Tree Care Guide

Almond

Prunus dulcis · Trees

A deciduous fruit tree covered in pink-white flowers in February-March that is tolerant of dry and chalky soils. Because it flowers early, it should not be planted in places exposed to late frosts.

Almond-Leaved Pear

Pyrus amygdaliformis · Trees

A thorny, extremely hardy wild pear species that is part of Turkey's natural vegetation. It is very tolerant of drought, heat and chalky soils. Its white flowers in spring are beautiful, and because of its hardiness it is used as a rootstock for pear varieties.

American Sweetgum

Liquidambar styraciflua · Trees

A large tree known for its magnificent autumn color. Because it is a wetland plant, it needs generous, regular watering in summer; in Izmir's chalky (alkaline) soils it is prone to leaf yellowing (chlorosis) caused by iron deficiency.

American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis · Trees

A shade tree that can reach giant sizes, grows fast and is known for its peeling bark that reveals a cream-white color. It loves deep and moist soils, but because it is very susceptible to anthracnose, its use in landscaping is less preferred than the London plane.

Apricot

Prunus armeniaca · Trees

A deciduous fruit tree that flowers in early spring and loves dry, hot summers. Its flowers can be damaged by late frosts; it should not be planted in cold hollows.

Arizona Cypress

Cupressus arizonica · Trees

An extremely tolerant tree for hot, dry climates and chalky soils, and an excellent choice for Manisa's climate. It needs full sun and good drainage, and is used as a windbreak, hedge and specimen tree.

Avocado

Persea americana · Trees

An evergreen, fast-growing tropical fruit tree. It is very sensitive to root rot; it needs soil that does not hold water and a frost-free spot sheltered from wind.

Banana

Musa spp. · Trees

Not a tree, but a giant herbaceous plant. It needs plenty of water and warmth; wind tears its leaves. It can stay outdoors only in coastal regions with mild winters.

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia · Trees

A fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree extremely well adapted to poor and dry soils. It tends to spread quickly by root suckers and produces fragrant flowers valuable to honey bees.

Black Mulberry

Morus nigra · Trees

A long-lived deciduous tree grown for its delicious, large, dark fruit. It likes full sun and deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Because the fruit stains, it should be planted away from walkways.

Black Poplar

Populus nigra · Trees

A very fast-growing deciduous tree native to Europe and Turkey, growing along riverbanks. It likes moist and wet soils. The 'Italica' cultivar (Lombardy poplar) is known for its vertical structure, but like the species in general it has weak branches and aggressive roots that can damage infrastructure.

Black Walnut

Juglans nigra · Trees

A large tree that is toxic (allelopathic) to many plant species because of a chemical called juglone released from its roots, leaves and fruits. Therefore it should not be planted near sensitive plants such as tomatoes, apples and azaleas; it likes deep, moist and well-drained soils.

Bornmüller's Fir

Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmuelleriana · Trees

A tall, evergreen forest tree characteristic of Uludağ. It is generally used as a specimen in parks and gardens. It prefers cool, high-altitude climates, well-drained, slightly acidic/neutral soil and sunny to partially shaded sites.

Cappadocian Maple

Acer cappadocicum · Trees

A medium-sized tree native to Turkey (Cappadocia) and the Caucasus with hand-shaped, 5-7-lobed leaves. It is generally noted for its bright yellow autumn color; it likes moist, well-drained soil and is a shade-giving species suitable for parks and large gardens.

Caucasian Wingnut

Pterocarya fraxinifolia · Trees

A deciduous tree native to the Caucasus and northern Turkey that reaches very large sizes with its tropical-looking leaves. It loves constantly moist and wet soils such as riverbanks. It needs a lot of space and has an aggressive root system that produces abundant suckers and can damage infrastructure.

Caucasian Zelkova

Zelkova carpinifolia · Trees

A large and long-lived shade tree known for its resistance to Dutch elm disease and its elegant vase-shaped structure. Although drought tolerant, it prefers moist soils and grows better with summer irrigation in Izmir.

