Quick Answer: Best Trees to Plant in Nevada
The best trees to plant in Nevada’s arid climatic conditions are desert willow, eastern redbud, western hackberry, goldenrain tree, thornless honey locust, elderberry, jujubes, kidneywood, Japanese pagoda tree, yew pine, Japanese zelkova, quaking aspen, honey mesquite, ginkgo, and jane magnolia. It is preferable to plant these trees during the fall and early winter months.
Are you looking for the best trees to plant in your Nevada landscapes?
If yes, this informative guide will assist you in narrowing your choices for appropriate trees in Nevada landscapes.
Let us get started!
Contents
- Quick Answer: Best Trees to Plant in Nevada
- Best Trees to Plant in Nevada
- What Is The Easiest Growing Tree In Nevada?
- What Is The Best Time To Plant Trees In Nevada?
- FAQs
- Quick Recap: Top Trees to Plant In Nevada
- Bottom line
Best Trees to Plant in Nevada
Nevada has a desert climate characterized by hot, arid summers and cold winters. So, it is important to choose tree species that can withstand prolonged exposure to intense sunlight and heat.
Here are the best fifteen trees that can adapt to the climatic conditions of Nevada:
1. Desert Willow
Adaptable Tree Of Nevada
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) is a multi-trunk shrub with beautiful pink or white orchid-like flowers that is well-suited to Nevada landscapes.
Why Grow Desert Willow?
Desert Willow is a tough and resilient tree that thrives in Nevada’s climate. It is an ideal choice for smaller yards, attracting hummingbirds and bees with its beautiful flowers.
It is low-maintenance and resistant to many pests and diseases.
Maintenance And Care
Desert willow does well in full sun and well-draining soil.
It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. These trees typically require minimal fertilizer and occasional light pruning to remove dead growth. One of the significant pests is aphids.
The growing and caring guide of desert willow is covered here:
2. Eastern Redbud
Popular Flowering Tree Of Nevada
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a multi-trunk tree with lovely pink blooms that serves as a valuable addition to Nevada gardens.
Why Grow Eastern Redbud?
Eastern Redbud thrives as a specimen tree in Nevada and adds beauty with its spring display.
It adapts well to various soil types and becomes drought-tolerant once established. Its vibrant blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Maintenance And Care
Eastern Redbud flourishes in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. These trees typically require minimal fertilization.
It requires light pruning to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. However, it is susceptible to anthracnose, canker, mealybugs, and spittlebugs.
Check this video for tips on growing eastern redbud from seeds:
3. Western Hackberry
Western hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is a hardy deciduous tree with corky bark and leathery foliage that is well-suited for Nevada’s climate.
Why Grow Western Hackberry
Hackberry is an attractive addition to Nevada yards. It exhibits remarkable tolerance to a wide range of growing conditions, including heat, drought, pollution, strong winds, and salt.
It thrives in urban environments and adapts well to various soil types. Also, its berries serve as a delightful attraction for birds.
Maintenance And Care
Hackberry tolerates full sun and moist, well-drained soils. It can be propagated through seeds and rarely requires fertilizer.
Pruning can be done to shape the central trunk. It can be troubled by hackberry psyllids and spider mites.
Click this video for features and characteristics of hackberry:
4. Goldenrain Tree
Goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) is a dense deciduous tree of Nevada known for its attractive clusters of yellow flowers and reddish-brown fruit.
Why Grow Goldenrain Tree?
Goldenrain tree is a showy accent tree that is suitable for Nevada landscapes. It is not fussy about soil type or pH.
It is tolerant of urban pollution and exhibits resistance to pests and diseases.
Maintenance And Care
Goldenrain tree prefers full sun and thrives in moist, rich, deep, and well-drained soil. It can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, grafting, and layering.
Regular pruning helps remove dead or damaged branches. It may suffer from coral spot fungus, root rot, and cankers.
You may watch this of interested in growing goldenrain tree:
5. Thornless Honey Locust
Thornless Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos inermis) is a fast-growing tree with lacy foliage, fragrant spring flowers, and a graceful habit well-suited for landscape use in Nevada.
Why Grow Thornless Honey Locust?
Honeylocust is easy to grow in Nevada, adapting well to a wide range of soils.
It is used as a shade tree due to its spreading canopy. It exhibits tolerance to various urban stresses, making it perfect for Nevada urban landscapes.
Maintenance And Care
Honeylocust thrives in full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Apply a ring of mulch around the base and prune minimally.
Established trees typically do not require fertilization. It can be susceptible to mites and webworms.
Here is a useful video on growing thornless honey locusts from seeds:
6. Elderberry
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a large, multi-branched shrub or small tree with a compact rounded form, striking foliage, and vibrant berries that is a perfect addition to Nevada landscapes.
Why Grow Elderberry?
Elderberry is easy to grow and can be cultivated as ornamental plants in Nevada.
It can tolerate occasional drought conditions. Also, it is generally not prone to significant pest or disease issues.
Maintenance And Care
Elderberry thrives in moist, well-drained, and sunny locations. It can be cross-pollinated by planting different cultivars.
