The hot desert climate of Phoenix, Arizona, is no joke. If you’re looking for a little relief from the heat, you’ll want to consider planting a shade tree. Not only will it provide much-needed respite from the sun, but a well-chosen tree can also add beauty and value to your home. Here are 12 of the best shade trees for Phoenix, Arizona.
Ficus Nitida
A fast-growing tree that can reach up to 35-45 feet tall, the Ficus nitida is an excellent choice for providing shade in a hurry. It’s also relatively drought-tolerant and can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Southern Live Oak
A slower grower than the Ficus nitida, the Southern Live Oak will eventually reach a height of 25 to 50 feet. It’s a good choice for large or small yards and can provide ample shade for outdoor living spaces.
Chinese ‘True Green’ Elm
If you’re looking for a more compact shade tree, the Chinese ‘True Green’ Elm is a good option. It typically grows to a height of 25 to 40 feet and has a beautiful spreading canopy.
Tipu
Another fast-growing tree, the Tipu can reach heights of 40 to 50 feet in just a few years. It’s known for its showy flowers and lush foliage, making it an attractive addition to any yard.
Chinese ‘Red Push’ Pistache
With its vibrant red leaves, the Chinese ‘Red Push’ Pistache is sure to add some color to your landscape. It grows relatively slowly to a height of 20 to 30 feet and does best in full sun.
Majestic Ash
The Majestic Ash is one of the largest shade trees on this list, capable of reaching heights of 50 to 70 feet! It has a wide-spreading canopy and is tolerant of a variety of soil types and conditions.
Shumard Oak
Another large shade tree, the shumard oak can grow up to 40-50feet tall with a similar spread. It’s perfect for large yards and can provide ample shade for outdoor living spaces such as patios and decks.
Raywood Ash
The raywood ash is similar in size to the shumard oak, reaching heights of 40 to 60 feet with a similar spread. It has dark green leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in fall. This makes it an excellent choice for adding color and interest to your landscape.
Fruitless Olive
The fruitless olive is another large shade tree, reaching heights of 25-35 feet with a spread of 20 to 30 feet. It’s characterized by its dense, oval-shaped canopy and its ability to tolerate harsh conditions such as heat, drought, and wind.
Desert Museum Palo Verde
The desert museum palo verde is one of the most unique trees on this list. It gets its name from its bright green trunk and branches, which contrast sharply with its yellow flowers. It typically grows to a height of 25 feet and does best in full sun.
Chilean Thornless Mesquite
The Chilean thornless mesquite is another good option for those looking for a smaller shade tree. It typically grows 20 to 35 feet tall with a spread of 20 to 30 feet. It’s known for its deep green leaves and small thorns, which make it an excellent choice for privacy hedges or windbreaks.
Ironwood
Ironwood trees are known for their sturdy wood and dense foliage. This makes them ideal for providing shade and shelter from the harsh desert sun. Ironwood trees are also popular for their low maintenance needs. They require very little water and can survive in poor soil conditions.
Contact Moon Valley Nurseries in Arizona for Your Shade Tree Today!
Looking for the perfect shade tree to add to your landscape in Arizona? Moon Valley Nurseries has a wide selection of beautiful, healthy shade trees that will thrive in our state’s hot, dry climate. We have multiple locations, please find the location nearest to you.
To ensure the product is available at your location please give us a contact one of our expert nursery professionals can assist you in finding the best tree or plant for your region.
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