Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Yes, prepare to compromise. See, here's the problem -  Nature doesn't take custom orders. The root systems of trees have evolved over millions of years.There are a number of trees that at least begin with a taproot, especially in the conifer family. However, transplanting those trees, even when they are very young, is problematic. Damage or breakage to the taproot can result in failure to survive.

Many people look for a tree with a taproot, like a carrot has. They think that it will grow straight down and the roots won't get into their lawns, foundations or swimming pools. Taproot trees develop outlying roots to get more water and nutrition from the soil, but also to stabilize the tree in an upright position. Those outlying roots are usually at least as wide as the tree is tall. You want a 20' tall tree? Plan on roots extending out at least 20 ft. in all directions.

Next, roots aside, what are you going to do when the house needs paint? The painters are going to ask you to prune back any tree close to the wall. You can prune the tree as the painters ask or you can have paint all over your tree.

To address your other requests: There are lots of shrubs and trees that produce berries that the birds love, score one. Those berry-bearing plants are going to be very messy and you will have junior trees popping up all over everywhere. The birds will eat the berries, they will pass through the birds' digestive system, and be redeposited, ready to grow. Score minus one.

Bottom line: you need to rethink how you want to landscape that wall. There are tall native grasses and perennials that have fibrous roots and won't interfere with your foundation. There are plants that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies, but won't be very tall. We suggest you go to our Native Plant Database and, using Combination Search, indicate California, and then select tree, shrub, herbaceous blooming plant, etc. under Habit. Follow the italicized names to our webpage on each plant to learn more about it. Among other things, you will find out how big around and/or tall that plant is going to be. Considering what its mature size is going to be, get it far enough away from the wall so the wall doesn't constrict the plant. Any trees should be far enough way so they don't invade the foundation.