Cedar of Lebanon

Cedrus libani · Trees

A majestic, long-lived tree native to Turkey's Taurus Mountains. It likes full sun, good drainage and chalky soil; once established it is extremely tolerant of heat and drought and needs almost no care.

Celtis caucasica

Celtis caucasica · Trees

A deciduous tree that is also native to Turkey and is extremely tolerant of drought, heat and chalky soils. It usually stays smaller than the European Nettle Tree and once established needs almost no care.

Cherry Plum

Prunus cerasifera · Trees

A deciduous tree known for its abundant white/pink flowers that open before the leaves in spring. In Turkey its fruit is popularly eaten green ('can eriği'). Ornamental purple-leaved varieties are also common; it likes full sun and well-drained soil.

China Fir

Cunninghamia lanceolata · Trees

A tree with a distinctive appearance that likes moist, acidic, well-drained soil. It is difficult to grow in climates with hot, dry, chalky soils such as Manisa, and needs regular watering and protection from summer sun.

Cilician Fir

Abies cilicica · Trees

An evergreen, pyramidal, slow-growing forest tree. It likes sunny or partially shaded, cool and moist places and well-drained soils. It is generally used singly (as a specimen) in the landscape, and its fallen needles make the soil acidic.

Common Pear

Pyrus communis · Trees

A deciduous tree of high economic value, grown for its delicious fruit. For abundant, good-quality fruit it needs full sun and deep, fertile soil. It is very susceptible to fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) and usually needs to be cross-pollinated by another compatible pear variety to set fruit.

Corkscrew Willow

Salix matsudana · Trees

A fast-growing ornamental tree grown for its twisted branches ('Tortuosa' variety). It likes moist soils, and although somewhat more drought tolerant than other willows, it needs regular and generous irrigation in Izmir's hot summers.

Crack Willow

Salix fragilis · Trees

A very fast-growing tree that grows naturally along waterways and likes constantly moist soil. Because its branches break very easily (hence the name 'brittle'), it can be hazardous in gardens and requires constant cleanup; it is not drought tolerant.

Downy Birch

Betula pubescens · Trees

A birch species of European origin that likes cool, moist and even wet soil. It is very difficult for it to adapt to Izmir's hot, dry climate; to survive it needs an almost constantly moist soil environment and heavy watering throughout the summer.

Downy Oak

Quercus pubescens · Trees

A full-sun-loving oak species extremely tolerant of drought and calcareous soils. Ideal for the afforestation and landscaping of difficult, dry and sunny areas.

Dwarf Apple

Malus pumila · Trees

A tree grown for its fruit that needs full sun. It likes deep, fertile, well-drained loamy soil; dwarf varieties are ideal for small gardens and even containers.

English Oak

Quercus robur · Trees

A large park and forest tree native to cool-temperate climates that loves deep, fertile and moist soils. In hot, dry Mediterranean climates such as Izmir it is difficult to grow without regular, deep irrigation.

English Walnut

Juglans regia · Trees

A valuable tree grown for its nuts. Although less so than Black Walnut, it can harm some plants through the 'juglone' compound released from its roots (allelopathy). A productive harvest requires deep, well-drained soil and regular care.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus · Trees

Generally very fast-growing, drought-tolerant, evergreen trees of Australian origin. They love full sun and well-drained soil; they need irrigation when young but require very little care once mature.

Euphrates Poplar

Populus euphratica · Trees

An extremely hardy tree native to the Euphrates River basin, adapted to desert and dry climates. It has very high tolerance of saline and alkaline soils; once its roots reach the groundwater table, it shows full drought tolerance. It is ecologically very important for erosion control and the reclamation of barren land.

European Ash

Fraxinus excelsior · Trees

A large deciduous tree of cool, humid climates. It is not suitable for Manisa's hot, dry summers and needs generous watering. It is also very susceptible to ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus), which has been devastating across Europe and in Turkey, so planting it is not recommended.

European Beech

Fagus sylvatica · Trees

A large tree native to cool, humid, rainy European forests. Growing it in Manisa's Mediterranean climate with hot, dry, long summers is absolutely impossible and should not be attempted.

