I realize that despite my earlier warning, these trees are popular even among those of us who cultivate small urban gardens. More information about recycling living Christmas trees can be obtained by telephoning Our City Forest at 408.998.7337.

Living Christmas trees that were planted in the garden when they were cute little trees but then became too large for their home may now need to be removed. My friends who had eight Italian stone pines at their home removed the smallest, but the others necessitated expensive removal procedures. Their home is not within town limits, so permits for removal of the trees were not required. Otherwise, removal could have been even more expensive and complicated.

Almost every city and town within the San Francisco Bay Area has established tree-preservation ordinances. Some communities only protect specific trees, with few other restrictions. However, all cities and towns in the Santa Clara Valley have developed heritage-tree-preservation ordinances that some people consider too restrictive.

For example, some of the Italian stone pines at my friends' home would have been protected if they had been in town. These trees were all healthy and exhibited adequate structural integrity, so obtaining permits for removal might have been difficult, regardless of their aggressive root systems that had already displaced pavement and were expected to continue to displace other structures. Of course, removal becomes more expensive as it is delayed, and the trees continue to grow.

Every town has specific ordinances, so it is best to become familiar with local ordinances before removing a tree. If a removal permit is necessary, an application must be completed and may require a report from an arborist certified with the International Society of Arboriculture. Many towns also impose a processing fee to issue a permit. These procedures may seem complicated and expensive, but fines imposed for unlawful removal or damage of a protected tree are much more expensive.

Flower of the Week: Sasanqua camellia

Its Latin name is easy to remember, because it is the same as the common name, but italicized and with the last name first. Sasanqua camellia, Camellia sasanqua, blooms reliably in autumn and early winter. The flowers are not as substantial as those of other camellias, but are very profuse and may continue to bloom for a month or more as fresh flowers replace older ones.

The several cultivars commonly available (including "Yuletide") are merely a few of the countless cultivars that have been developed since camellias became popular in gardens of Asia several centuries ago. Floral structure (shape of the flowers) is remarkably variable among the cultivars. Most, but not all, exhibit prominent bright yellow stamens in the centers of the flowers. Floral color ranges anywhere between white and red, including rosy red and rosy pink. The glossy, dark green leaves are approximately two inches long, but are also somewhat variable among the cultivars, as is branch structure. Some are rigid and shrubby, but others are very limber and sprawl if not supported.

New foliar growth may be sensitive to severe frost, but emerges after bloom anyway. Any necessary pruning should therefore be performed immediately after bloom, prior to emergence of new foliar growth. Foliar color appears healthier in partial shade, but full sun exposure is tolerable unless enhanced by reflective glare. Like rhododendrons, camellias prefer slightly acidic soil and water and may be damaged by excessive salts. Camellia petal blight often rots flowers during bloom, so fallen flowers that likely contain the pathogen should be removed regularly.

Horticulturist Tony Tomeo can be contacted at 408-358-2574 or at LGHORTICULTURE@aol.com.