Iconic Trees of Fremont: Guide to Notable Species & Care Tips

Expert Tips

Here, we explore their unique characteristics, historical significance, and how to care for these species with expert tips from Arbor Vision's certified arborist services.

The City Beautiful Committee first recognized the importance of Fremont's historical trees in 1966 and sponsored the city's tree preservation ordinance. In the early 1970s, they also documented information on the area's most notable tree species and their locations, which the city published as a booklet in 1973.

The 60 trees were given Landmark Status, and in 2010, the city revisited the list. Although some had not survived due to urbanization, most still stood. Unfortunately, two years later, the city had to delist 42 missing or dead landmark trees but added 23 new trees.

To establish Landmark Status for new iconic trees, Fremont looks for the following criteria:

• Trunk diameters over 4.5 feet when measured 4.5 feet from ground level
• Excellent health, structure, or unique structural character with high aesthetic appeal
• Good longevity
• Historical importance

Fremont's landmark trees are often tied to the original families who settled in the area and established the historical farms, ranches, nurseries, orchards, and wineries. Trees are scattered throughout Fremont's streets, properties, and yards, such as the stately Saucer Magnolia, which was believed to have been planted circa 1915 in the yard of a Craftsman-style bungalow where entrepreneur Otto N. Hirsch lived. At the historical Gallegos Winery, a lovely semicircular formation of Canary Island Date Palms still stands, dating back to at least 1906, according to historical photographs.

Water & Life

• Enhanced stormwater management and water quality by reducing runoff
• Improved water quality by absorbing and filtering rainwater
• Reduced pavement maintenance as tree shade slows deterioration of paved surfaces
• Decreased use of greenhouse gas emitting machinery for street maintenance
• Improved quality of life for the community with improved aesthetics, reduced noise, and enjoyment of watching local wildlife thrive

Energy & Air

• Reduced energy use due to tree shade helping to cool Fremont, decreasing AC demand
• Improved air quality and lower greenhouse gas emissions thanks to reduced energy demand
• Removal of air pollutants and storage and sequestering of carbon dioxide

Characteristics:

• Deciduous tree native to California
• Grows along streams, foothills, and the Coast Range
• Sturdy trunk that divides into secondary branches
• Mottled bark
• Yellowish green, palmately lobed leaves

• Prefers full sun to partial shade
• Keep soil moist to avoid root rot.
• Check tree regularly for signs of shot hole borer, leaf miner, scales, spider mites, anthracnose, armillaria, phytophthora, mistletoe growth, and root rot.
• Plant new trees at least 12 feet from sidewalks and curbs.
• Fertilize with a complete fertilizer in early spring.
• Prune damaged branches

Characteristics:

• Conifer native to the Mediterranean area
• Sturdy trunk and heavy branches
• Umbrella-like crown
• Dark green needles
• 3-to-5-inch cones

• Prefers full sun
• Requires low to average watering in well-drained soil
• Watch for pine needle cast that causes brownish-red needles to fall off and treat with fungicide
• Watch for bark beetles and conifer seed bugs and apply pesticide
• No fertilizer required

Characteristics:

• Broadleaf evergreen native to the California coastal ranges
• Picturesque silhouette
• Divided trunk
• Semi-glossy, dark green leaves with spiny margins
• Flowers produced in spring and winter

• Prefers full sun, partial shade
• Requires low water and well-drained soil
• Prune during July or August to reduce the risk of pathogens attacking the wounds
• Avoid removing large limbs as the tree is vulnerable to infection via exposed areas
• Do not over thin interior branches

Characteristics:

• Deciduous tree native to Northern Asia and Siberia
• Serrated dark green leaves
• Yellow display in fall
• Produces papery, winged seeds, and tiny red flowers in the spring

• Prefers full sun
• Average water needs and prefers moist, well-drained soil
• Watch for signs of aphids, leafhoppers, gall mites, and elm leaf beetles, and spray with pesticide as required
• Prune only to remove damaged, cross-shooting, or diseased limbs

Characteristics:

• Deciduous tree native to Japan
• Serrated mid-green leaves
• Wide spreading branches with vase-shaped crown
• Colorful display of yellow to red or cinnamon leaves in fall
• Smooth gray bark that reveals inner orange bark with age

• Prefers full sun
• Average water needs and moist but well-drained soil
• Virtually pest and disease-free, but watch for rare signs of Dutch elm disease
• Does not require fertilizer
• Prune in late fall to remove V-shaped crotches

Fremont's commitment to protecting its iconic trees helps maintain the city's history while contributing to a rich canopy that provides ecological benefits. Residents can help support the city's stewardship of the trees by assisting with tree protection, care, and maintenance.