Sitting in the shadow of a large, leaf-filled tree, with a soft breeze blowing through, can feel like heaven-on-earth. Even more so, in regions where unrelenting heat is common.
Such is the case with the rugged and varied Arizona landscape. Where terrains range from dry, sweltering deserts to balmy, forested areas that see snowy winters.
With such a diverse climate, how do you narrow down the best shade trees for Arizona? Keep reading and you’ll discover the twelve top choices that thrive in this state and which ones will flourish in your garden.
Choosing The Best Shade Trees For Arizona
There are seven different hardiness zones here. So, it’s best to narrow down your list to trees that thrive in your area. If you reside in Northern Arizona, choose specimens hardy in zones 4b – 8a. Southern Arizona residents focus on those tough enough for zones 8a – 10b.
Sticking to your growing zone won’t limit your options, though. Choices abound in both the green highlands and desert lowlands.
Matching the right tree to your climate also comes with economical and practical perks. Planting shade trees in calculated places in your landscape can ease the burden of your HVAC system, saving you significant money.
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Fastest Growing Shade Trees for Desert Conditions
We’ll start with Southern Arizona, with its rolling hills, wondrous canyons, and ribbons of dry riverbeds. What trees offer fast, cost-effective shade and lush beauty, here?
The following options have adapted unique ways to thrive in desert conditions. Capturing and storing moisture for those long stretches when rainfall is scarce.
Some have shallow root systems and carefully arranged leaves that allow them to absorb as much water as possible.
Others have a single, large tap root that delves down an astounding 80’ to reach the water table.
Chinese Pistache Tree
(Pistachia Chinensis)
Tree Summary
This cold-hardy shade tree has deep roots and grows to 35’ tall and wide, at a rate of 1-2’ per year. Lush, deciduous growth results when planted in full sun and various soil types, in zones 4-10.
Tree Appeal
Hardy down to -13°F, the Chinese Pistache forms a rounded crown with vibrant green fronds and pale green florets. In autumn, leaves shine red, gold, and green around small red fruits.
Tree Care
Water new saplings well during the first month. If growth is slow, apply a nitrogen-rich NPK in spring. Prune in mid-winter, while semi-dormant, to promote fuller branching.
Phoenix One Royal Empress Tree
(Paulownia x ‘Phoenix One’)
Tree Summary
This Paulownia hybrid expands by 15’ per year, to 40’ tall and wide. Providing ample shade and drought tolerance when planted in well-draining, sandy soil, and full sun, in zones 7-11.
Tree Appeal
Pest and disease-resistant, this tree creates a towering green oasis in the desert landscape. With broad, heart-shaped leaves surrounding large, upright panicles of scented, lavender blooms.
Tree Care
The top 3” of soil should dry out before watering. After the first year, a nitrogen-rich NPK can be applied to promote robust growth and blooming. Prune only to develop a central leader trunk, in mid-winter.
Neem Tree
(Azadirachta indica)
Tree Summary
In zones 4-11, Neem trees can grow 8’ per year, once established, to a mature 40’ tall by 20’ wide. Deep-set roots support notable drought tolerance. However, in extreme heat, leaves will drop to protect moisture reserves.
Tree Appeal
Neem trees herald spring with clusters of honey-scented, white blooms that give way to yellow, ornamental fruit. Serrated leaves form long fronds that fill a wide, parasol dome.
Tree Care
Water regularly, until established. Repeat only during times of drought. Fertilize with a nitrogen-focused NPK, in spring, if growth appears stunted. Pruning is only needed to maintain the desired shape.
Evergreen Shade Trees
In order to survive in the often-harsh climates of Arizona, be they scorching or sub-zero temperatures, evergreens need to be tough and resilient.
One key adaptation is their ability to sustain lush growth on a robust structure while rationing moisture and using it in the most efficient way possible.
As a result, they are sensitive to overwatering, which could have dire consequences. But, this is good news for homeowners looking to save on their water bills.
