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The EARLY HISTORY—
Main Street Trees is located in a nice neighborhood north of downtown Napa. The natural looking green open space is appreciated by those passing by or living in the surrounding homes.
The tree farm currently occupies several acres that were once a family orchard. Although prune plums were grown mostly, the family had a nice orchard of various fruits like fig, apple, peach, pomegranate, and persimmon. Locals remember the plum trees that covered most of this parcel and much of the land just to the north, and which gave an income to teens in the 50’s and 60’s. We are always adding more great fruit, nuts and berries to our catalog. We are growing to supply folks with regionally native trees such as oaks, useful plants such as bamboos, and also food-forest plants such as our 100-plus types of fruit trees, nuts, and berries.
The main field is planted in the pattern of an ancient labyrinth, whose gently curving aisles can be seen in this aerial view. Friends and visitors enjoy seasonal opportunities to spend some time visiting with nature in the relaxing paths, walking the labyrinth.
You can see butterflies, dragonflies, quail and our free-range chickens hanging out in the shade of our fruit trees, vines, and bamboo—all set in this young oak woodland. Sometimes a red-shouldered hawk can be seen around our six-foot-diameter trunk redwood. “Yes, right here in town.”
SUSTAINING OPEN SPACE—
Our goal from the beginning was to remain on this land and build a plant-related business here. We settled on propagating and growing regionally native trees, to supply to property owners who understand the wisdom of using natives, in planting on our region’s hills, valleys and waterways. We started with oaks and then added other shade trees that are good area-appropriate non-native trees, and bamboo. We are now also propagating and growing great fruit and nut trees, berries and other useful plants. We strive to provide as wide a variety as possible.
ECO-EDUCATION—
Periodically the farm sponsors workshops to teach basics in beekeeping, gardening and orcharding—using materials that are as non-toxic as possible. Grafting, pruning, fruit tastings, and top-bar-hive-style beekeeping are some examples of yearly demonstrations.
The farm has entrances on both Beard Road and on Main Street near Pueblo Ave. Use the Beard Road entrance with an appointment to look at our nursery stock, or when joining us for an educational workshop to learn grafting or pruning. Use the Main Street Gate to pick up your choices if bringing a large truck. From Beard Road you can see our three Significant Trees—a stately Redwood, a huge Pecan, and a beautiful mature Valley Oak.
We are very careful about maintaining the health of the soil here, never using any harsh chemical pesticides, herbicides or unnatural additives. This is why all of our trees are so robust and healthy. And our use of the unique fabric grow-bags promotes such healthy root systems—the trees transplant easily to your yard or land.
MOTHER LOBATA— This beautiful giant Valley Oak dominates a corner of the property and is a source of acorns for our Quercus lobata propagation. These oaks thrive on the valley floor and support more species of birds than any other native tree in the region.
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NURSERY— We are located on the site of a very old prune orchard and a residential neighborhood has grown up around the property. We grow a variety of oaks and other trees that are native to the region, and some interesting non-native species that are area-appropriate, and many fruit trees and vines.
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OUR FIELD AT THE BEGINNING— Nine years ago the field looked like this. This had been the very old growing ground of the original orchard. This photo tour will show how fast the oaks grow! Many are surprised at this and are glad to learn that they can expect such good results, on their land and gardens.
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LANE of ROBUST MATURING OAKS— Here is a lane of handsome maturing oaks on the tree farm. These are in large grow-bags nestled in berms.
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LATH HOUSE— Acorns from selected trees are winter cooled, then sprouted and grown in the Lath House.
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TREE PATH— Seedlings are root-pruned and potted up in several stages to encourage a fibrous root system for better transplant performance.
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TORI GATE— The gate to the main growing field and the labyrinth is a local version of the Japanese Tori gate.
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MAIN Growing Ground— Saplings are placed into the ground in our fabric containers, to put on strong growth.
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NATIVE CALIFORNIA SYCAMORES— These trees will thrive in riparian conditions, creating a beautiful canopy for wildlife.
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CURLY WILLOW HEDGE— Salix tortuosa (Corkscrew Willows) make an intriguing hedge and grow vigorously.
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WILLOW WALL— The branches and twigs of the Curly Willow make wonderful ornamental material. Here they adorn a wall of the Lath House.
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GREAT VALLEY OAK— Heritage trees are the source of our acorns for propagation. This giant valley oak, located on our farm, is the last of many sisters that once graced our neighborhood.
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Peach Trees
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Citrus Hedge
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Peaches on Bough
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Mission Figs
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Pear Tree
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Citrus Trees
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Valley Oaks — Young Pear Trees
Our healthy soil practices and unique grow-bags provide the excellent conditions for thriving trees.
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Raspberries
A berry vine grows in a sun-dappled glade at the tree farm.
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Bananas
The tropical look of beautiful banana plants.
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Mr. Big
There’s so much to be curious about at the farm!
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Timber Bamboo
Leafy and cool oasis—our fine stand of mammoth Timber Bamboo.
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HARVEST
Here a nice oak is readied for easy transplanting to a yard or property.
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LABYRINTH
The main field is planted in the pattern of an ancient labyrinth whose gently curving aisles can be seen in this aerial view.
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