With some trees, the more trunks – the merrier

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Multi-trunk trees provide an excellent opportunity to create vertical interest in a landscape or garden. This shape lends itself to a slope or hillside, where the legs can be appreciated.

When people consider trees, they usually have a standard tree shape in mind – which is the trunk and head shape. This can work well, but in some cases, the more natural shape of a multi-trunk tree can be a better choice.

Lagerstroemia, commonly called Crape Myrtle, is a superior tree choice for our Clayton Valley landscapes and gardens. Crape Myrtle thrives in our hot, dry summer climate. They aren’t picky about the condition of our sticky clay soil and are very water-wise once established.

They have showy flowers during the heat of the summer, and several varieties have exceptional fall leaf color. As the Crape Myrtle matures, its bark peels away to reveal a smooth, polished trunk.

Dynamite Crape Myrtle

Dynamite is an extremely popular color of Crape Myrtle. The Dynamite blossoms are a deep, blue-based red – perfect for garden lovers who are tired of too much pink. The fall color of Dynamite is a deep burgundy. Dynamite will reach 15-18 feet tall and almost half as wide. It is a stunning focal point selection.

Twilight is another superb Crape Myrtle that works for someone needing a smaller grower. Zuni will reach 8-12 feet tall and again about half as wide. This variety has a dark grayish-purple flower and yellow fall leaf color. Tuscarora is a bright pink blooming Crape Myrtle that will reach 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide.

All these Crape Myrtles are available as tree shapes, but it’s the multi-trunk shapes that really shine in the landscape or garden.

Do you remember the tiny, bright pink blossoms of the Western Redbud multi-trunk trees this spring? These trees reach 16 feet tall and about 10 feet wide. The California natives are perfect in our Clayton Valley climate.

Western Redbud is one of the earliest blooming trees around these parts. You will see them along walking paths and hillsides. If you include one in your Clayton Valley landscape, be careful not to love it too much. These trees need extraordinarily little water and never need to be fertilized. Autumn is the best time of year to install a redbud, but don’t plant near grass.

Smoke Bushes make great multi-trunk ornamental trees. They have an oval leaf that is the color of the red leaf Japanese Maple. This tree will reach Crape Myrtle heights of 14-16 feet tall and about half as wide.

This blooming tree gets its name from the grayish flowers that look like smoke billowing above the leaves. During fall, the leaves turn shades of scarlet and orange.

California native

Arbutus Marina is another excellent multi-trunk tree that is so beautiful. This evergreen is a California native. Arbutus has exceptional cinnamon-colored bark that peels away to expose smooth, mahogany legs. Use Arbutus in a raised bed or a hillside application to fully appreciate its features.

Looking at multi-trunk trees at a nursery can be confusing because they start out looking like bushes. Ask questions to make sure you are getting what you want.

Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. You can contact her with ­questions or comments by email at
gardengirl94517@yahoo.com