Below are descriptions of small trees from the western US and northern Mexico that grow well in the desert areas of southern Arizona. The English holly (Ilex aquifolium “Big Bull”) thrives in USDA zones 7 through 9, reaching 35 to 40 feet tall and 25 feet wide at maturity. Waterwise trees such as Acacia stenophylla have little to moderate watering needs once established, and we like to feed them with a general-purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Don’t plant a tree too deeply. Tree roots can grow beyond the canopy of a tree, so a bit of wiggle room is a very good idea." It is incredible how often one hears that palm trees planted near a pool have caused enough damage to warrant removal. The silver-green leaves are slender and long, giving it an airy appearance. Allow the bell-shaped roots to protrude out of the ground. It tolerates heat and dryness, adapts to clay, loam or sand and grows equally well in acidic or alkaline soil. A fast growing tree, it can grow 2-3 feet a year and reach heights of 30 feet. The red tip tree grows to an oval shape, provides dense shade and bears small white flowers in mid- to late spring, but no fruit. Growing in USDA zones 8 to 9, the Fraser photinia, or red tip ((Photonia x fraseri), reaches 15 to 20 feet tall and wide at maturity. The Mastic tree is also known commonly as the Evergreen Pistache. A smaller tree with gorgeous pink flowers. A slow to medium growing tree that is typically very long-lived. The branch structure can be very unique and beautiful. An excellent choice for a privacy barrier or hedge. NOTE: Any tree located under or near utility lines is subject to trimming or removal by utility company. Creeping lateral roots can extend out more than 50 feet from tree. Can get up to 30 feet wide and 30 feet tall. This tree made its debut in the Phoenix area about 15 years ago and … The Arizona Community Tree Council lists sweet acacia as a tree that attracts Arizona wildlife. This tree does have thorns. The soil gets hot, burns the mulch and leaves gaps around the roots. The bean pods or fruit are messy, so Velvet Mesquites are not a good choice around pools. Best Trees by pools. “Majestic Beauty” thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10, reaching 25 feet tall at maturity and living up to 150 years. Come shop the best and biggest selections for desert trees from Moon Valley Nursery! They are very slow growing, but they maintain thick dense foliage year-round. – Hybrid poplar trees are bred for fast growth. Plus, white mulberry trees are known to be messy neighbors, and the species’ male trees emit pollen notorious for triggering allergies. Be sure the tree is not overly messy. Makes a superior shade tree because of its wide canopy and dense, dark-green foliage. Fruitless Olives are good shade producing trees because of their large canopy. If provided with regular irrigation it will become thick and lush. Trees that have long, lateral roots are bad choices because they harm foundations. If roots have already invaded your drain pipes or septic system, you have a problem. Avoid trees with shallow invasive roots, such as Australian acacias, ash, beech, birch, cypress, elm, eucalyptus, maple, mesquite, mulberry, pepper tree, poplar, sycamore and willow, including desert willow (Chilopsis). Talk about aggressive roots. Choose a tree removal company that you can trust. Ficus Nitilda (sp) - rumor is invasive roots and I have seen them take frost damage in the Phx area. Make sure that the tree you are considering does not have an invasive root system, especially if you will be planting it near your house foundation, concrete patio, or septic system. A medium sized tree that is very tolerant of heat and cold. This is another good tree for planting around patios and pool areas. Don’t mix mulch with the desert soil. Pines also do well in Arizona. NOTE: Any tree located under or near utility lines is subject to trimming or removal by utility company. If you do, it will grow under your foundation and harm it. in journalism from Boston University. Tan. They produce fragrant yellow flowers in spring and summer. Olive Resistant to Texas root rot, it is susceptible to scales, anthracnose, oak root phytophthora, sooty mold and verticillium. Red Push Pistache trees are easy to care for and require little to moderate water. In park areas, their roots can run along the surface due to shallow watering. Trimming may result in the tree having an unnatural appearance. Noninvasive trees have shorter and shallower root systems that do not burrow under foundations, sidewalks and driveways. No one wants that in their yard. Seeds: Mature on female trees in late summer or early fall. No one wants that in their yard. Grows rapidly, requires little to no water, and thrives in the hot climate. Trees for use near swimming pools offer additional concern. We consider them to be one of the best trees to plant in Tucson because they are also low maintenance and extremely drought tolerant. Engel also edited "Fine Gardening" magazine and 14 gardening books, one of which received the Garden Writers Association Quill & Trowel Award. If the plant sets fruit, which is unusual, it is yellow or green about one-half inch to 1 and one-half inch in diameter. The palo verde is the state tree of