{"id":55728,"date":"2022-08-28T01:48:33","date_gmt":"2022-08-28T04:48:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=55728"},"modified":"2025-07-29T16:32:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T19:32:11","slug":"best-drought-tolerant-trees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/best-drought-tolerant-trees\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Best Drought-Tolerant Trees by Region"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Drought-tolerant trees lose their edge when planted in unsuitable conditions. Choose cold-hardy species like bur oak for the North, heat-tolerant trees like palo verde and mesquite for the Southwest, and resilient trees like Japanese pagoda or Amur maackia for the temperate zone.<\/p>    <p>This guide features the best drought-resistant trees by region and hardiness zone. Whether you\u2019re gardening in Texas, California, the Midwest or the Northeast, these drought-tolerant trees will thrive in your climate zone.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-2950db5a-35eb-43e8-8cce-4bec0ce88e3f\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article about drought-resistant trees, we cover:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/best-drought-tolerant-trees\/#0-cold-hardy-drought-tolerant-trees-zones-3-5\" style=\"\">Cold-Hardy Drought-Tolerant Trees (Zones 3-5)<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/best-drought-tolerant-trees\/#5-temperate-zone-drought-tolerant-trees-zones-6-8\" style=\"\">Temperate Zone Drought-Tolerant Trees (Zones 6-8)<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/best-drought-tolerant-trees\/#10-western-and-southwestern-drought-tolerant-trees-zones-8-11\" style=\"\">Western and Southwestern Drought-Tolerant Trees (Zones 8-11)<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/best-drought-tolerant-trees\/#23-faq\" style=\"\">FAQ<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>To help your trees stay healthy and better withstand drought stress, hire a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/tree-care\">LawnStarter tree care pro<\/a> to prune them. Our pros charge an average of <strong>$238 per job for light tree pruning<\/strong>.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"618\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/USDA-Plant-hardiness-map-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map\" class=\"wp-image-135356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/USDA-Plant-hardiness-map-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/USDA-Plant-hardiness-map-1-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/USDA-Plant-hardiness-map-1-656x507.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/USDA-Plant-hardiness-map-1-150x116.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/USDA-Plant-hardiness-map-1-768x593.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/system\/files\/National_Map_FZ_8x11_HS_300.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USDA<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-cold-hardy-drought-tolerant-trees-zones-3-5\">Cold-Hardy Drought-Tolerant Trees (Zones 3-5)<\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-1-bur-oak-quercus-macrocarpa-\">1. Bur Oak (<em>Quercus macrocarpa<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Quercus-macrocarpa.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Quercus macrocarpa tree in a park\" class=\"wp-image-135357\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Quercus-macrocarpa.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Quercus-macrocarpa-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Quercus-macrocarpa-656x492.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Quercus-macrocarpa-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Quercus-macrocarpa-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Quercus_macrocarpa_(Lviv,_Bandery,_12)_(3).JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MSha<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>The bur oak is a champion of shade and resilience \u2014 this massive tree, with a wide, dense canopy, handles brutal northern winters and southern heat waves, surviving on just 15 inches of rain per year. It\u2019s the ideal drought-tolerant shade tree for large backyards and parks.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 3-8<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions Full sun. Prefers well-drained soils. Tolerates compacted, poor soil.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Deciduous<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 50-80 feet tall, 40-60 feet wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-2-kentucky-coffeetree-gymnocladus-dioicus-\">2. Kentucky Coffeetree (<em>Gymnocladus dioicus<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gymnocladus-dioicus.jpeg?wsr\" alt=\"A Kentucky coffeetree with dense green foliage and clusters of large, hanging seed pods\" class=\"wp-image-135364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gymnocladus-dioicus.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gymnocladus-dioicus-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gymnocladus-dioicus-656x437.jpeg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gymnocladus-dioicus-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gymnocladus-dioicus-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/kentucky-coffeetree-gymnocladus-dioicus\/285013300\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">nickkurzenko<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Unlike bur oak, the shade Kentucky coffeetree casts is light and airy, allowing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/best-ground-covers-for-shade\/\">shade-tolerant ground covers<\/a> to grow underneath. This climate-resilient tree excels in urban landscaping due to its ability to tolerate poor soil, air pollution, and heat.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 3-8<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun. Well-drained, moist sandy loams or silty clays.<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Deciduous<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 60-75 feet high, 40-50 feet wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-3-hackberry-celtis-occidentalis-\">3. Hackberry (<em>Celtis occidentalis<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Celtis-occidentalis-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Celtis occidentalis tree in a yard\" class=\"wp-image-135362\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Celtis-occidentalis-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Celtis-occidentalis-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Celtis-occidentalis-1-656x492.