It typically doesn’t require fertilizers. Young plants benefit from hard pruning.
It may occasionally be susceptible to powdery mildew, canker, and leaf spot diseases.
The complete growing guide of elderberry is covered here:
7. Jujube
Jujubes (Ziziphus jujube) are small, deciduous trees with branches that grow in a zig-zag pattern and stone fruits that can thrive in Nevada landscapes.
Why Grow Jujube?
Jujubes are hardy and long-lived trees that can adapt to Nevada’s climate. It exhibits excellent drought tolerance and can withstand a wide range of temperatures.
It is undemanding when it comes to soil pH or type, and y is generally free from significant pests or diseases.
Maintenance And Care
Jujubes do well in full sun and require well-drained spots with a spacing of at least 10-15 feet apart.
It can be propagated through seeds or root sprouts. It can be troubled by rust, anthracnose, fruit rots, and witches-broom.
Click this video for growing and harvesting jujube:
8. Kidneywood
Kidneywood (Eysenhardtia orthocarpa) is a large shrub with fine-textured foliage and fragrant white flowers that adds beauty to Nevada yards.
Why Grow Kidneywood?
Kidneywood is well-suited to Nevada’s climate. Its blossoms attract butterflies, wasps, and bees, enhancing the beauty of the landscape.
It is tolerant of sun, reflected heat, drought, poor soils, and cold temperatures. It is bothered by fewer pests and diseases.
Maintenance And Care
Kidneywood prefers full sun to light shade and slightly moist conditions. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Regular pruning helps maintain a compact growth form. Spider mites, aphids, and scales are common pests that attack these trees.
Click this video for additional information on growing Texas kidneywood:
9. Japanese Pagoda Tree
Japanese Pagoda (Styphnolobium japonicum) is a medium-sized deciduous flowering tree that is well-suited for Nevada’s urban settings.
Why Grow Japanese Pagoda Tree?
Japanese Pagoda is an ornamental tree with ease of growth and maintenance. Once established, it exhibits tolerance to heat and drought, making it suitable for Nevada’s climate.
It provides shade for the yard and is generally trouble-free.
Maintenance And Care
Japanese Pagoda grows well in loamy, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Supplemental fertilizer may be beneficial for optimal growth.
Pruning is best done in late fall or early winter. It is prone to Japanese beetles, aphids, and scales.
Here is a video for additional information on growing Japanese pagoda:
10. Yew Pine
Yew pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus) is a narrow, upright, evergreen tree that serves well as a hedge, screen, or background plant in Nevada landscapes.
Why Grow Yew Pine?
Yew pine is an attractive tree that adds beauty to Nevada gardens. Its compact form makes it suitable for bonsai gardening.
It is adaptable to various planting conditions and free from serious pest or disease issues.
Maintenance And Care
Yew pine does well in bright light to light shade and well-drained soil. It can be propagated through seeds and hardwood cuttings.
During the growing season, regular fertilization with liquid fertilizer is recommended. It may develop scale infestation and chlorosis.
11. Japanese Zelkova
Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata) is a deciduous tree with an attractive vase-shaped form and rounded umbrella-like habit that adds aesthetic appeal to Nevada yards.
Why Grow Japanese Zelkova?
Japanese Zelkova in Nevada offers a showy display that enhances landscape beauty. This cold-hardy tree requires minimal care and provides ample shade.
It adapts well to various soil types, tolerates drought conditions, and can withstand urban pollution.
Maintenance And Care
Japanese Zelkova grows well in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
This tree generally does not require supplemental fertilizer. It can be troubled by aphids and scale.
Here is a beginner’s guide for planting Japanese zelkova:
12. Quaking Aspen
Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) is a medium-sized deciduous tree with light-colored bark and golden fall color that is well-suited for Nevada yards.
Why Grow Quaking Aspen?
Quaking Aspen is a cold-hardy tree that adds ornamental value to landscapes with its beautiful golden-yellow foliage.
It requires little care once established. It also serves as important habitat for migratory birds and smaller animals.
Maintenance And Care
Quaking Aspen grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. Feed with a complete fertilizer in early spring.
Prune during dormancy to remove dead or diseased branches. However, pay attention to potential issues such as poplar borers and powdery mildew.
Check out this link for features on growing quaking aspen:
13. Honey Mesquite
Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) is a commonly grown deciduous tree in Nevada that is often cultivated as a multi-trunk specimen.
Why Grow Honey Mesquite?
Honey Mesquite is a fast-growing tree that adds ornamental value to Nevada yards. Once established, it exhibits excellent drought tolerance.
It is commonly grown as a shade tree and is generally free from significant pest and disease issues.
Maintenance And Care
Honey Mesquite prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It can be propagated through root division and cuttings.
Pruning during the early stages helps shape the tree into a single trunk form. Pay attention to borers, mesquite bugs, and mesquite twig girdlers that attack these trees.
You may watch this video for tips on growing honey mesquite from seeds:
14. Ginkgo
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a large broadleaf deciduous tree with a pyramid shape and fan-shaped leaves that is a perfect addition to Nevada landscapes.
