Be Inspired Blog - Arizona
Find the Perfect Tree to Plant This Fall
🌱 Did You Know?
Trees planted in the fall often establish stronger root systems before the following summer, giving them a head start when Arizona's hottest weather returns.
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."
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.
Whether you're dreaming of a cooler backyard, colorful blooms, homegrown fruit, or a beautiful low-water landscape, this quiz will help 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:
- Chinese Elm
- Bonita Ash
- Red Push Pistache
Your best match: Shade Trees
➡ Learn more about our Shade Trees.
🌿 Light, filtered shade with beautiful desert character.
You may enjoy:
- Desert Museum Palo Verde
- Cooper's Mesquite
- Mastic Tree
Your best match: Shade Trees
➡ Learn more about our Shade Trees.
🌿 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:
- Desert Willow
- Chaste Tree
Your best match: Flowering Trees
➡ Explore our Flowering Trees.
🌿 I'd like a tree that offers beauty throughout the year.
Consider:
- Texas Mountain Laurel
- Desert Museum Palo Verde
Your best match: Flowering Trees
➡ Explore our Flowering Trees.
🍋 Question 4
What would you love to harvest?
🍊 Fresh citrus for cooking, drinks and desserts.
Explore our selection of:
- Lemons
- Limes
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Other Citrus Trees
Your best match: Edible Fruit Trees
➡ Browse our Fruit Trees.
🍑 Seasonal favorites from my own backyard.
Explore:
- Peaches
- Apples
- Figs
- Pomegranates
- Other Deciduous Fruit Trees
Your best match: Edible Fruit Trees
➡ Browse our Fruit Trees.
💧 Question 5
Which landscape style appeals to you most?
🌵 A classic Arizona desert landscape.
You may enjoy:
- Desert Museum Palo Verde
- Cooper's Mesquite
- Ironwood
Your best match: Low-Water-Use Trees
➡ Explore our Low-Water-Use Trees.
🌿 Evergreen beauty with minimal water once established.
You may enjoy:
- Mulga
- Arizona Rosewood
- Fruitless Olive
Your best match: Low-Water-Use Trees
➡ Explore our Low-Water-Use Trees.
💧 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.
🌿 Where Should Your Start?
Based on your answers, one of these categories may be the perfect place to start.
☀️ Shade Trees
Ideal if you're looking to create a cooler, more comfortable outdoor space.
Featured favorites:
- Chinese Elm
- Bonita Ash
- Red Push Pistache
- Desert Museum Palo Verde
Explore our complete Shade Tree Guide →
🌸 Flowering Trees
Perfect for adding seasonal beauty and attracting hummingbirds and pollinators.
Featured favorites:
- Desert Willow
- Chaste Tree
- Texas Mountain Laurel
Explore our Flowering Tree Guide →
🍋 Edible Fruit Trees
Enjoy harvesting fresh fruit right from your own backyard.
Whether you're interested in citrus or deciduous fruit trees, you'll find a variety of choices for Arizona gardens.
Explore our Fruit Tree Guide →
💧 Low-Water-Use Trees
Designed for gardeners who want beauty while conserving water.
Featured favorites:
- Desert Museum Palo Verde
- Ironwood
- Mulga
- Arizona Rosewood
- Fruitless Olive
Explore our Low-Water-Use Tree Guide →
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.
Helpful Resources:
- Favorite Trees for the Valley
- Shade Trees
- Flowering Trees
- Low-Water-Use Trees
- Edible Fruit Trees
- How to Plant a Tree (Video)
- Home Delivery Services
At SummerWinds, We Guarantee Success!