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Celtis-occidentalis-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Celtis-occidentalis-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/74738817@N07\/37827711824\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Andreas Rockstein<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Native to 80% of the United States, the hackberry thrives with just 14 inches of rainfall per year and tolerates <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-fix-compacted-soil\/\">compacted soil<\/a>, flooding, salt, wind, and ice. It shelters and feeds over 45 species of caterpillars and 25 species of birds, making it a smart pick for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/turn-your-yard-certified-wildlife-habitat\/\">wildlife habitat certification<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 2-9&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade. Prefers well-drained, alkaline soil. Tolerates drought and flooding.<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Deciduous<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 40-60 feet tall and wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-4-honeylocust-gleditsia-triacanthos-var-inermis-\">4. Honeylocust (<em>Gleditsia triacanthos <\/em>var.<em> inermis<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"535\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gleditsia-triacanthos-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Gleditsia triacanthos tree in a garden\" class=\"wp-image-135379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gleditsia-triacanthos-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gleditsia-triacanthos-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gleditsia-triacanthos-1-656x439.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gleditsia-triacanthos-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Gleditsia-triacanthos-1-768x514.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/flamingparrot\/9067624636\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jean Jones<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Honeylocust is a cold-hardy, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/fast-growing-shade-trees\/\">fast-growing shade tree<\/a> that gains 2 feet annually and can withstand harsh winter cold down to -30 F. Out on the Great Plains, this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/best-wind-resistant-trees\/\">wind-resistant tree<\/a> makes an excellent windbreak, standing firm when storms roll through.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 3-10<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun. Moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates poor and compacted soils.<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Deciduous<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 40-70 feet high, 30-50 feet wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-temperate-zone-drought-tolerant-trees-zones-6-8\">Temperate Zone Drought-Tolerant Trees (Zones 6-8)<\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-1-japanese-pagoda-tree-sophora-japonica-\">1. Japanese Pagoda Tree (<em>Sophora japonica<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sophora-japonica.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Sophora japonica tree in a garden\" class=\"wp-image-135371\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sophora-japonica.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sophora-japonica-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sophora-japonica-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sophora-japonica-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sophora-japonica-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Sophora_japonica_JPG2Aa.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jean-Pol GRANDMONT<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>This drought- and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/best-disease-resistant-trees\/\">disease-resistant tree<\/a> is a gorgeous bee magnet I recommend for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/build-bee-lawn-pollinators\/\">bee-friendly lawns<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-build-pollinator-garden\/\">pollinator gardens<\/a>. At the end of the season, when many trees and flowers wilt and fade, Japanese pagoda trees bloom with fragrant white flowers, providing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/ways-you-can-help-save-bees\/\">late-season pollen for hungry bees<\/a> and insects.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 4-8<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun. Well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Tolerates poor and compacted soil.<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Deciduous<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 50-75 feet high and wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-2-chinese-pistache-pistacia-chinensis-\">2. Chinese Pistache (<em>Pistacia chinensis<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chinese-Pistache.jpeg?wsr\" alt=\"A Chinese pistache tree glowing with brilliant autumn foliage, showcasing a fiery mix of red, orange, and golden-yellow leaves.\" class=\"wp-image-135369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chinese-Pistache.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chinese-Pistache-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chinese-Pistache-656x438.jpeg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chinese-Pistache-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chinese-Pistache-768x513.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/chinese-pistachio\/361671956\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tonic Ray Sonic<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>With its medium size and moderate growth rate, which make it ideal for home landscapes, the Chinese pistache is far from average. This tough, drought-tolerant, and pest-free tree can adapt to a variety of conditions, from temperate to tropical zones, lighting up yards with fiery-red fall color \u2014 a perfect fit for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-xeriscaping\/\">xeriscaping<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/gardening-2\/how-to-create-shade-garden\/\">shade gardens<\/a> alike.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 6-9<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun. Moist, well-draining soil.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Deciduous<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 30-35 feet high, 20-30 feet wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-3-crape-myrtle-lagerstroemia-indica-\">3. Crape Myrtle (<em>Lagerstroemia indica<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Crape-myrtle.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"closeup of Crape myrtle tree\" class=\"wp-image-133751\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Crape-myrtle.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Crape-myrtle-300x240.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Crape-myrtle-656x525.