Saturday Morning: Tree of The Week -- A Freeway Favorite, the Brawny Tipu

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Good Morning. First thing on Saturdays, we like to take a break from house envy and bubble-watching. We put on a pot of coffee, take a deep breath and pick a Tree of the Week.

This week our tree-loving friend Pieter Severynen chose the tipu tree -- Tipuana tipu for those taking this course for credit.

‘Adorned with apricot yellow flowers at this time of year, the tipu tree is not for the faint of heart. Growing fast (to 40 feet) and wide (to 50 feet), this semi-evergreen, flat-topped, South American import suppresses competition, while its roots can be invasive and the flower drop impressive. Light green compound leaves are subdivided into many 1- to 2-inch leaflets; the bark is light gray, coarse and furrowed.

Overwatering causes its wood to be brittle, so it’s best to keep it on the dry side. Not fussy about soil, it is a good tree for larger, out of the way places; Caltrans plants it on freeway slopes. With proper pruning it can become a big street or garden tree, but keep it in check so that it doesn’t get out of hand.

Thanks, Pieter.

Comments are always welcome.
Have questions about trees, tree care or urban forestry? E-mail Pieter: PlSeve@earthlink.net
Photo Credit: LACity.org