Which tree should I plant (southern california)?

Question

I plan to plant some trees around the house. Which trees are good for the front yard, and which are good for backyard?

I searched yahoo answers, read some messages, but still can't make my mind.

I live in southern california, the weather is very dry and hot, seldom rain. In the front yard, I want to have a shade tree which can reduce the heat to the house. not too high, easy to grow, ever green. don't have to have flower, grow fast. I plan to plant several trees in the front yard, one of them may close to the house (about 10ft to the house, but right besides the drive way). right now, I'm looking at Maple, eucalyptus (maybe too high?), other good choices? or I'm asking too much? :)

for the backyard, I planted fruit trees already. want to have some middle size (10-20 feet) tree, even green, some shade, flowers better. Any suggestions?

thanks

Answer 1

Go to a couple of local nurseries and ask them what they recommend.  Also check out the Sunset Western Garden book.  You can buy it or see it free at some of the home improvement stores.