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Crape-myrtle-150x120.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Crape-myrtle-768x614.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Lagerstroemia_indica_%27Tuscarora%27.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tortie tude<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC0 1.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>For maximum visual impact with minimal water needs, choose crape myrtle. This gorgeous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/flowering-trees-to-transform-your-yard\/\">flowering tree<\/a> delivers year-round beauty with vibrant blooms in the summer, orange-to-purple leaves in the fall, and a tan to cinnamon exfoliating bark that reveals itself in the winter.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 7-9<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun. Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Deciduous<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 6-30 feet high and wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-4-amur-maackia-maackia-amurensis-\">4. Amur Maackia (<em>Maackia amurensis<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Maackia-amurensis.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Maackia amurensis tree in a garden\" class=\"wp-image-135372\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Maackia-amurensis.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Maackia-amurensis-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Maackia-amurensis-656x492.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Maackia-amurensis-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Maackia-amurensis-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Maackia_amurensis.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bruce Marlin<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Maackia_amurensis.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Seattle\u2019s urban forestry program describes Amur maackia as a \u201csmall, tough, and urban-tolerant tree.\u201d This compact powerhouse suits modern landscapes where space is limited but drought tolerance is essential. Cold-hardy and nitrogen-fixing, it enriches poor soil for more sensitive species.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 3-7<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Well-drained, average moisture.<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Deciduous<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 20-30 feet high and wide (in cultivation)<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-western-and-southwestern-drought-tolerant-trees-zones-8-11\">Western and Southwestern Drought-Tolerant Trees (Zones 8-11)<\/h2>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-1-olive-tree-olea-europaea-\">1. Olive Tree (<em>Olea europaea<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Olea-europaea.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Olea europaea tree in a field\" class=\"wp-image-135370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Olea-europaea.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Olea-europaea-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Olea-europaea-656x467.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Olea-europaea-150x107.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Olea-europaea-768x546.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/160707757@N08\/54150726272\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Miguel Angel Masegosa<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>I\u2019ve noticed an increased trend towards Mediterranean-style landscaping in drought-prone areas, and the olive tree fits right in. These drought-tolerant fruit trees showcase an elegant, sculptured trunk, silvery-green foliage, fragrant flowers, and produce tasty olives perfect for marinating.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 8-10<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun. Well-drained soil. Tolerates poor, rocky, and alkaline soils.<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Evergreen<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 20-30 feet high and wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-2-palo-verde-parkinsonia-spp\">2. Palo Verde (<em>Parkinsonia <\/em>spp.)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Palo-verde.jpeg\" alt=\"Palo verde tree during springtime with yellow crown\" class=\"wp-image-135368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Palo-verde.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Palo-verde-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Palo-verde-656x437.jpeg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Palo-verde-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Palo-verde-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/palo-verde-tree-during-springtime-with-yellow-crown\/597336886\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">adam<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Palo verde is the Superman of small desert trees. Native to the Sonoran desert, it tolerates scorching temperatures above 100 F and thrives with just 3 to 20 inches of water per year. Its secret power? Palo verde limits water loss by shading its leaves and uses its chlorophyll-rich green bark for photosynthesis.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 8-11<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun. Well-drained soil. Tolerates poor, alkaline, and sandy soil.<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Deciduous.<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 10-50 feet high, 20-30 feet wide.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-3-texas-ebony-ebenopsis-ebano-\">3. Texas Ebony (<em>Ebenopsis ebano<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Texas-ebony-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"closeup of Texas ebony plant\" class=\"wp-image-111032\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Texas-ebony-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Texas-ebony-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Texas-ebony-1-646x430.jpg 646w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Texas-ebony-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Texas-ebony-1-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Ebenopsis_Ebano,_Matamoros.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mart\u00ednezFlores<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Texas ebony\u2019s dense, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/tree-shapes-for-your-yard\/\">rounded crown<\/a> makes it a great shade tree for resting areas like patios or decks. Pair it with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-grasses\/\">drought-tolerant grasses<\/a> and flowering plants for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-drought-tolerant-landscaping\/\">water-wise landscape<\/a>, but keep it away from swimming pools \u2014 it drops seedheads and pollen.