15 Best Shade Trees For Backyard

The Arizona summers bring both extreme heat and sunlight. If you’re looking for some of the best trees for your backyard, consider these trees below.

1. Ironwood

Growing exclusively in the Sonoran Desert, the Ironwood trees know exactly how to flourish in Arizona. These trees are actually some of the oldest found in the desert, dating back over 1,200 years.

As the weather warms up across the valley, Lavender flowers will spring from the trees. They can stand up to 45-feet tall.

2. Arizona Rosewood

The Arizona Rosewood is one tree that will not shed in your yard. It will also never grow too large that you’ll have to worry about it stretching past your property line.

The Rosewood will produce small white flowers during springtime.

3. Arizona Cypress

This drought-tolerant tree is native to the southwestern U.S. so it is used to dealing with the extreme heat. Homeowners commonly choose this type of tree for several reasons, including the fact that it does not shed a lot.

It provides shade, can break up wind patterns, and can also be utilized as a Christmas tree. The Cypress needs at least six hours of sunlight each day and it can grow up to 50-feet tall.

4. Willow Acacia

This is an Australian tree that has recently made a home in Arizona. Growing fast and narrow, this tree is ideal for homeowners without a ton of yard space.

These trees can grow up to 30-feet tall and will produce flowers come spring.

5. Palo Verde

Homeowners will notice these trees all across the valley as they stay green year-round. From the trunk all the way to the branches, the palo verde remains green in color.

It is one of the most drought-tolerant trees available as it needs no supplemental water supply to survive.

6. Tipu

This fast-growing tree can reach heights up to 40-50 feet in just a few years’ time.

The Tipu is well known for its showy flowers and foliage, which makes it an attractive addition to any backyard.

7. Majestic Ash

Majestic Ash is one of the largest trees you’ll find for shade in the desert. This tree is capable of reaching up to 70 feet in height.

The Majestic Ash features a wide-spreading canopy and is quite tolerant of many different soil types and conditions.

8. Raywood Ash

This tree is similar in size to the Shumard Oak, with maximum heights of 40-60 feet within reach. The Raywood Ash has dark green leaves that turn red, yellow, and orange during the fall.

For those looking to add more color to their landscape, the Raywood Ash is an excellent choice.

9. Southern Live Oak

While slow growing, this tree can eventually reach a maximum height of 50 feet.

This tree is a smart choice for both small and large yards due to its ability to provide optimal shade.

10. Shumard Oak

The Shumard Oak is considered a large tree, growing up to 60 feet tall.

Larger yards are ideal for these trees as they provide ample shade for expansive outdoor living areas.

11. Ficus Nitida

For homeowners looking for shade quickly, the Ficus Nitida is a good pick. These trees can grow between 35-45 feet tall.

This tree is relatively drought-tolerant and can withstand low temperatures during the winter.

12. Chinese ‘True Green’ Elm

The Chinese ‘True Green’ Elm tree is viewed as a more compact option.

This tree typically grows up to 25-40 feet tall, featuring a beautiful spreading canopy.

13. Fruitless Olive

Another larger shade tree, the Fruitless Olive stands about 30-feet tall.

This tree is often characterized by its oval-shaped canopy and drought-resistance.

14. Chilean Thornless Mesquite

This is another great option for homeowners looking to add a smaller shade tree. It not only stands 20-35 feet tall, it can also spread up to 30 feet in length.

Its deep green leaves can offer the prefect privacy hedges.

15. Desert Museum Palo Verde

One of the most unique trees on the list, the Palo Verde has bright green trunk and branches, paired with yellow flowers.

Homeowners can expect this tree to grow to 25-feet tall in full sun conditions.