It is a common fact that Sydney is the most populous city in Australia. Based on the latest figures, it has about 4.9 million residents. Furthermore, Sydney plays a vital role in the economy of the country. In 2018-2019, it generated an economic output of about $460 billion – about a quarter of national GDP.
As most businesses and industries settle in Sydney, residents rarely enjoy green and relaxing sceneries. But that would not be the case if you choose to plant trees in your backyard. Trees provide shade, aesthetics, fresh air, and even privacy once established. Thus, investing in them would not be a waste.
Do you want to plant trees but don’t know what to choose? Cross out those common trees found in your neighbours’ lawn. With these five non-native trees that thrive in Sydney, your garden would undoubtedly be one of a kind.
1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
As its name implies, Japanese maple originated in Japan but is also native to Korea and China. It is often part of Japanese landscape design. It has gained popularity among Sydney garden owners due to its attractive and colourful foliage, which varies from shades of green to orange, red, or purple – depending on the species type.
Japanese maple grows up to 2.5m-8m tall and wide. It grows best on partly-shaded sunlight, slightly acidic and well-drained soil, and regular watering. Once established, it can survive dry periods and destructive garden pests. Also, pruning is optional unless you want to clear its parts that become obstructions.
2. Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata)
Monterey pine is native to the Central Coast of California and Mexico. It is an evergreen, recognised as the most popular Christmas tree in Australia. Being a fast-growing plant with a cone-shaped structure, some garden owners use it as hedges to mark their property boundary for security and privacy.
It usually reaches 12-27m tall, depending on its kind. It prefers partial to full sun and sandy or sandstone soil. Its slim and cylindrical flowers appear as pale beige or pink, while its needles are glossy dark green.
Its foliage rapidly grows, so it requires pruning, especially when dead and diseased branches are present. Moreover, it needs some tree treatments as it attracts animals and pests for shelter and food.
3. Blue Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)
Have you passed by on Jacaranda Street in Sydney’s North Shore? If not, you missed your chance to see the majestic and jaw-dropping rows of trees leading the highway.
Blue jacaranda is a sub-tropical tree native to south-central South America. With its fragrant and purple trumpet-shaped blossoms, Sydney residents love to have them inside their lawn space. It adds a different vibe to the usual green scenery of most gardens.
Blue jacaranda grows 7-15m tall and 4-9m wide. It prefers full sun, neutral to acidic and well-drained soil. Once it matures, tree care and maintenance seem easy as it is resistant to most pests and diseases and drought-tolerant. However, foliage debris drops often, so avoid placing them near pools or drainage unless you can clear the leaves immediately.
4. Seven-son Flower (Heptacodium miconioides)
Native to China, the Seven-son flower is classified as a large shrub or small tree, depending on its type. Unlike most plants that start blooming in spring, it flowers in late summer, keeping your garden appealing all four seasons long.
It produces fragrant white flowers, which is a colour of purity and calmness. Once the petals drop, it exposes its pink sepals, adding great harmony in a greeny environment. It reaches between 3-9m tall and 2-5m wide. It grows best on a full or partial sun, acidic and moist soil, and regular watering.
Aside from pruning and trimming during its early stages, it does not require any particular tree treatments. Pests and diseases are not severe threats to this tree.
5. Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
It is a rising backyard tree in most Australian gardens. Even though it is native to Korea and China, crepe myrtle grows well in the southern regions. With its varying flower colours – may it be white, red, pink, or purple – it has become one of the most-sought trees. Moreover, its flower is undoubtedly one of a kind due to its very wrinkly and crinkly texture and crepe-like appearance.
Typically used as a landscape plant, it can grow between 2-9m tall and 4-8m wide. It grows best in full sun, and while it can dwell on any kind of soil, it prefers moist and well-drained sites.
Although a handful of pests can infest crepe myrtle, it is very resilient and grows undaunted by these creatures. Once established, it can be tolerant of heat and drought but constantly requires pruning to maintain its best shape and health.
Conclusion
As a metro city, Sydney is becoming more and more urbanised. With the limited parks and green sceneries in the area, it is the best choice to establish trees in your garden space. They will not just bring fresh air and shade, but they will also offer aesthetics and privacy.
Planting common Australian native trees is good, but choosing non-native ones is probably better. With the featured five non-native trees that thrive in Sydney, we wish that you can pick the most suitable trees on your property. And if you ever need an expert’s advice, Trees Down Under is just a call away.
Tree Care Service Provider in Sydney
Tree planting, soil conditioning, landscape designing, and green waste removal have been made easier with Trees Down Under’s top-rate and unrivalled methodologies. We are professional and skilled gardeners, landscapers, and arborists who can answer your garden concerns.
No matter where you are in Sydney, our team is available around the clock to provide quality yet affordable services. We have equipped ourselves with the right tools and devices to bring our A-game on the job. We make sure to follow local council regulations and get necessary permits whenever needed.
For worry-free solutions to your tree care needs, book a job with Trees Down Under now! Contact us at 0475 463 597 or send us a message via email.