Why Grow Ginkgo?
Ginkgo is commonly grown as a specimen tree in Nevada landscapes for its stunning golden fall color. It is not demanding of soil types and exhibits tolerance to salt and pollution.
It is resistant to many pests and diseases.
Maintenance And Care
Ginkgo thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained sandy soil. It can be propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Feed annually with a balanced fertilizer and prune young ginkgo trees to establish a single leader. Loopers may occasionally feed the foliage.
The guide to growing ginkgo from seeds is covered here:
15. Jane Magnolia
Jane Magnolia (Magnolia liliflora) is a popular flowering tree in Nevada that is commonly grown as a multi-branched shrub, adorned with magnificent spring blossoms.
Why Grow Jane Magnolia?
Jane Magnolia is a cold-hardy tree that adds beauty to Nevada landscapes. It requires minimal care and readily adapts to different soil types.
It exhibits moderate drought tolerance and is relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
Maintenance And Care
Jane Magnolia grows well in a sunny spot with well-draining, slightly acidic soil. It can be propagated through cuttings.
Pruning before the blooming period in spring helps remove damaged branches. It can be troubled by powdery mildew and leaf spots.
Check out this video for detailed information on growing Jane magnolia in a compact garden:
What Is The Easiest Growing Tree In Nevada?
The easiest-growing tree in Nevada is the desert willow.
Desert willow can easily adapt to the arid climatic conditions of Nevada. It is fast-growing that adds color and fragrance to the backyard providing a pop of color.
Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller yards. It needs minimal care once established. It is bothered by fewer pests and disease issues.
Also, it provides shade and attracts birds and bees to your yard. The other trees that can be grown with minimal care are eastern redbud and western hackberry.
What Is The Best Time To Plant Trees In Nevada?
The best time to plant trees in Nevada is during the fall and early winter months. The soil is still warm and prevents the trees from suffering transplant stress.
The fall-planted trees will focus on establishing the trees before winter cold sets in. Avoid planting in summer as the trees may lose their leaves due to transplant shock when the temperatures are over 90oF.
Plant the trees in the planting hole at least two or three times the width of the container or root ball.
FAQs
The trees suitable for Las Vegas landscapes are palms, tipu, Indian Laurel columns, mesquite, and flowering plum. These trees can thrive in challenging Las Vegas weather and create shade, privacy, produce oxygen, and attracts birds to your yard.
The official state tree of Nevada is the bristlecone pine. The singleleaf pinyon pine is also the official tree that grows edible pine nuts. Both trees are small to medium size and well-suited to the desert-like conditions.
Yes, different evergreen trees, including Degroot’s arborvitae, emerald green arborvitae, western red cedar, fir, arcadia juniper, blue arrow juniper, Austrian pine, Bosnian pine, bristlecone pine, western white pine, ponderosa pine, and giant sequoia. These are excellent as a specimen or group plantings.
Quick Recap: Top Trees to Plant In Nevada
Here is a quick recap of the top trees that can adapt to Nevada’s growing conditions:
| Trees | Why Grow? |
|---|---|
| Desert willow | 1. Tough and resilient tree of Nevada with easy care 2. Resistant to many pests and diseases |
| Eastern redbud | 1. Popular and easy-to-grow flowering tree 2. Adapts to different soil types and pH conditions |
| Western hackberry | 1. Adapts to urban growing conditions 2. Hardy and attractive addition to Nevada landscapes |
| Goldenrain tree | 1. Drought tolerant and urban air pollution 2. Resilient and resistant to many pests and diseases |
| Honeylocust | 1. Adaptable to various urban stresses 2. Easy to grow and plant in Nevada’s climate |
| Elderberry | 1. Easy to grow small tree suitable for Nevada’s climate 2. Bothered by fewer pests and diseases |
| Jujubes | 1. Hardy and long-lived landscape tree of Nevada 2. Adapt to a wide range of temperatures |
| kidneywood | 1. Suitable for smaller spaces 2. Tolerant of sun, heat, drought, and poor soil |
| Japanese pagoda | 1. Both are ornamental and provide shade 2. Trouble-free and suitable for the urban environment |
| Yew pine | 1. Adaptable to different planting conditions 2. Suitable for smaller yards |
| Japanese zelkova | 1. Withstands urban pollution and tolerates drought 2. Requires minimal care and provides shade |
| Quaking aspen | 1. Requires little care once established 2. Cold-hardy and attracts migratory birds to the yard |
| Honey Mesquite | 1. Adds ornamental value to the yard 2. Tolerates drought and is resilient |
| Ginkgo | 1. Resistant to urban pollution and salt spray 2. Easy care and adds landscape beauty |
| Jane Magnolia | 1. Cold hardy and adaptable to different soil types 2. Bothered by fewer pests and diseases |
Bottom line
I hope that this guide has offered you numerous insights to assist you in selecting the ideal trees for your Nevada landscapes.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any inquiries or questions. I will do my best to respond promptly.
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