Sprout’s Big Backyard Tree Hunt: Finding the Best Trees for Lancaster

By: Tom Baal

In the wide, sunshiny backyard of Sprout’s house in Lancaster, CA, the ground was dry, the sky was blue, and Sprout had a mission. Not just any mission – a tree hunt.

Wearing his explorer vest and trusty blue cap, Sprout peered out across the yard with his favorite twig-pencil tucked behind his ear. “Scout,” he called to his shaggy dog sidekick. “Today’s the day we find the perfect trees for our backyard. Ones that can handle hot days, dry soil, and maybe even give a little shade.”

Scout barked twice in agreement. He loved shade.

Sprout’s notebook was already half full of tree sketches, leaf rubbings, and bark patterns from his nature walks. But this time, the search was personal. He needed to choose trees that could grow happily right here in Lancaster’s high desert weather. No tropical trees that needed constant rain. No mountain trees that liked the cold. Just the right trees, for the right place.

“Let the Backyard Tree Hunt begin,” Sprout shouted, and off they went.

Their first stop was the Desert Willow tree.

Sprout crouched next to a tall, twisty little tree with skinny leaves and purple-pink flowers that danced in the breeze. “Now here’s a tree with style,” he whispered, sketching the petals.

Scout sniffed at the trunk, tail wagging.

Sprout remembered reading that desert willows were native to places just like Lancaster. “They’re not real willows,” he said, tapping his pencil on the bark. “But they’re super good at living in dry, sunny spots. And those blossoms? They’re like butterfly magnets.”

He circled the Desert Willow in his notebook. Candidate one: The Butterfly Tree.

Next, Sprout spotted a Western Redbud down the street, glowing with pink blossoms like someone spilled paint on it.

“It’s like a valentine in tree form,” Sprout said. “And look how happy it is even in this heat.”

Scout rolled in the shade underneath, then yipped as a bee buzzed by.

Sprout laughed. “That’s a good sign. Bees love redbuds. And redbuds love California. They’re small but mighty, just right for smaller yards or for kids who want a tree friend they can reach.”

He wrote: Candidate two: The Heart Tree. Cute and helpful.

Further along the block, Sprout discovered a Palo Verde, its green trunk practically glowing.

“Whoa,” he said, running a finger along the bark. “This one makes its own food with its bark. That’s superhero-level stuff.”

He learned that Palo Verdes drop their tiny leaves during the hottest months to save water, and that their yellow flowers turned sidewalks gold in spring.

Scout sneezed in a pile of fallen petals.

Sprout giggled. “Bless you, bud. We’ll call this one The Super Survivor Tree.”

Back at home, Sprout climbed into his thinking spot, an old hammock slung between two wooden posts, and pulled out his tree chart. “So many good choices,” he muttered. “But I need trees that are tough, beautiful, helpful, and fun.”

Just then, Mom came outside carrying a cold lemonade and pointed at the empty patch near the fence. “You know,” she said, “some neighbors down the road planted a Chinese Pistache. It grows fast and gives great fall color.”

Sprout’s eyes lit up. “Color-changing leaves in Lancaster? That’s like backyard magic.”

He added it to the list. Candidate four: The Autumn Surprise Tree.

Later, Sprout and Scout visited Grandma Rose’s garden. She pointed proudly to her Desert Museum Palo Verde, which had grown tall and shady despite barely being watered.

“This one’s my favorite,” she said, brushing a leaf. “Strong, graceful, and full of hummingbirds in the spring.”

Sprout nodded slowly. “That checks every box, Grandma.”

Scout wagged his tail, as if to say, “Me too.”

Back in the yard, Sprout paced the dirt like a general making a tree plan. “So here’s what we’ve got,” he said, flipping his notebook open to a new page.

The Butterfly Tree, Desert Willow
The Heart Tree, Redbud
The Super Survivor, Palo Verde
The Autumn Surprise, Chinese Pistache
Grandma’s Pick, Desert Museum Palo Verde

Sprout drew a little map of his yard. “We can plant the Desert Willow near the fence to get some shade for Scout’s nap zone. The Redbud near the garden for spring flowers. The Chinese Pistache can be the centerpiece, and the Palo Verde, that can be my reading tree.”

He looked up at the empty space, now full of possibility.

That weekend, Sprout invited his friends over for a Backyard Tree Hunt Celebration. They all wore explorer hats and helped mark spots with flags. They even made up a cheer.

Roots down, branches high, grow strong under Lancaster sky.

Scout supervised, naturally.

The kids talked about which trees would be best for climbing, which had the prettiest flowers, and which might be the best for tying a hammock. They voted, drew signs, and even made little leaf necklaces from the trees they found.

By sunset, the whole yard was full of plans and laughter and hope. The kind of hope only young trees and big dreams can bring.

That night, Sprout lay in bed under the stars, notebook on his chest, Scout snoozing beside him.

“Trees don’t just grow,” he whispered. “They teach us how to wait, how to care, and how to plant something today for tomorrow.”

And with that, he added one final sketch, a tiny sapling with a label underneath.

Tree of Tomorrow.

Because in Lancaster, even the driest yard can grow something amazing with just the right tree and a little love.

Sprout Needs Your Help: Keep Our Tree Spaces Clean

Hi friends, Sprout here. Remember my big backyard tree hunt in Lancaster? I found the perfect trees for our dry desert home. Trees that give shade, color, and even food for butterflies and bees.

But during all my exploring with Scout, we also saw something not so great. Litter.

That’s where you come in.

Whether you’re in your backyard, at a park, or on a neighborhood walk, you can be a nature hero by picking up trash that doesn’t belong. Just like Scout and I did during our tree adventure, you can help trees grow strong by keeping their space clean and safe.

Grab a grown-up, put on some gloves or use a stick if you like, and safely collect any wrappers, bottles, or other bits that might be lying around. Then toss them into the trash or recycling.

Every small piece of trash you pick up helps protect tree roots, animals, and the land we all love to explore.

So next time you go outside, take a moment to help out. Look around your favorite tree or play spot. What can you do to keep it healthy and happy?

Because every big tree needs a little helper. And today, that helper could be you.

Thanks for joining me on this important mission, young explorer. Let’s keep our trees, parks, and neighborhoods clean and green, one good deed at a time.

Remember: Every big tree starts with a little helper.

Did You Know?

Tip Top Arborists

Since 1976, Tip Top Arborists has been Southern California’s trusted partner in professional tree care. Based in Lancaster, CA, and surrounding areas—delivering expert tree trimming, removal, and maintenance services with safety, science, and integrity at the core.

We’re not your average “guys with chainsaws.” We’re ISA Certified Arborists with deep industry knowledge, modern equipment, and a commitment to customer care that’s been passed down for nearly five decades. From storm damage cleanup to long-term tree health management, our team helps property owners protect their investment—and enhance their curb appeal—year-round.

Experienced

We have been in the industry for over 45 years. Choosing us means choosing proven experience and expertise.

Insured

Your safety is our highest priority. We are bonded and insured to protect you, your property, and our team.

Licensed

Our contractor’s license #821770 is current and active with the CSLB. Hiring us means hiring licensed tree experts.

Recycling

We are as committed to the environment as we are to our clients. We recycle 100% of all wood and green waste.

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