European Hackberry

Celtis australis · Trees

A long-lived deciduous shade tree native to the Mediterranean region. It is extremely tolerant of heat, drought and calcareous soils; once established, it is a sturdy city tree that needs almost no maintenance.

European Hornbeam

Carpinus betulus · Trees

A deciduous tree of cool, humid climates; it is used in landscapes especially because it is very suitable for shaping by pruning (hedges, walls, etc.). To stay healthy in Izmir's hot, dry summers it should be protected from afternoon sun and watered deeply on a regular basis.

European Plum

Prunus domestica · Trees

One of the most common plum species, grown for fresh eating or for drying (prunes). For abundant, good-quality fruit it needs full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It requires regular care and spraying against fungal diseases such as brown rot (mummy disease) and fruit moths.

European White Elm

Ulmus laevis · Trees

A large tree that can tolerate wet and compacted soils. Compared with other European elms it is fairly resistant to Dutch elm disease (DED), but it is not immune. In hot climates such as Izmir it needs regular summer irrigation.

Field Elm

Ulmus minor · Trees

One of the native trees of Europe and Turkey. WARNING: This species is EXTREMELY SUSCEPTIBLE to Dutch elm disease; its population has been largely wiped out by this deadly disease, and its use in landscaping is not recommended.

Field Maple

Acer campestre · Trees

An extremely hardy and adaptable tree native to Europe and Turkey. Its five-lobed leaves turn yellow in autumn; it tolerates all soil types and urban conditions, which is why it is widely used in parks, hedges and street planting.

Fig

Ficus carica · Trees

A drought-tolerant, fast-growing fruit tree. Its roots are spreading; it should not be planted near buildings and utility lines.

Gall Oak

Quercus infectoria · Trees

An oak species that is extremely tolerant of drought and loves sunny, calcareous soils. The galls that form on it are rich in tannin and have traditionally been used for making ink and for dyeing.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba · Trees

An extremely hardy deciduous tree regarded as a living fossil. It prefers full sun and well-drained soils; male trees, which do not drop fruit, are generally used in landscaping because the fruits of female trees smell bad.

Globe Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia 'Umbraculifera' · Trees

A grafted acacia form with a round, umbrella-shaped crown used as a street and park tree. It does not flower and is tolerant of drought and polluted air.

Goat Willow

Salix caprea · Trees

A native willow species known for its showy catkins (pussy willows) that open in early spring, which loves moist but well-drained soils. Unlike other willows, it is more drought tolerant, and the best time to prune is right after flowering is over.

Grapefruit

Citrus paradisi · Trees

An evergreen citrus tree with large, juicy, slightly bitter fruits. It loves heat and is more sensitive to frost than the orange; it grows outdoors only in the frost-free coastal belt.

Gray Alder

Alnus incana · Trees

WARNING: This tree is native to cool, humid climates; it is NOT suitable for Izmir's hot, dry summers and its survival is very difficult. It fixes nitrogen with its roots and likes stream banks. Planting it is not recommended; Alnus cordata (Italian Alder) is a more suitable alternative.

Gray Poplar

Populus x canescens · Trees

A very fast-growing deciduous tree that is a natural hybrid of white poplar and aspen. It likes moist soils and is used as a windbreak. Like its parents, it has an aggressive root system that produces abundant suckers and can damage infrastructure.

Hackberry

Celtis occidentalis · Trees

A deciduous tree of North American origin, very tolerant of drought, heat and calcareous soils. Its adaptation to difficult urban conditions is excellent; although not as much as native hackberry species, it is drought tolerant and benefits from summer watering.

Horse Chestnut

Aesculus hippocastanum · Trees

A large, majestic park tree that provides shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and sunny or partially shaded areas. It is susceptible to horse chestnut leaf miner and to diseases such as canker.

Hungarian Oak

Quercus frainetto · Trees

A large shade tree suitable for large areas, loving full sun and tolerant of drought. It is used as a specimen in the landscape and its timber is valuable.

Italian Alder

Alnus cordata · Trees

A fast-growing tree that enriches the soil by fixing nitrogen from the air through the nodules on its roots. It can grow even in difficult and infertile soils and is used for roadside planting and as a windbreak.

