Planning the perfect garden in Perth? There’s nothing more satisfying than looking out your back window and seeing a green little paradise, curated personally by yourself!
But with Perth’s challenging climate and soil conditions, getting your green thumb on can be harder than you’d expect.
That’s why Perth landscaping requires a little extra knowledge of tree species and their ability to thrive in Perth’s challenging conditions. Here, Western Tree Surgeons discuss the best trees for Perth’s climate and how to choose the right species for your yard:
Know thy soil: sand vs clay
First, you have to know which type of soil your Perth backyard has. There are two main types of soil in Perth: coastal areas which are mostly sandy, and hills and inland areas which are mostly clay. The type of soil you have is one of the key factors in determining whether or not a plant will thrive in your yard. Sandy soil is more hospitable to plants that like well-drained soil, like cacti and succulents. Clay soil, on the other hand, retains moisture and suits plants that like a damper environment.
Best trees for coastal areas
Trees that thrive in Perth’s coastal areas are best suited to well-drained, sandy soils. These include:
- Xanthorrhoea preissii (Black boy)
The beautiful and iconic native plant with a grass tree-like appearance, Xanthorrhoea preissii, thrives in the coastal plain region and is best planted in January and February.
- Acorn Banksia
The Acorn Banksia is gorgeous small tree which is also well-adapted to sandy coastal soils. It’s known for its golden flower spikes and is best planted in winter.
- Hakea
An Australian native which thrives in sandy soils, the Hakea species is known for its striking red, pink and yellow flowers.
Best trees for hills and inland areas
For clay soils located in Perth’s hills and inland areas, aim to include plants such as:
- Kangaroo Paw
An iconic Western Australian shrub, Kangaroo Paw is ideal for clay soils.
- Candlestick Banksia
Known for its bright and cheerful yellow flowers, the Candlestick Banksia is one of the best trees to plant in your yard if you have clay soil.
- Quandong
Love the taste of quandong? If you live in an area with clay soil, you can enjoy your very own quandong tree.
Contact Western Tree Surgeons for your arboriculture needs
Need extra help caring for these trees, or removing existing trees before you’re ready to plant? Contact the professionals at Western Tree Surgeons. We offer full-service tree care, handling everything from pruning to removal to stump-grinding. We have over 60 years’ combined experience in risk assessment, tree removal, pruning and other services for commercial and residential properties. Give us a call today and start creating your dream backyard.