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 8-11<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun to partial sun. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Evergreen<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 30 feet tall and wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-4-desert-willow-chilopsis-linearis-\">4. Desert Willow (<em>Chilopsis linearis<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chilopsis-linearis.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Chilopsis linearis tree in a garden\" class=\"wp-image-135360\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chilopsis-linearis.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chilopsis-linearis-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chilopsis-linearis-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chilopsis-linearis-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Chilopsis-linearis-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Chilopsis_linearis_%27Timeless_Beauty%27_kz2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>The Arbor Day Foundation calls it \u201cthe tree that blooms in drought.\u201d When other plants wilt under the summer heat, this drought-resistant tree blooms pink orchid-like flowers, making it one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/best-xeriscaping-plants\/\">best xeriscaping plants<\/a> for colorful gardens.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 7-11<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun. Prefers well-draining soil, neutral to alkaline.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Deciduous.<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 15-30 feet tall, 15-25 feet wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>To ensure your trees grow healthy and drought-resilient, hire a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/tree-care\">LawnStarter tree care pro<\/a> to plant them. Our pros charge, on average,<strong> $180 per job to<\/strong> <strong>plant shrubs and small trees.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-5-mesquite-prosopis-spp\">5. Mesquite (<em>Prosopis <\/em>spp.)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Mesquite.jpeg?wsr\" alt=\"A mesquite tree branch bearing slender, feathery leaves and bright yellow, fuzzy catkin-like flower clusters against a clear blue sky\" class=\"wp-image-135373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Mesquite.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Mesquite-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Mesquite-656x437.jpeg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Mesquite-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Mesquite-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/golden-spring-earrings-of-arizona-mesquite-tree\/83266673\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EuToch<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Mesquites boast massive root systems that conquer drought, spreading 50 feet wide in central Texas or diving deep into the Sonoran desert soil to tap underground water. These drought-tolerant trees stabilize soil and provide habitat and food for wildlife in harsh, arid locations.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 6-11<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun. Well-drained soil.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Deciduous<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 20-30 feet tall, and 30 feet wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-6-cork-oak-quercus-suber-\">6. Cork Oak (<em>Quercus suber<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Quercus-suber.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Quercus suber tree in a field\" class=\"wp-image-135363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Quercus-suber.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Quercus-suber-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Quercus-suber-656x436.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Quercus-suber-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Quercus-suber-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Quercus_suber_JPG1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jean-Pol GRANDMONT<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Salt-tolerant, drought-resistant, and able to withstand up to 104 F, the cork oak is an ideal landscape tree for the southwestern United States and the coastal climate zones. Its thick bark provides fire protection and regenerates if peeled off, trapping huge amounts of carbon dioxide in the process.&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 7-10<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun. Acidic, dry to medium, well-drained soil.<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Evergreen<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 70-100 feet tall and wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17-7-manzanita-arctostaphylos-spp\">7. Manzanita (<em>Arctostaphylos <\/em>spp.)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Manzanita-1-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"closeup of Manzanita tree\" class=\"wp-image-135376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Manzanita-1-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Manzanita-1-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Manzanita-1-1-656x492.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Manzanita-1-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Manzanita-1-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/seligmanwaite\/4422603575\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">seligmanwaite<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>This tree\u2019s pest control method is mind-blowing. Every summer, it sheds the old bark (infested or not) and transforms into a work of art, revealing smooth, sculpted trunks ranging from rich mahogany and orange to red, maroon, and nearly black. Place it among <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/best-drought-tolerant-shrubs\/\">drought-tolerant shrubs<\/a> to create eye-catching contrasts.\u00a0<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 7-10<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun to part sun. Well-drained, infertile soil.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Evergreen<\/li>    <li>Mature size: Up to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18-8-california-pepper-tree-schinus-molle-\">8. California Pepper Tree (<em>Schinus molle<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/California-Pepper-tree-2.jpeg?wsr\" alt=\"A California pepper tree with long, drooping branches, narrow, feathery leaves, and clusters of small red peppercorn-like berries hanging gracefully.\" class=\"wp-image-135367\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/California-Pepper-tree-2.