Planting a tree is the single best investment you can make in your garden. A well-placed tree provides shade, a scarce commodity in the desert, and increases the value and curb appeal of your home. They add beauty and attract wildlife life to your yard.
We are fortunate here to have a wide range of beautiful trees that happily grow in the southwest desert, both native and desert-adapted.
Here at Southwest Gardener, you’ll find in-depth information to help you choose the best trees for your desert garden and how to care for them, too.
Desert willow is a delightful, drought-tolerant ornamental tree with pink orchid-like flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this native … Read more
Little leaf ash is a small, airy tree or shrub that provides a pop of green to desert gardens. It’s also appreciated for being low litter. Here’s how to plant … Read more
Looking to add more shade to your desert garden but are daunted by the potential mess? Enjoy your garden more and stress less with this assortment of trees that thrive … Read more
Screwbean mesquite is a native mesquite that can be grown as either a large shrub or small tree. It’s easily recognized by its distinctive spiral seed pods and is one … Read more
Boojum tree is every bit as weird as its name implies. Here’s what you need to know to decide whether this desert native would be a good choice for your … Read more
If you live in Tucson, you may be able to take advantage of Tucson Electric Power’s “Trees for You” program. Here’s a look at the trees they offer to help … Read more
If you’re looking to add shade to your desert garden fast, Chinese elm is one to consider. It’s a beautiful, resilient tree, but it’s not ideal for every situation. Here’s … Read more
Slim bottlebrush has typical bottlebrush leaves and red flowers, but grows tall and narrow, making it an excellent option for small spaces. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more
Willow acacia is a tall, pendulous tree that is not a true willow, but has many willow-like attributes. But be aware that this is a high maintenance tree that many … Read more
Velvet mesquite is a Sonoran Desert native with lots of character. It’s one of the best trees for attracting and supporting wildlife, but it’s messy and has some other issues … Read more
Yellow oleander is a large evergreen shrub that blooms in late summer through fall when the flowers of many desert shrubs are fading after a long, hot summer. Here’s how … Read more
Orchid tree is a large shrub or small tree that bursts forth with either white or pink flowers in the spring. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this … Read more