Palm trees offer far less shade, Baraloto said, and their smaller root system means they soak up less of the floodwaters already threatening to overwhelm Miami Beach streets and homes.

Palms bring California coast sense to Fresno but fall short environmentally in San Joaquin Valley, where drought-tolerant shade trees do more with less water.

The City of Escondido lists every palm tree found in Southern California gardens on its list of fire-resistant species, although they are accompanied by a warning to be planted between 10 and 30 ...

"It gives you privacy, shade and a tropical feel," Dana, 52, ... Island Wide Palm Trees has a lot at the rear of 18 Park Ave., Blue Point, 631-714-7256, islandwidepalmtrees.com.