and just seems to be growing outward. It's about 8 feet high and I wanted it to grow much taller. Can I prune or do something with the top of the tree? I live in North Santa Barbara County, CA
This will, permanently, change the shape. You will, eventually, get some shoots that will grow taller, but topping is a means of height control.
You can plant the top and start over with a fresh, shapely, tree.
Otherwise, just care for your tree as usual.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/root-stimulating-hormone.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/cuttings/honey-root-hormone.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/eucalyptus/tips-growing-eucalyptus.htm
Photos attached. About 8-10 yrs old
Identifying the exact Species of any Genus can be a difficult task without genetic sequencing, and especially with Eucalyptus. There are over 700 species in this genus, so this will not be an easy task. I would consult the local extension service in your area for more information.
In the meantime, this article will help you with Eucalyptus care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/eucalyptus/rainbow-eucalyptus-tree.htm
My tree is very tall. Trunk shedding seems normal but branch bark shedding is excessive with weeks of long (a few inches to a foot+ long) curled crisp pieces of bark falling with wind or rain. There has been some shedding of branch bark since I've lived with this tree (20 years) but this year in the past few weeks I've had to pick up perhaps 50 to a 100 pieces of bark scattered around the yard sometimes daily.
Examine your tree closely for cankers, especially if branches are falling with the bark. These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/eucalyptus/peeling-bark-on-eucalyptus.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/eucalyptus/eucalyptus-tree-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/cankers-on-trees.htm
How do I treat my eucalyptus tree
It sounds like red gum lurp psyllids, which create little white houses (lurps) around them for protection. Here is more about the little creature:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/eucalyptus/eucalyptus-tree-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/getting-rid-of-psyllids.htm
We have 6+ huge eucalyptus trees in our backyard. One just dropped a big branch. The center of the branch is very alarming. See pics attached. The center is dry. Are they dying?
This is a heart rot. Likely, there will be no cure, as it has already colonized the inside of the tree. Eventually, it will cause the death of them, but this can take years.
Many fungi cause white heart rot. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/heart-rot-in-trees.htm
this tree mind winter shade? the location we want to plant the tree is near a wall - so it is important to know beforehand in which direction the main weeping branches will grow. There is considerable shade during the winter months on the north and west sides of the planting location.
With such specific conditions, you will need to train your tree to grow the way you want it. It will tolerate some shade. You may want to contact your local agricultural extension service or a certified arborist for planting and training information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/eucalyptus/tips-growing-eucalyptus.htm
I’m putting together a response to a concerned citizen and I would like to use your article for that communication. I need to see the primary references to feel truly good about it. Can you oblige? Thanks in advance
I will forward your request to the editorial department. We mainly reference University Cooperative Extension articles if you want to do a search yourself to find information. They produce a lot of horticulture fact sheets that are available online.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-extension-service.htm