Italian Cypress

Cupressus sempervirens · Trees

One of the emblematic trees of the Mediterranean climate; extremely tolerant of heat, drought and calcareous soils. It needs full sun and excellent drainage, and is used in the landscape as a vertical element, windbreak and boundary tree.

Jacaranda

Jacaranda mimosifolia · Trees

A subtropical tree known for its magnificent lavender-blue flowers that open in late spring. It is sensitive to frost when young and should be protected; it needs pruning at an early age to build a strong main trunk.

Japanese Cedar

Cryptomeria japonica · Trees

It likes humid, cool climates and acidic, well-drained soil. It is difficult to grow in regions with hot, dry summers such as Manisa, and needs regular watering and protection from midday sun.

Japanese Flowering Cherry

Prunus serrulata · Trees

A non-fruiting ornamental tree covered in a cloud of pink flowers in April. It dislikes hard pruning; it needs well-drained soil and full sun.

Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum · Trees

A slow-growing small tree famous for its graceful structure and striking leaf colors. It prefers partially shaded sites protected from the scorching afternoon sun and harsh winds, and moist, acidic, well-drained soil; it is used in gardens as an artistic focal point.

Japanese Pagoda Tree

Sophora japonica · Trees

A popular ornamental and shade tree that loves full sun and is extremely tolerant of drought, heat and urban pollution. It is decorative with its fragrant white flowers that open in late summer and interesting seed pods; it is very easy to care for.

Judas Tree

Cercis siliquastrum · Trees

A small deciduous tree whose homeland is the Mediterranean basin. It is famous for its pink-purple flowers that open directly on the branches and trunk in spring before the leaves; it is very tolerant of drought and calcareous soils.

Large-Leaved Linden

Tilia platyphyllos · Trees

This linden, known for its broad leaves, prefers cool and moist climates; it is sensitive to heat and drought. For healthy growth in Izmir's climate it needs regular, generous irrigation, especially in summer, and a spot where it is partially protected from afternoon sun.

Lemon

Citrus limon · Trees

A citrus that can carry flowers and fruit together year-round. Sensitive to frost; in cold regions, grow it in a pot and move it indoors to a sheltered place for winter.

London Plane

Platanus x acerifolia · Trees

A hybrid of the Oriental plane and the American sycamore, a large shade tree extremely tolerant of urban conditions (air pollution, compacted soil). It grows fast and has a decorative, mottled, peeling bark. It is often preferred in landscaping because it is more resistant to anthracnose than the American sycamore.

Loquat

Eriobotrya japonica · Trees

An evergreen fruit tree with large, deeply veined leaves. It flowers in autumn and its fruits ripen in spring; therefore winter frosts affect fruit set.

Mandarin

Citrus reticulata · Trees

An evergreen citrus tree with fragrant white flowers that bears fruit in winter. Suitable for the frost-free coastal belt and for pots; it must be protected in winter in cold regions.

Manna Ash

Fraxinus ornus · Trees

A deciduous tree native to the Mediterranean climate and Turkey, known for its showy, fragrant white flower clusters that open in late spring. It is tolerant of drought and calcareous soils and is a good choice for Manisa's climate.

Monterey Cypress

Cupressus macrocarpa · Trees

A fast-growing cypress adapted to the Mediterranean climate. It needs full sun and well-drained soil, but the extreme summer heat of Manisa can stress the tree and make it susceptible to cypress canker (Seiridium).

Nordmann Fir

Abies nordmanniana · Trees

An evergreen forest tree that likes shade and partial shade and prefers cool, deep soils. In parks and gardens it is used decoratively in the landscape as a specimen or in groups.

Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra · Trees

A landscape tree that prefers sunny areas and well-drained, acidic soils, grown for its showy red autumn color. It is very sensitive to calcareous (alkaline) soils and tends to develop chlorosis (yellowing).

Norway Maple

Acer platanoides · Trees

A large, fast-growing tree with big leaves resembling those of the plane tree that casts dense shade. It is extremely tolerant of urban conditions and different soil types; however, its shallow root system can prevent other plants from growing, and it is suitable for parks and large areas.

