Trees worth coming home to.

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Altadena Canopy Guide — A Living Resource

I grew up in Altadena. In our backyard there was a coast live oak we built platforms in, and a redwood standing in the middle of the lawn — a beacon, just tall enough to rise above the roofline. You could spot our house from down the street by it. That one. The one with the redwood.

Altadena's canopy took generations to grow. It was part of what made this place feel like itself. This guide is a starting point for growing it back.

This is a working list, updated as we observe and document in the field. Tree placement, companion planting, and full site design are where the real work begins. Reach out to CRAFT →

Plant Forward Memory Grove

Altadena rebuild requirement: 2 trees minimum at 15-gallon size. Trees available at 15 gal are highlighted below.

All light conditions Full sun Part shade All garden roles Big shade tree Patio tree Focal point Privacy screen All water use Very low water Low water Moderate water Higher water All types Native CA Friendly Cultivar All availability Common Moderate Rare / difficult Apply Clear all

These are the trees that made Altadena what it was — the camphors and jacarandas and liquidambars that generations of residents grew up under. They are honored here, not recommended. Each entry notes an ecological alternative that does similar work while belonging to this place.

CRAFT Landscape Architecture

We design with nature,
not against it.

Licensed Landscape Architect in California and New York. Rooted in the Altadena foothills for over 80 years.

This list is updated as we observe, document, and learn in the field.

Work with CRAFT Tree Placement Study → craft-la.com →