Trees That Withstand Desert Heat

Study the characteristics of each tree, and be sure you're putting them in appropriate places. Trees that provide heavy shade are best for landscaping, patio or garden areas, while trees that provide light shade can be incorporated into the layout of your lawn.

Dig the soil to a depth of at least a foot using a heavy rototiller. Construction equipment tends to compact the soil, and your trees will grow better if the ground is cultivated. Remember that most desert trees have a broad network of roots, so cultivate an area several feet wider than the tree's root ball.

Plant acacia trees, desert ironwood or mesquite in areas where you intend to place other plants. All three of these are very tolerant of heat and drought, and all three are nitrogen-fixers. This means they enrich the soil with nitrogen, as beans and peas do, and help fertilize other plants. Their seeds will also attract birds and wildlife.

Use chitalpa or California pepper trees for attractive shade. The chitalpa blossoms tirelessly all summer, while the California pepper tree provides beautiful dark-green foliage.

Accent key visual focal points in your landscape with visually striking trees such as the Joshua tree or California fan palm. Both trees, in their respective ways, make a singular appearance that adds interest to your landscaping.