Oleaster-Leaved Pear

Pyrus elaeagrifolia · Trees

A thorny and very hardy wild pear species native to Anatolia, striking for its silvery-gray leaves. It is extremely tolerant of drought, heat and calcareous soils. It is suitable for xeric gardens in the landscape and is a valuable rootstock for pear cultivars.

Olive

Olea europaea · Trees

The emblematic tree of the Mediterranean climate. Very drought tolerant, but damaged by hard and prolonged frosts. Needs well-drained soil.

Orange

Citrus sinensis · Trees

An evergreen citrus tree known for its fragrant white flowers and fruits that ripen in winter. It is grown in the garden in the Mediterranean and Aegean coastal belt and in pots in cold regions; it needs well-drained soil.

Oriental Beech

Fagus orientalis · Trees

A large tree native to the cool, humid and rainy mountain forests of Northern Anatolia. Growing it in Manisa's Mediterranean climate with hot, dry and long summers is absolutely impossible and should not be attempted.

Oriental Plane

Platanus orientalis · Trees

A long-lived deciduous shade tree of monumental and cultural importance in Turkey. Although it likes deep, moist soil, it is quite drought tolerant. It is known for its mottled, flaking bark and broad shade; it is much more resistant to anthracnose than the American Sycamore.

Oriental Sweetgum

Liquidambar orientalis · Trees

A valuable tree endemic to Southwestern Anatolia and regarded as a 'living fossil'. Because it grows in wet and marshy areas, it is sensitive to drought and in Izmir it can live only in places that stay constantly moist, such as stream banks, or that are watered regularly and generously.

Peach

Prunus persica · Trees

An early-flowering fruit tree. The tree itself is cold hardy, but its flowers are easily damaged by late spring frosts.

Persian Silk Tree

Albizia julibrissin · Trees

An umbrella-shaped ornamental tree known for its pink, silky summer flowers and delicate, fern-like leaves. It likes full sun, heat and well-drained soil; it is drought tolerant and susceptible to Fusarium wilt.

Persimmon

Diospyros kaki · Trees

A decorative fruit tree with leaves that turn orange-red in autumn and orange fruit that stays on the branch after the leaves fall. It is quite resistant to diseases and pests.

Pistachio

Pistacia vera · Trees

A very long-lived deciduous fruit tree that likes long, hot, dry summers and cold winters. Female and male trees are needed for fruit; its roots rot in wet, heavy soil.

Pontic Oak

Quercus pontica · Trees

An ornamental tree/shrub grown for its showy foliage that likes moist, cool, acidic soil and grows in full sun or partial shade. It is sensitive to drought and chalky soils.

Princess Tree

Paulownia tomentosa · Trees

A very fast-growing, large-leaved shade tree that produces purple flowers in spring before the leaves. It needs a lot of space; it should not be planted with its roots close to structures.

Pyramidal White Poplar

Populus alba 'Pyramidalis' · Trees

A cultivar of white poplar that grows in a narrow, columnar (pyramidal) form. It is used to create a vertical effect or for screening in narrow spaces. Like white poplar, it grows very fast, likes moist soils and has an aggressive, suckering root system that can damage buildings and infrastructure.

Quaking Aspen

Populus tremula · Trees

A deciduous tree known for its leaves that tremble in the slightest breeze and its bright yellow autumn color. It spreads rapidly by root suckers. It likes cool and moist climates; it is not suitable for the hot, dry Mediterranean climate, where it becomes stressed and short-lived.

Quince

Cydonia oblonga · Trees

A deciduous fruit tree with large, fragrant yellow fruit that ripens in autumn and large pink-white flowers in April-May. It likes deep, moist soil and is easy to care for.

Red Maple

Acer rubrum · Trees

A tree famous for its dazzling red autumn colors that likes moist and acidic soils. It has low tolerance of the alkaline soils in many regions of Turkey and suffers chlorosis (leaf yellowing) in these soils; therefore it performs best in places with suitable soil conditions, such as riverbanks and pond surroundings.