Arizona and there are two species that are native to the state: the foothill and… This species has been considered one of the best trees to plant in Tucson for decades and is common around the downtown area. Its new leaves emerge copper-colored and mature to green. These trees have extensive and invasive root systems that will seek moisture at any cost. Mature trees have very deep taproot. Other fruitless olive trees include “Swan Hill," “Seviland," “Little Ollie” and “Skylark.". With a minimum of care, these low-maintenance trees can grace your garden for generations. Because it lacks thorns and the roots are not invasive, it can be planted close to … This tree grows better on the coast than inland, planted in full sun to partial shade, adapting to a range of soil conditions tolerating drought. While it grows faster than other types of oak tree, the Southern Live Oak is still a large, slow growing tree. The leaves turn to a beautiful orange and red in the fall. rubra) is a lovely flowering dogwood tree that produces red blooms in springtime.Its crimson berries are lovely and provide food for wild birds. Scanning some online gardening and landscaping forums, it became apparent that this tree has a polarized following. They will grow in coastal regions and also in areas with hot, dry summers. It is resistant to oak root fungus and is susceptible to leaf miner and scales. Tree Care. Short dense hairs cover the fern-like leaves and beans giving it the appearance of velvet. This holly thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires moist soil, but tolerates highly acidic to slightly alkaline clay, loam or sand. Such ideal trees do exist and they make wonderful long-lived additions to your landscape. Non-Invasive Root Systems Image Credit: Dan DiSorbo/Demand Media The popularity that Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) enjoys throughout the Mediterranean translates to similar climates in the United States. Velvet Mesquites are winter deciduous. Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) While it grows faster than other types of oak … It maintains its shape best when it is pruned at the top. While zone 10 includes only a small portion of the country, it's important to remember that many of these trees (and some varieties of trees) can be grown in containers … Grows to be 30 feet tall by 40 feet wide. Red dogwood (Cornus florida var. Although acacia trees are not native to Arizona, they do well in the state's desert environment and are not invasive. Tree Planting – What You Need to Know Before You Grow, Preparing Your Landscape and Trees for the Holidays, Witches’ Broom and Mistletoe, Understanding the Difference. With deep watering, this should not be a problem. Get in touch with Branching Out Tree Service in Tucson for all of your Tree Service, Tree Trimming, & Tree Removal needs. “Small” trees are ones that normally grow to 20 feet tall or less and/or shrubs that can be pruned to have single or multiple trunks and a raised canopy. Trimming may result in the tree having an unnatural appearance. Trees they like • Arizona ash “Small” trees are ones that normally grow to 20 feet tall or less and/or shrubs that can be pruned to have single or multiple trunks and a raised canopy. Consider trees such as Platanus wrightii (Arizona Sycamore), Platanus mexicana (Mexican Sycamore) and Salix gooddingii (Goodding's Willow) and Salix exigua (Coyote Willow). Unfortunately, trees can bring disharmony to neighbors when branches or roots encroach over or on the land of another or interfere with views. Growing in USDA zones 9 through 11, the tree provides moderate shade, reaching 25 to 35 feet tall and 20 feet wide at maturity. Maple trees, ash trees and cottonwoods are trees you should not pick because they are known for growing invasive, lateral trees roots. https://branchingouttree.com/2019/09/18/best-trees-to-plant-in-tucson A fast-growing, medium sized tree that grows up to 40 feet tall by 40 feet wide. It bears tiny white flowers in the spring or fall and small, dry berries that provide food for birds and animals. Drought and heat tolerant. trees where SMALL trees would have been better. We have the experience you need and the prices you want. There are no statutes in Arizona that address tree encroachments; however, there is “common law” in Arizona and every other state that does. Olive trees are best looking when planted in deep, rich soil. Sissoos grow to a moderate height of 35 to 40 feet but their vigorous root systems can threaten underground irrigation lines, sidewalks, block walls and even lawns. Seeds can stay on branch for a long time. Sissoos grow to a moderate height of 35 to 40 feet but their vigorous root systems can threaten underground irrigation lines, sidewalks, block walls and even lawns. 1. They are evergreen and produce small flowers and seed pods.Â. Common Trees with Invasive Roots. The Little Leaf Ash has smooth brownish-gray bark and smooth thick leaves. Don’t plant a tree too deeply. Talk about aggressive roots. From evergreens to trees with showy flowers or bright fall color, you have lots of options when choosing fast-growing shade trees. Trident Maple. The invasive roots can take over a yard after only a few years. Be sure to pick a disease-resistant tree to avoid headaches later! Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii): These dwarf palms grow in both single and multi-trunk varieties, giving you options on the look you want. Required fields are marked *. The leaves are glossy and rich green. By nature it's a multi-trunked tree but can be pruned into a single trunk specimen or grown as a small shrub. They bloom from spring to fall and are great for attracting hummingbirds. Don’t mix mulch with the desert soil. White mulberry roots have been known to shoot out through yards, cracking pavement and upending landscaping along the way. trees where SMALL trees would have been better. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel, et. Male holly plants provide the same ornamental value as female hollies, but don’t bear fruit. Because it lacks fruit, this is a very neat tree that works well around pools and patios. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Appear on plant in flat, twisted, paper-like wings, dispersed by wind. Some trees shed quite a few seed pods, twigs, or nuts each year and can create a lot of work. These trees have good tolerance for drought once well established, but in the first year, give them plenty of water. Several cultivars of olive trees (Olea europaea) provide the evergreen shade of other olive trees, but do not to produce fruit. Put the mulch on top of the soil around the base of a tree. White mulberry roots have been known to shoot out through yards, cracking pavement and upending landscaping along the way. Put the mulch on top of the soil around the base of a tree. The perfect tree matures to a manageable size and won’t heave your sidewalk, burrow into the foundation of your house or deposit a mess. MORE: How to Plant a Tree. This hybrid does not produce fruit, but it does bloom with fragrant yellowish-white flowers in the spring. It can grow to heights of 60 feet tall and spread out to 60 feet wide. A triangle denotes trees which are native to the Sonoran Desert or which are visually compatible with Sonoran Desert landscapes. As shrubs they work really well as a privacy or noise barrier. Unfortunately, trees can bring disharmony to neighbors when branches or roots encroach over or on the land of another or interfere with views. They are best avoided. They grow to be around 8 feet tall with elegant arching branches. It can be used as a large shrub or small tree. New foliage is a reddish color that later matures to a glossy green. Below are descriptions of small trees from the western US and northern Mexico that grow well in the desert areas of southern Arizona. 3. Deciduous trees tend to have a deep root system that crawl beneath foundations and cause deterioration. Some homeowners complain about the many pods and leaves that drop off the tree, but its roots pose the biggest problem. Desert Willows are deciduous. Fraser photinia trees live up to 150 years and are resistant to mildew, but susceptible to sooty mold and aphids. Mastics are ideal for planting around patios and pool areas. al. Nancy T. Engel is a master gardener with more than 35 years of editorial experience. This invasive tree root list includes some of the worst offenders: Hybrid Poplars (Populus sp.) Because it lacks thorns and the roots are not invasive, it can be planted close to … These trees are great for shade, but they are deciduous. By nature it's a multi-trunked tree but can be pruned into a single trunk specimen or grown as a small shrub. The bronze loquat (Eriobotrya deflexa) grows to 15 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide in USDA zones 9 through 10, providing moderate shade. Desert Museum Palo Verde is a fast-growing tree that is semi-deciduous or drought deciduous. Branching Out Tree Service is an insured tree service company. Palm trees, Fruit trees, Grape vines, berry plants, nut trees and flowering trees. 2. She graduated with a B.S. They have vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer months. The root systems of popular cypress trees have distinct characteristics and share some vulnerabilities. This is a common reason why trees fail to thrive. There are a variety of resources available regarding specific tree care options in Arizona. She wrote five chapters of "The Resourceful Gardeners Guide" and a weekly gardening column. In downtown Phoenix, sissoo trees are used in street plantings along sidewalks. This hybrid species does not produce nuts. The Arizona Community Tree Council lists sweet acacia as a tree that attracts Arizona wildlife. It does not work well around pools because it drops bean pods. The sweet acacia (Acacia smalii), with its slender, fern-like leaves and vibrant, aromatic flowers, is quite common in Arizona. The best types of trees to pick include oaks, walnut trees, hickory and conifers. They are valuable as a quick source of pulpwood, energy and lumber, but they don’t make good landscape trees. This hybrid species is thornless unlike other mesquites. Plus, white mulberry trees are known to be messy neighbors, and the species’ male trees emit pollen notorious for triggering allergies. Emit pollen notorious for triggering allergies Olea europaea ) provide the evergreen shade other!, Blue, and the species ’ male trees emit pollen notorious triggering. 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