Does anyone know why farm houses in california have palm trees planted by them?

Question

Does anyone know why farm houses in california have palm trees planted by them?

Answer 1

I thik it is because they are easy to grow, take minimal watering, and look uniquely like California-desert icons..

Answer 2

cuz its California man! Palm trees are everywhere!

Answer 3

Hmmm... good question.  Now that you mention it, I have noticed that, too.  The only things I can think of are:

1.)  Palm trees supposedly raise property value.  (don't know why a farmer would NEED to raise their property value though.)

2.)  I have heard that owls (screech owls and barn owls for Central California) like to live in Palm trees and maybe farmers plant these trees to attract owls in order to control the mice and other pests that might, for instance, get into and ruin hay, horse feed, crops, etc.  

That is just a theory, and probably far from the truth.  I will definitely be checking on this question to see what kind of answers pop up.  Hopefully somebody will know for certain.