Quercus agrifolia is a beautiful evergreen tree that typically has a multi-branched trunk that can reach a mature height of 25-82′ tall. They can attain an age of +250 years, with trunk diameters up to 9-13′. Its form is highly variable, and younger trees are often shrubby. The crown is broadly rounded and dense with dark green, oval, leaves with a spiny-toothed margin. It is one of the only California native oaks that thrive in coastal environments and is somewhat tolerant of aerosol-borne sea salt. Coast Live Oaks are fairly easy to grow and prefer to have their roots shaded in soil that is not fast draining. After the first year of planting and at a height of +/-10′, it’s best to avoid direct summer watering. It’s also a good idea to surround young specimens with mulch, rocks, or smaller native plants that will provide shade to the roots. These trees can get quite large over time, consider a location that provides plenty of room for growth and spread.