Best tree for circular driveway

[sdppm]

I want to placea large tree in the center of a circular driveway in San

Diego. I need a tree that is green year round and doesnt lose all its leaves. Of course it has to have very non evasive roots. What would be the best type of tree for this thanks in adavance. The center of the driveway is 14 ft Diameter

[JimR]

The real answer to your question will depend upon more information, such as type of soil, irrigated or not, whether it has standing water, whether the circular drive is new concrete, whether you're so close to the ocean that you get salt problems or so high in altitude that you get strong winter freezes, etc.

However, for general (southern) conditions, two trees that would work are:

-- Magnolia Grandiflora "Bracken's Brown Beauty", which I think is preferable to the Little Gem variety of magnolia

-- Hong Kong Orchid, Bauhinia blakeana; make sure it is the true HK Orchid, Bauhinia blakeana, which is a sterile hybrid, rather than another variety of Bauhinia. Most bauhinia have long seed pods which make for a lot of litter, not so for the B. blakeana.

Either of thes trees will provide a nice focal point for the driveway. If instead you want a large tree that shades the driveway, with a bed of perennials under, consider either a Live Oak or a Royal Poinciana. Either one will take several years to get established and provide a natural setting. The Live Oak replaces old leaves with new once a year and so there is fallout to be swept up during the early growing season. Once the Royal Poinciana is old enough to flower it provides a bright red (or yellow) springtime display. In some parts of the world it is known as the "Flame of the Forest". However, it is briefly deciduous but the leaves are tiny and not a litter problem.

Another possibility if your climate will permit would be a Blue Spruce.

If your budget only permits buying a small tree, you'll have to wait a few years before the tree really becomes a specimen plant. In order of growth rate (fastest to slowest) I'd put: Royal Poinciana, Hong Kong Orchid, Live Oak, Magnolia, Blue Spruce. Suggest you talk to a really good local nursery or the extension service about your individual climate and tree requirements.

Regards -- Jim R

[sdppm]

Thank you very much

[xim xim]

paulonia tomentosa--

rapid grower -- large leaves -- lavender/purple flower clusters

[xim xim]

skip my suggestion about he paulownia it would be to big for your driveway area