Tip #8: Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
The distinct, menthol-like fragrance and striking blue-green foliage of the Eucalyptus make it an incredibly tempting choice for Mediterranean-style gardens. However, these massive Australian natives bring unprecedented hazards to the average suburban landscape. Eucalyptus trees represent an extreme fire liability. Their leaves and shedding bark contain highly volatile oils that actually accelerate fires; in extreme heat, eucalyptus trees can practically explode, showering surrounding properties with burning embers.
Aside from the severe fire danger, they are astonishingly messy. Eucalyptus trees continuously shed long, massive strips of dry bark, heavy seed capsules, and oily leaves that completely resist decomposition and suppress the growth of other plants beneath their canopy. Furthermore, despite growing over a hundred feet tall, they develop surprisingly shallow root systems. Sudden branch drop is a documented phenomenon where perfectly healthy-looking, massive limbs snap off on calm days, posing a deadly threat to anyone sitting beneath them. Keep your property safe and manageable by avoiding this dangerous import, opting instead for sturdy, non-combustible native evergreens that better suit residential environments.