Red Mulberry

Morus rubra · Trees

A fast-growing, deciduous tree of North American origin, grown for its sweet-tart dark purple fruits. It prefers full sun and moist, rich, well-drained soils, but is quite adaptable. It is also a valuable species as a shade tree.

Rowan

Sorbus aucuparia · Trees

A tree native to the cool, humid and mountainous regions of Europe, grown for its fine fruits. Izmir's hot, dry and calcareous conditions are fatal for this tree; it can be attempted only by experts, in a sheltered, partially shaded spot, in acidic soil and with constant, generous irrigation.

Russian Olive

Elaeagnus angustifolia · Trees

A tree with silvery leaves, extremely tolerant of drought, heat and poor soils. It fixes nitrogen and is used in the landscape as a windbreak or specimen; it can be aggressive in some regions.

Salix acmophylla

Salix acmophylla · Trees

A fast-growing native willow species that is more tolerant of hot and dry climates than other willows. Although it likes water edges, it is quite drought tolerant, yet it should still be watered occasionally in summer for best growth.

Salix excelsa

Salix excelsa · Trees

A large, very fast-growing tree that grows naturally along waterways and likes constantly moist to wet soil. It is not drought tolerant at all, and because its water-seeking roots can damage infrastructure, it should be planted away from buildings.

Service Tree

Sorbus domestica · Trees

A slow-growing native fruit tree that loves full sun and is extremely tolerant of drought, heat and chalky soils. Its fruit can be eaten after it has softened (bletted); it is very easy to care for and is used in landscapes as a hardy shade tree.

Sessile Oak

Quercus petraea · Trees

A large forest and park tree used in forestry for its valuable timber, which likes full sun or partial shade and well-drained, fertile soils. It is used in the landscape as a majestic shade tree.

Siberian Elm

Ulmus pumila · Trees

A very fast-growing tree that is extremely tolerant of harsh conditions such as heat, cold, drought and poor soil. CAUTION: Because of its weak, brittle branch structure and its uncontrolled spread by dropping abundant seed, it is considered an invasive and problematic tree in many regions.

Silver Birch

Betula pendula · Trees

A deciduous tree known for its white trunk that likes cool, humid climates. In hot, dry climates like Izmir it becomes stressed, and regular deep watering is critical for its survival.

Silver Fir

Abies alba · Trees

An evergreen, pyramidal, slow-growing tree. It prefers cool and moist climates, well-drained acidic or neutral soils and sunny to partially shaded areas. It is used as a specimen or in groups in parks and gardens.

Silver Linden

Tilia tomentosa (syn. Tilia argentea) · Trees

A large shade tree known for the silvery-white undersides of its leaves, which look beautiful in the wind. It is more tolerant of heat and drought than other linden species. Its fragrant flowers that open in summer are very attractive to bees.

Silver Maple

Acer saccharinum · Trees

A very fast-growing large tree with silvery-white leaf undersides. It likes moist to wet soil, but because of its weak, brittle branch structure and aggressive surface roots it is easily damaged in storms; it is therefore not recommended for residential areas and narrow gardens.

Small-Leaved Linden

Tilia cordata · Trees

It prefers cool, humid climates; it is less tolerant of heat and drought than Silver Linden. For healthy growth in Izmir's climate, it needs regular, generous watering, especially in summer, and a spot where it is partly protected from afternoon sun.

Sour Cherry

Prunus cerasus · Trees

A deciduous fruit tree with white flowers in April and sour fruit in summer. It is hardier to cold than the cherry and needs less care.

Southern Catalpa

Catalpa bignonioides · Trees

A deciduous tree with large, heart-shaped leaves, showy white flower clusters and long, cigar-like seed pods. It is tolerant of heat and drought and adapts easily to different soil types; it is used as a shade tree, but it can make a mess around it by dropping flowers and leaves.

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora · Trees

A magnificent evergreen tree with large, glossy leaves and big, fragrant white flowers. It prefers sunny or partially shaded areas and well-drained, rich, slightly acidic soils. It is sensitive to calcareous soils.

