Be Inspired Blog - Arizona
Find the Perfect Tree to Plant This Fall
Take Our Arizona Tree Finder Quiz
There's wisdom in the old Chinese proverb: "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now."
🌱 Did You Know?
Fall is one of the best times to plant trees in the greater Phoenix area. As temperatures begin to cool, newly planted trees have the opportunity to establish strong root systems before next summer's heat arrives.
No matter what time of year it is, it's never too early or late to discover the perfect tree for your home... Whether you're dreaming of a cooler backyard, colorful blooms, homegrown fruit, or a beautiful low-water landscape, this quiz will help you find the perfect tree for your Arizona yard.
🌳 Question 1
Imagine it's five years from now. What would make you happiest every time you step into your backyard?
🌞 A. Relaxing in cool afternoon shade
➡ Go to Question 2.
🌸 B. Seeing beautiful flowers each season
➡ Go to Question 3.
🍋 C. Harvesting fresh fruit from my own tree
➡ Go to Question 4.
💧 D. Enjoying a beautiful, water-wise landscape
➡ Go to Question 5.
🌞 Question 2
How much shade are you hoping your tree will provide?
🌳 Lots of shade for my home, patio or backyard.
You may enjoy a Chinese Elm, Bonita Ash or Red Push Pistache Tree.
🌿 Light, filtered shade with beautiful desert character.
You may enjoy a Desert Museum Palo Verde, Cooper's Mesquite or Mastic Tree.
➡ Your best match? Learn more about our Shade Trees.
Shade trees are ideal if you're looking to create a cooler, more comfortable outdoor space.
🌿 Garden Advisor Tip
Think about the mature size of your tree—not just how it will look today. A little planning now can help ensure it has plenty of room to grow and provide years of beauty and shade.
🌸 Question 3
Which best describes your style?
🌺 I love colorful blooms that attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators.
You may enjoy a Vitex (Chaste tree) or Bottlebrush tree, both known for their vibrant flowers and ability to attract pollinators throughout the blooming season.
🌿 I'd like a flowering tree that provides beauty beyond its blooms.
You may want to consider a Desert Willow, which produces beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers from late spring through fall, or a Texas Mountain Laurel, prized for its fragrant clusters of rich purple spring flowers and attractive evergreen foliage.
➡ Your best match? Explore our Flowering Trees and Tree Favorites for the Valley.
Flowering trees add seasonal color, attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, and create beautiful focal points in Arizona landscapes.
🍋 Question 4
What would you love to harvest?
🍊 Fresh citrus for cooking, drinks and desserts.
Explore our selection of Lemons, Limes, Oranges, Grapefruit, and other Citrus Trees.
🍑 Seasonal favorites from my own backyard.
Explore Peaches, Apples, Figs, Pomegranates, and other Deciduous Fruit Trees.
➡ Your best match? Browse our Edible Fruit Trees.
Whether you're interested in citrus or deciduous fruit trees, you'll find a variety of choices, available seasonally, for Arizona gardens.
💧 Question 5
Which landscape style appeals to you most?
🌵 A classic Arizona desert landscape.
You may enjoy a Desert Museum Palo Verde, Cooper's Mesquite or Ironwood Tree.
🌿 Evergreen beauty with minimal water once established.
You may enjoy a Mulga, Arizona Rosewood or Fruitless Olive Tree.
➡ Your best match? Explore our Low-Water-Use Trees.
Low-water-use trees are the perfect choice for gardeners who want beauty while conserving water.
💧 Garden Advisor Tip
Even low-water-use trees need regular watering while they become established. Once their root systems are developed, many require much less supplemental water.
🌿Before You Choose Your Tree...
Every yard is unique. Before planting, take a few minutes to consider:
- How much mature height and width will the tree need?
- Will it be planted in full sun or partial shade?
- Is it far enough from your home, pool, sidewalks, walls and utility lines?
- Are you looking for dense shade or light, filtered shade?
- Would you enjoy flowers, fruit, evergreen foliage or seasonal fall color?
- How much watering and maintenance are you comfortable with?
Taking a little time to plan now can help ensure you'll enjoy your tree for many years to come.
Need Help Choosing?
Our Trusted Garden Advisors are happy to help you select a tree that's well-suited to your landscape, gardening goals and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for cooling shade, seasonal color, fresh-picked fruit or a beautiful low-water landscape, we'll help you find the right tree for your space.
