Description

Marina Strawberry Tree (Arbutus marina) is a small-to-medium evergreen tree that is one of the most popular specimen trees for Southern California gardens. It matures at 40’ tall and 30’ wide and is easily kept in the 15’ range with regular pruning. It has a deep red bark and deep green foliage that resembles a Manzanita. This tree is appropriate in almost any garden setting with almost any soil or moisture level. When it is young, it grows quickly, so it benefits greatly from some selective pruning. The natural growth habit is more shrub-like, especially in the multi-trunk form, so removing some of the lower new branches and exposing the trunk will improve the look and shape. Once the tree canopy is out of reach, a licensed arborist should maintain the tree to keep its natural shape. This tree should be planted at least three feet away from any hardscape areas, eight feet from structures such as houses and buildings, and not near any powerlines. Shrubs and perennials should be planted about two feet away from this tree. It should be irrigated for about 45 minutes once a week when using most in-line drip irrigation systems. This tree is a hybrid of the Arbutus unedo. They share several traits, but the Arbutus ‘Marina’ grows faster and can reach a larger size at maturity. It also has a more reddish tone to its bark color.