When it comes to planting trees on your property, selecting species that are adapted to the surrounding area is imperative, as it helps the trees grow lush and healthy. That said, the best Tucson trees would be those that can survive the harsh desert conditions experienced in Arizona with little maintenance.
Any tree service Tucson company can help you choose the best species for your home based on your soil type, the available space, and what you hope to achieve. But in the meantime, this post will help you know which trees are the most popular in Tucson and what makes them appealing to the residents. Let’s dive in!
7 Easy-to-Maintain Tucson Trees For Residential and Commercial Landscaping
1. Chilean Mesquite
The Mesquites are some of the most popular trees in Tucson, perhaps because of their amazing shading properties and fast-growing rate. Native species like the Screwbean Mesquite and Velvet Mesquite reach up to 40 feet tall, with a spread of over 50 feet, providing excellent shade underneath their canopies.
These trees develop deep roots, meaning they are not easily blown over by strong winds. They produce gorgeous fragrant flowers in the spring and summer that later give way to bean-shaped fruit.
Plant in a warm place, preferably in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Water regularly until the tree has been accustomed to its new environment. Once established, Mesquite trees in Arizona will require little to no water.
2. Desert Willow
If you are looking for something smaller, consider the Desert Willow. This gorgeous tree grows only 25 feet tall and does not spread any wider than 20 feet, which makes it one of the best options for people with smaller yards.
The beautiful pink flowers the tree produces in the spring keep your home livened up, attracting hummingbirds and nectar-sucking wildlife all season long. You will love the fact that despite these trees having flowers, they do not produce too much pollen, making them perfect for those with allergies.
Desert Willows are extremely drought-tolerant, which answers the question of why they are some of the most prominent trees in West Texas, Nevada, California, and other areas with arid and semi-arid climates in the US. It is not surprising at all that they are also some of the most grown trees in Tucson.
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3. Live Oak
So you have a little bit of space to accommodate the massive oak! Why not try Live Oak? This one grows faster than other oak species and is considered one of the best Tucson trees. It is low maintenance and adapts easily to a wide range of soil types.
Live Oaks grow to a height of between 40 and 80 feet, with their canopy spreading up to 80 feet wide, meaning, you need to have enough space in your yard to sneak one in; but the dense shade it rewards you with is totally worth it. Not forgetting its dark-green leaves that keep your yard alive all year long.
Related Post: Evergreen Trees For Arizona
4. Chinese Elm
Also known as Lacebark Elm, the Chinese Elm is yet another tree species that has been found to perform incredibly well in Tucson. Residents love it because it grows quickly to provide dense shade at an early age. And despite being one of the fast-growing trees in Arizona, this tree does not grow any taller or wider than 40 feet, making it ideal for yards of all sizes.
Chinese Elms love full sun and can withstand extremely dry conditions. They produce dense light-green leaves that turn into beautiful shades of yellowish-red in the fall, keeping your home vibrant the entire season.
But the elm disease is still a problem in Tucson, meaning, your Chinese Elms may require a little more care than any other tree species we have listed above. Work with a certified tree service Arizona professional to come up with a care program for your elms to make sure they are growing healthy. This may require a little bit of work for sure, but it is nothing compared to the life and vibrance these trees will add to your yard.
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5. Red Push Pistache
If the Elm doesn’t work for you, try Red Push Pistache. This one grows to a height of between 30 and 40 feet, with its canopy spreading just as much to provide shade to homes, driveways, and parks.
In the fall, the tree graces your yard with beautiful colors that range from yellowish-orange to deep red. Come wintertime, it loses all of its leaves, allowing sunlight in to reduce the heating bills. Red Push Pistache trees prefer well-drained soils, but they have been found to withstand dry soils pretty well.
6. Texas Mountain Laurel
Nothing says ‘spring is here’ than the gorgeous Texas Mountain Laurel. If you are looking for something that blooms, this one should definitely be on your list. The tree displays clusters of blue/purple extremely fragrant blossoms that attract bees, butterflies, and a host of other nectar-sucking wildlife.
And don’t worry if you don’t have much space in your garden; Texas Mountain Laurel grows only 25 feet tall and doesn’t spread any wider than 12 feet. Plus, it grows narrow and upright and can be pruned to your desired shape and size.
7. Fig Tree
We can’t wrap it up without mentioning the good old Fig tree. The most common varieties are deciduous trees or large shrubs, growing to a maximum height of 20 to 30 feet. They have broad light-green fragrant leaves and smooth light-gray bark.
Figs, the fruit produced by the Fig tree can be consumed fresh or dried and is considered one of the best sources of fiber and calcium.
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The Local Tree Experts Overview
Tucson is a relatively dry area, meaning, the best trees to plant here would be those that can withstand harsh, dry climates. The species we have listed above are considered some of the best Tucson trees, as they have been found to grow well in this area and many other parts of Arizona with little maintenance.
