September 2011

Like shrubs, trees help set the landscape design theme at each community. Community tree inventories are often worth millions of dollars. Choosing a mix of trees that flower and respond to weather conditions differently helps keep a community looking dynamic and consistent during seasonal weather changes. The trees listed below are our top picks:

	Ironwood - Olneya tesota Ironwoods tend to be unique looking trees because of the native origins in the Sonoran Desert, which makes them good choices to add character to your landscape. However, these trees are thorny, so take into consideration pedestrian traffic when identifying planting locations. Expect a full grown tree to reach about 25´ x 25´ with a rounded crown and lavender flowers in the late spring. This is a good tree for desert landscapes as it requires low water and works well in full sun locations. Ironwoods are more suceptible to frost damage during the winter months than the other tree options listed below.
	Evergreen Elm - Ulmus parvifolia Evergreen Elm trees create an umbrella like canopy when mature. They are fast growing and typically reach 35x35 in size. They are slightly more susceptible to frost than some other trees, but are hardy down into the low 20s. Evergreen Elms produce green flowers in the spring and need a moderate amount of water and work in full sun locations.
	Live Oak - Quercus virginiana Although native to the southeast, Live Oaks are a common plant here in the desert. Live Oaks produce green flowers in the spring and are one of a few desert trees that can work in turf locations. They also are less susceptible to frost damage than many other desert trees. Live Oaks do require a moderate amount of water and are larger than most desert trees when mature; 40´ x 50´ is their average size so considering the space you have to plant is extremely important with this species.
	Mesquite - Prosopis spp. Mesquite trees are typically fast growing trees that quickly add to the look of the landscape. Because this tree is fast growing, you want to be sure to plant it on an area that can accommodate a tree that grows to an average 30x30 size and has a wide crown. Some varieties of Mesquite have thorns and all produce yellow flowers in the spring. Mesquites tend to need little water and work in areas with reflective heat - a common occurrence around sidewalks and streets.

To learn more about common area planting, request a proposal for plant installation or common areas maintenance, or learn more about DLC Resources, email Rebecca Herro (RebeccaH@dlcresources.com).

For more planting recommendations and information on desert landscape, check out Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert by the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AZMUA).

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