came to my mind as well. I didn't suggest it for the above reasons. Pretty hard to get huge and fast in combination with trouble-free, desert adapted etc. Try visiting any nearby facilities (parks, gardens, museums and the like) that have labeled trees or leaflets identifying some of the trees and seeing what looks good there. If a pine did happen to be acceptable the director of the UC Arboretum, Davis once told me there was an enormous Italian stone pine "out in the desert" somewhere down there that he thought might be as big as or bigger than the ones in Sacramento. See also table of pines in Sunset Western Garden Book.
