In the dead of summer, there’s nothing like the shade of a tree to provide relief from the blistering heat. But not all trees are created equal when it comes to heat tolerance. Choosing the right tree for your landscape is important if you live in a warm or dry climate. By choosing heat-tolerant trees to fill your organic permaculture garden or to line your property, you can create a shady oasis that will provide years of enjoyment. So, what are the best trees for warm climates? Here are a few of our favorites.
Palms
When it comes to heat tolerance, palms are king. These tropical trees can take the heat and still look good doing it. Palms come in all shapes and sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs. Whether you want a towering palm for shade or a smaller one for your patio, there’s a variety for you. Check out the dwarf sugar palm or the foxtail palm for smaller spaces. For larger areas, try the royal palm or the Christmas palm. Regardless of your choice, palms are sure to add a touch of tropical flair to your landscape.
Fig
Figs are another heat-tolerant tree that is perfect for warm climates. These deciduous trees are known for their sweet fruit, which can be eaten fresh or used in recipes. Figs are among fruit trees that grow in the Grand Canyon state and can even be grown in containers. The brown turkey fig is a good choice for those looking for a tree that produces edible fruit. This variety produces dark purple fruits that are sweet and delicious. For a more ornamental tree, try the weeping fig. This tree has beautiful weeping branches that are covered in glossy green leaves.
Cypress
Cypress trees are well-known for their ability to withstand hot and dry conditions. The evergreen cypress is a popular choice for landscaping in warm climates. These stately trees are perfect for creating privacy screens or windbreaks. The Leyland cypress is a good choice for those looking for a fast-growing tree, as it can grow up to 3 feet per year. For a more unusual option, try the Japanese umbrella pine. This dwarf evergreen has a unique umbrella-shaped canopy that is sure to add interest to your landscape.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia, so you know they can handle the heat. These fast-growing trees are perfect for creating privacy screens or providing shade in a hurry. The silver leaf eucalyptus is a good choice for those looking for a tree with beautiful foliage. The leaves of this tree are silvery-blue in color and have a fragrant smell. Another good option is the lemon-scented gum. As its name implies, this eucalyptus has a strong lemon scent that is sure to please.
Acacia
Acacia trees are native to Africa and are known for their heat tolerance and drought resistance. These fast-growing trees are perfect for creating privacy screens or providing shade in a hurry. The African blackwood acacia is a good choice for those looking for an ornamental tree. This tree has dark green foliage and black bark, making it a real standout in the landscape. For a more unusual option, try the umbrella acacia. This tree gets its name from its umbrella-shaped canopy of leaves.
Oak
Oaks are classic shade trees that are perfect for use in warm climates. These deciduous trees are known for their large size and long-lasting leaves. The live oak is a good choice for those looking for an evergreen option. This tree can grow up to 100 feet tall and provides dense shade year-round. For a smaller option, try the dwarf live oak. This tree only grows to about 15 feet tall, making it perfect for use in smaller spaces.
Pine
Pines are another type of evergreen that is well-suited for use in warm climates. These coniferous trees are known for their needles, which provide dense shade. The slash pine is a good choice for those looking for a fast-growing tree. This variety can grow up to 2 feet per year and can reach a height of 100 feet. For a smaller option, try the Japanese black pine. This dwarf pine only grows to about 20 feet tall and is perfect for use in rock gardens or as bonsai plants.
Ash
Ash trees are deciduous trees that can withstand hot and dry conditions. White ash is a popular choice for landscaping in warm climates. This tree can grow up to 60 feet tall and provides dense shade. The green ash is another good option for those looking for a fast-growing tree. This variety can reach a height of 100 feet and produces leaves that are green in color.
Maple
Maple trees are known for their beautiful fall foliage, but they are also well-suited for use in warm climates. The sugar maple is a popular choice for landscaping in warm climates. This tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and produces sugar-rich sap that can be used to make syrup. The red maple is another good option for those looking for a fast-growing tree. This variety can reach a height of 100 feet and produces red leaves.
Cottonwood
Cottonwoods are deciduous trees that can withstand hot and dry conditions. The Eastern cottonwood is a popular choice for landscaping in warm climates. This tree can grow up to 100 feet tall and produces leaves that are green in color. The Western cottonwood is another good option for those looking for a fast-growing tree. This variety can reach a height of 100 feet and produces leaves that are green in color.
Willow
Willow trees are another type of tree that is well-suited for use in warm climates. These deciduous trees are known for their long, drooping branches. The weeping willow is famous for those looking for a tree with beautiful foliage. This tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and produces leaves that are green in color. For a more unusual option, try the black willow. This tree gets its name from the black color of its bark and produces dark green leaves.
No matter what tree you choose, water it regularly during the first few years after planting. Once established, most of these trees are quite drought-tolerant. With a bit of care, your heat-tolerant trees will provide years of enjoyment in your warm climate landscape.