The below options fit this bill, perfectly. Offering protective shade, stunning form, and appealing color variations in different hardiness zones.
Bronze Loquat
(Eriobotrya deflexa)
Tree Summary
This steadfast evergreen displays lovely color variations, which will be more defined in full sun and well-draining soil, in zones 9-11. Its broad structure, on multiple trunks, is ideal for shading homes in mid-summer, reaching 25’ tall and wide, at maturity.
Tree Appeal
Long, glossy leaves of dark red and copper mature to a rich green. White and pink flower clusters cover the canopy, evolving into orange, ornamental berries.
Tree Care
Water new loquats every other day to twice monthly until established. To maintain consistent growth, feed with an Evergreen Fertilizer with a nitrogen-rich NPK in spring and summer. Prune limbs to 3’ long to encourage new branching.
Joan Lionetti Texas Live Oak
(Quercus virginiana x fusiformis ‘Joan Lionetti’)
Tree Summary
Remaining evergreen through the coldest winters, this live oak cultivar will shed older leaves in spring, to make way for new ones. Spanning 30’ tall and wide, at maturity, this soil-adaptive oak prefers full sun, in zones 7-10.
Tree Appeal
Disease and pest-resistant, thousands of small leaves form a dense, shade-bearing canopy. Absorbing water through leathery tops and preventing evaporation with soft, downy undersides.
Tree Care
Water live oaks deeply, but infrequently. When necessary, a 12-6-6 NPK in spring will stimulate vigorous growth. Prune in mid-winter, for fast spring recovery and sprouting.
West Coast Live Oak
(Quercus agrifolia)
Tree Summary
This architectural stunner was born for western climates, reaching a majestic 50’ by 35’, at maturity, in zones 8-10. Cupped leaves, adapted to catch and absorb raindrops, grow in clouds from the ends of thick, winding branches.
Tree Appeal
This picturesque tree forms an open-branching canopy atop a stout trunk. Scalloped leaves, similar to holly, remain evergreen and host pendulous catkin clusters in spring.
Tree Care
Live Oak saplings require weekly watering until established. After which rainfall will be sufficient. Fertilizing isn’t necessary as they nourish the surrounding soil with their fallen leaves. Prune when needed, in mid-summer.
Small Shade Trees
Not everyone has the garden space for a grand Coast Live Oak or a fast-growing Royal Empress. But, that in no way means you’re stuck with a dull garden.
Small shade trees have equally adapted to the broad range of Arizona climates and contribute to many different design aesthetics.
Trees with small footprints are also ideal for framing and creating shade around picture windows. Minimizing your HVAC bill while maximizing your curb appeal and view.
The following examples are highly recommended for visual interest, low-maintenance and little (if any) end-of-season mess.
Christmas Palm
(Adonidia merrillii)
Tree Summary
With its svelte, patterned trunk, this tropical palm rapidly rises to 6’ tall, then gradually slows, retaining its lithe profile. Maturing to a potential 24’, in height, a wide-brimmed canopy offers protective shade in small spaces when planted in full/partial sun, in zones 6-11.
Tree Appeal
From the top of each long stalk grows a frothy crown of 10-12 arching fronds. Summer temperatures prompt clusters of creamy flowers to emerge, just below. In December, flowers develop into fruiting “ornaments” of scarlet red.
Tree Care
When potted, water when the soil is dry down 2”. In the ground, water weekly to keep fronds green. No pruning is required but a well-balanced, palm fertilizer can be applied for faster summer growth.
Camphor Laurel Tree
(Cinnamonium camphora)
Tree Summary
The quaint Camphor presents a tidy dome of lush foliage on a single trunk. Careful placement is crucial to accommodate its wide-spreading root system as it matures to 25’ tall and wide, in zones 9-11. Dense growth offers ideal shade when planted on the sunniest side of your property.