Spanish Fir

Abies pinsapo · Trees

An evergreen, pyramidal tree that can grow 20-25 m tall. It likes the cool Mediterranean climate, sunny or partially shaded places and deep, moist soils; it is not frost hardy. It is used decoratively in parks and gardens.

Sugar Maple

Acer saccharum · Trees

A large tree that is a symbol of Canada, known for its magnificent autumn colors and for maple syrup production. It likes cool and humid climates and deep, fertile, well-drained soils; it is not a suitable species for Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and alkaline soils, and can be attempted mostly in the cool, high-altitude areas of the Black Sea region.

Sweet Cherry

Prunus avium · Trees

A cold-hardy fruit tree. Most varieties need a different variety (pollinator) nearby to set fruit.

Sweet Chestnut

Castanea sativa · Trees

A large deciduous tree grown for its edible fruit. It absolutely needs acidic (lime-free) and well-drained soil; it has difficulty adapting to Izmir's chalky soils and dry summers. Chestnut blight and gall wasp are its most important diseases and pests.

Sycamore Maple

Acer pseudoplatanus · Trees

A large, fast-growing tree that is very tolerant of wind, air pollution and salt spray. It is suitable for large areas, parks and especially coastal regions; however, it self-seeds heavily and is susceptible to aphids that drop sticky honeydew.

Syrian Pear

Pyrus syriaca · Trees

Likes sunny areas and well-drained, calcareous, poor soils. Its fruits are eaten fresh or processed, and it is also used as a rootstock for pear.

Trautvetter's Maple

Acer trautvetteri · Trees

Generally used in the landscape as a specimen or accent tree. It likes full sun or partial shade and well-drained, humus-rich and moist soils. Its trunk bark stands out for its resemblance to that of the beech tree.

Tree of Heaven

Ailanthus altissima · Trees

WARNING: This species is considered invasive in Turkey. It spreads very aggressively by root suckers and seeds, destroys native vegetation and damages infrastructure. Planting it is not recommended; existing trees should be kept under control or removed.

Tulip Tree

Liriodendron tulipifera · Trees

A tree with tulip-like flowers and bright yellow autumn color that can reach very large sizes. Because it loves wet sites, it needs generous, regular watering in summer; in Izmir's chalky soils it may show yellowing (chlorosis) caused by iron deficiency.

Wattle

Acacia spp. · Trees

A fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree or small tree generally known for its yellow and fragrant flowers. It needs full sun and well-drained soils; it is used as a windbreak, for erosion control and to provide quick fill in the landscape.

Weeping Willow

Salix babylonica · Trees

An iconic weeping tree ideal for waterside sites that likes moist to wet soil. It is absolutely not drought tolerant, consumes a lot of water, and because its aggressive roots can seriously damage pipes and foundations, it should be planted far away from buildings.

White Mulberry

Morus alba · Trees

A fast-growing, hardy, deciduous tree. It is grown for its sweet white fruits, and its leaves have traditionally been used as silkworm feed. It loves full sun and adapts to most soil types, including poor soils.

White Poplar

Populus alba · Trees

A very fast-growing deciduous tree whose silvery-white leaf undersides shimmer in the wind. It likes moist to wet soil. Because of its aggressive root system and abundant suckers, it should be planted away from buildings, pipes and roads; it is generally used as a windbreak in rural areas.

White Willow

Salix alba · Trees

A very fast-growing native tree that grows naturally along waterways and likes moist to wet soil. It is not drought tolerant at all, and because its water-seeking roots can damage infrastructure, it should be planted away from buildings.

Wild Service Tree

Sorbus torminalis · Trees

A native tree that loves sunny or partially shaded areas and well-drained soils, extremely tolerant of drought and heat. Its maple-like leaves take on magnificent colors in autumn, and its fruits are edible once ripe.

Willow

Salix spp. · Trees

A very fast-growing tree/shrub that likes moist to wet soil and full sun. It is ideal for waterside sites but is not drought tolerant, and its water-seeking roots can damage pipes.

Wych Elm

Ulmus glabra · Trees

A tree of cool, humid regions; in hot climates like Izmir it needs regular summer watering. CAUTION: All elm species are extremely susceptible to a deadly fungal disease called Dutch elm disease.