Desert Landscaping Ideas- Trees
Are you looking for some desert landscaping ideas? Do you want your landscaping in Phoenix to make a statement? Maybe you are looking for the right final touch. Maybe you are starting from scratch. Either way, a desert landscaping tree is a great addition for any yard. Desert trees provide shade for your home, and thus lower temperatures. They also provide shade for the other landscaping in your yard and habitat for our desert birds and critters. Mature trees are a valuable asset to any home. They provide beauty and impact. Mature trees also add curb appeal and can greatly increase the value of your home. When it comes to trees and desert landscaping ideas, here are some of our favorites:
Live Oak
The Live Oak tree, at maturity, can measure 40 feet high by 50 feet wide. It requires full sun and a moderate amount of water. The Live Oak has a moderate growth rate. It has a wide crown, dark green foliage and no thorns. It produces green flowers in spring and seasonal litter. It is native to the Southeastern US and can withstand temperatures to 0° F.
Ironwood
The Ironwood is one of the largest and longest lived Sonoran Desert plants. It grows to about 25 feet tall by 25 feet wide. It is best to plant as a 15 gallon or 24 inch box size to speed up growth. If planted any smaller, it has a slow growth rate for the first few years. It requires full sun and very low water. It has a dense canopy, gray-green foliage and pinkish-lavender flowers in May. It has medium size thorns and very little litter. It can withstand temperatures to about 15° F.
Feather Bush
The Feather Bush is native to Sonora Mexico, Mexico and Arizona. It grows to about 15 feet by 15 feet. It needs full-partial sun and very little water. It has a moderate growth rate. It flowers in late spring- early summer and produces cream puffballs. It foliage is medium green and does not have any thorns. It does produce a high amount of litter. It can withstand temperature around 21° to 30° F.
Blue Palo Verde
The Blue Palo Verde is native to the Sonoran Desert and is a known bird haven. It grows to about 30 feet by 30 feet, requires full/ reflected sun and a low amount of water. It is fast growing. It is best to plant the Blue Palo Verde on the north portion of the west or east side of your home where the lower angle of the winter sunlight will not shade your house. The Blue Palo Verde has blue-green foliage and a weeping or down-curing form. It will require pruning. Its trunk is green but will turn gray with age. It produces bright yellow flowers in the spring and thus seasonal litter. It has small sharp thorns and can tolerate temperatures to 15° F.
Foothills Palo Verde
The Foothills Palo Verde is the smallest of the Palo Verdes. It is also native to the Sonoran Desert. It grows slowly to a size of about 15 feet by 15 feet and is great for smaller spaces. It is almost shrub like. It requires full or reflected sun and little water. It has lime- green foliage and sulfur yellow flowers in late spring. It has seasonal litter and small thorns.
What are some of your favorite trees and desert landscaping ideas? Do you have any experience with these trees?