Tree Appeal
Glossy, evergreen leaves emit a subtle camphor scent. Masses of white flowers become green and black ornamental fruits, in autumn, as leaves develop hints of red and yellow.
Tree Care
Drought tolerant once established, saplings need consistent watering. If needed, fertilize every 3-4 years with an evergreen NPK and prune only to remove damaged branches.
Windmill Palm Tree
(Trachycarpus fortunei)
Tree Summary
The versatile Windmill is cold and heat-hardy, maturing to 25’ tall. Maintaining a minimal footprint in zones 7-10, this palm cools interior and exterior spaces by diffusing direct sunlight.
Tree Appeal
Large, angled fronds fan out in a dense, circular pattern on long stems that bud from the top of a thick, sturdy trunk, coated in brown, husk fibers.
Tree Care
Water windmills twice per week for the first month. Then, once a week for the remainder of the year. When necessary, apply a slow-release, palm tree fertilizer in the spring and summer.
Growing Ornamental Shade Trees
If you were to ask someone where they might find lush, flowering shade trees, more often than not the answer would be some balmy, tropical locations like Hawaii, California, or Florida.
If you happen to live in the hot, arid regions of the American Southwest, you may be surprised to learn that some of the most magnificent bloomers actually prefer this type of environment.
Providing cool, summer shade and warm, winter protection after a spectacular spring show.
Consider planting one (or two!) of these exceptional trees that might just make you the belle of the block.
Royal Poinciana Tree
(Delonix regia)
Tree Summary
This spectacular heat-loving Poinciana can be grown in the ground or maintained as a potted specimen, in zones 10 and 11. Preferring full sun, this flower-filled tree provides ample shade as it matures to 30’ tall and wide.
Tree Appeal
Most spring bloomers shine pink or white. But, this regal beauty will set your garden ablaze as a tree with bright red flowers that bud in clusters along wide-spreading branches. Long, airy fronds remain green year-round.
Tree Care
Water Poinciana twice weekly, in times of drought to support prolonged blooming. Apply slow-release granules in early spring and prune away any broken or damaged branches.
Mimosa Tree
(Albizia julibrissin Durazz)
Tree Summary
With a similar, ethereal look is the dazzling Mimosa. A parasol-shaped crown erupts with colorful blooms and spans 35’ by 30’, in zones 6-10. Dappled shade provides protection for homes and underplantings when positioned in full sun.
Tree Appeal
Deciduous, 20” long fronds give this tree its breezy appearance. Fluffy fans of Fuschia and white develop bean-shaped seed pods for winter interest.
Tree Care
Mimosa trees are highly sensitive to overwatering, so it should only be done during excessive dry spells. A flowering tree NPK can be applied prior to the emergence of spring growth. Prune to remove any damaged branches.
New River Purple Bougainvillea
(Bougainvillea ‘New River’)
Tree Summary
Bougainvillea is commonly associated with warm climates. In Southern Arizona, these full-sun bloomers can be grown as trees by simply removing the lower branches, as they mature to 25’ by 6’.
Tree Appeal
Vibrant purple bracts, dotted with tiny, white flowers, will bloom in phases, year-round. When not in bloom, thick teardrop leaves will continue to provide shade and luxurious form.
Tree Care
Deep and infrequent watering will maintain adequate hydration without weakening the trunk and vines. Prune bottom vines to maintain a tree shape. Fertilize with a low-nitrogen NPK for an equal balance of blooms and foliage.
Verdict: Best Shade Trees To Grow In Arizona
As we’ve seen, there are quite a few gorgeous options that will thrive throughout Arizona, despite there being such a broad range of hardiness zones.
The key to growing success, not to mention giving your HVAC system a break and saving you money, is choosing one specific to your zone.
In southern zones, protective shade and lightning-fast growth are yours with the Phoenix One Royal Empress Tree and the Royal Poinciana.
In northern regions, the adaptable Chinese Pistache and tropical Christmas palm will add appealing color and pattern to landscapes, large or small.
