FBR did not look any different than Santaluz back in the 1920’s. The trees there were planted (as in all of RSF). That explains the tree “line” on the City of San Diego border. Look at the pictures in the following link:
I really love the forested look of RSF and FBR but I must admit that the tuscan landscape is more compatible with the San Diego climate (cf. water usage). If irrigation had to be cut out by half, Santaluz would still look pretty pleasant. I don’t know how some of the tropical FBR yards would fare (even though they do recycle waste waters there).
Water usage is something San Diego properties buyers might want to consider when making their choice. Tropical landscaping does not belong here in my opinion. Eucalyptus and olive trees are beautiful and are way better suited to our climate (even though Eucalyptus are quite a fire hazard…).