Just like a lot of people in the world they aren’t happy in every climate. We’ve compiled a list of trees to grow in the Phoenix area and Arizona Desert. Desert trees are ones that are happy in areas where there isn’t much rain but plentiful sun. There are plenty of indigenous trees that grow naturally in Mesa, but there are a lot of exciting desert tree options that come from other geographical regions. If you want a sure bet for the certain heat, these are the best for your Mesa landscaping needs.
Types of Desert Trees
Desert Museum Palo Verde Tree – This is a tree that grows quickly and loves the locations with full sun. Despite the fact that it has narrow, long leaves that looks a bit like willows it isn’t actually technically a willow at all. In the wild you will find this tree growing in intermittent streams, dry washes, and other courses that water travels. Unlike other members of the Palo Verde family this flowering tree is a thorn free variant.
Growing the Desert Museum Palo Verde in Gilbert, AZ – This tree will adjust to most soils that have adequate drainage. The Desert Museum Palo Verde prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For best results you’ll want to select a location in your landscape that offers this full sun. Maintenance is light for this tree as it only needs minor pruning and the leaves blend into the ground cover, so there is no need to spend time raking them up.
Sissoo Desert Tree – These trees are ideal for the hot desert environment. Known by the name Indian Rosewood Tree they are great for adding a bunch of green to your landscape. They grow about 60 feet tall and are semi-evergreen trees.
Growing the Sissoo Tree in Mesa, AZ – This tree does well in soil that has good drainage and acidic soil. It should be planted in areas with full sun but can tolerate some shade. They are susceptible to frost when young, if you live in higher altitude areas. To prevent chlorosis you can use fertilizer that contains magnesium, or some Epsom salt. Regular watering that soaks the soil deeply is critical, especially when first planted.
Vitex Desert Tree – For a huge display of vibrant purple in the summer months the Vitex is a great tree. Also called the Chaste Tree this tree is a great way to attract butterflies to this flowering tree. Also known as the Monk’s Pepper tree this tree has been used as a pepper substitute at monasteries. Another historical benefit of this tree for some is that it was prized for its positive effects on virility.
Growing the Vitex Tree in Phoenix, AZ – Again this is a tree that thrives well in the full sun, but can tolerate some shade. Grows well in soil that has a high organic matter content, so some mulch is a good idea. They can benefit from an annual layer of organic mulch about 2-3 inches thick. Even something as simple as grass clippings or wood chips can help add that organic soil content that the Vitex needs to do well in Mesa, AZ.
Texas Mountain Laurel Tree – With the Texas Mountain Laurels you a delightful aroma similar to that of grape juice, beautiful long lasting blooms, and a sturdy tree that can weather the harsher wind and dust storms. Because of their small mature size and predictable growth pattern these beauties can be planted in rows to amplify the look of any landscaping project.
Growing the Texas Mountain Laurel in Mesa, AZ – These desert tress love full sun and a soil that is rocky and chalked with limestone. It requires little care and is very hearty. In fact it only requires a little water if it starts to look droopy and it’s easier to over water this tree than under water it. A little fertilizer in the spring can help encourage the year long growth of these desert trees.
Tipu Tree TreeFast becoming a Phoenix and Mesa favorite, the Tipu Tree is prized for it’s amazing growth rate, it also has an amazing display of yellow in late spring that ads value to any landscape project. For that reason it’s a favorite of homeowners and professional landscapers alike. They also provide an abundance of shade for your yard and even for you house, which cuts down on AC dependency.
Growing the Tipu Tree in Phoenix – Starting out with native soils with some fertilizer added you’ll want to make sure that you water deeply, not often at the beginning and during the life of the tree as it can go weeks without supplemental watering. This prevents rot by watering less frequently, but when you do water make sure it’s slow and gets good soil penetration.
Willow Acaica Tree – Being Native to the harsh desert environment of Australia the Willow Acaica is a great option for the hot Phoenix summers. Because of their upright branches and amazing growth rate they are a wonderful choice for desert landscapers who want a water frugal tree that can thrive in the desert.
Growing the Willow Acacia Desert Tree in Mesa AZ – These desert thriving trees are very low maintenance. Sometimes the wind can break a branch or two, which only requires minor pruning. During its early life it will need supplemental watering with the hose, until it’s established. During the first couple years it only requires a long deep soak about twice a month.
Shoestring Acacia Tree – This tree does well in soil that has good drainage and acidic soil. It should be planted in areas with full sun but can tolerate some shade. They are susceptible to frost when young, if you live in higher altitude areas. To prevent chlorosis you can use fertilizer that contains magnesium, or some Epsom salt. Regular watering that soaks the soil deeply is critical, especially when first planted.
Growing the Shoestring Acacia Tree in Mesa, AZ – Like most desert trees this one loves full sun for all of the day, but can tolerate some mild shade. Being a resilient tree that can handle the extremes this tree can even handle some freezing temperatures. When it comes to the soil they will grow well in just about any type of soil and are quite tolerant of drought. For young trees during hot spells it’s a good idea to give them about 1 inch of water per week.