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/California-Pepper-tree-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/California-Pepper-tree-2-656x437.jpeg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/California-Pepper-tree-2-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/California-Pepper-tree-2-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/branch-of-schinus-molle-with-leaves-and-mature-fruits-american-false-or-rose-pepper-bright-pepper-peppercorn-or-california-tree-peruvian-peppertree-escobilla-molle-del-peru-canary-islands\/1143005385\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Avalepsap<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Native to dry South American regions, the California pepper tree knows how to handle drought. Its deep roots find groundwater while its narrow, feathery leaves conserve moisture. This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/best-drought-tolerant-perennials\/\">drought-tolerant perennial<\/a> works well as a centerpiece and privacy screen.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 8-11<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun to part shade. Well-draining soil.<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Evergreen<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 25-40 feet tall and wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"19-9-coast-live-oak-quercus-agrifolia-\">9. Coast Live Oak (<em>Quercus agrifolia<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Coast-Live-Oak.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Coast Live Oak tree in a garden\" class=\"wp-image-135366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Coast-Live-Oak.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Coast-Live-Oak-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Coast-Live-Oak-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Coast-Live-Oak-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Coast-Live-Oak-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Quercus_agrifolia.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ArtemesiaTridentat<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Standing out as the only native oak that thrives near the ocean, this majestic tree is not only drought-hardy and salt-tolerant, but it creates its own bustling ecosystem. Over 270 species rely on the coast live oak for shelter and acorns, while its fallen leaves enrich the soil (making tree fertilizers unnecessary).<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 9-11<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Prefers deep, well-draining loam.<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Evergreen<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 30-80 feet high and wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"20-10-sweet-acacia-vachellia-farnesiana-\">10. Sweet Acacia (<em>Vachellia farnesiana<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Vachellia-farnesiana-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"closeup photo of Vachellia farnesiana tree\" class=\"wp-image-135378\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Vachellia-farnesiana-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Vachellia-farnesiana-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Vachellia-farnesiana-1-656x492.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Vachellia-farnesiana-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Vachellia-farnesiana-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Vachellia_farnesiana_kz04.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Sweet acacia is tough enough to thrive in the sandy soils of the Southwestern deserts and perfect for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/what-is-a-sensory-garden\/\">sensory gardens<\/a> aiming to conserve water. Late winter to early spring, its canopy fills with golden, puffball-like flowers that release a warm, honey fragrance and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-attract-birds-to-your-yard\/\">attract joyful songbirds<\/a>.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 9-11<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun. Well-draining, dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or calcareous soil.<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Semi-evergreen<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 8-15 feet high, 5-10 feet wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"21-11-strawberry-tree-arbutus-unedo-\">11. Strawberry Tree (<em>Arbutus unedo<\/em>)<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"582\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Arbutus-unedo-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Arbutus unedo tree in a garden\" class=\"wp-image-135359\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Arbutus-unedo-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Arbutus-unedo-1-300x218.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Arbutus-unedo-1-656x477.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Arbutus-unedo-1-150x109.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Arbutus-unedo-1-768x559.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Arbutus_unedo_in_Golden_Valley_Tree_Park,_May_2022_01.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Calistemon<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Increasingly popular on the West Coast and warm southern regions, this evergreen tolerates drought, salt, and poor soil and is a four-season delight. With persistent leaves, white bell-shaped fall flowers and small edible berries (sweet when reddish), it adds vibrant colors to both coastal and inland gardens.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 7-10<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Well-drained sandy, loamy to clay soils<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Evergreen<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 13-23 feet high, 5-20 feet wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"22-12-blue-palo-verde-parkinsonia-florida-\">12. Blue Palo Verde (<em>Parkinsonia florida<\/em>)&nbsp;<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Blue-Palo-Verde-1-1.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A daytime moon peeks through a clear blue sky above blooming Blue Palo Verde trees with vibrant yellow flowers\" class=\"wp-image-135361\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Blue-Palo-Verde-1-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Blue-Palo-Verde-1-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Blue-Palo-Verde-1-1-656x492.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Blue-Palo-Verde-1-1-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Blue-Palo-Verde-1-1-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/treegrow\/3869150605\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Katja Schulz<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p>Less drought-tolerant than foothill palo verde (<em>Parkinsonia microphylla<\/em>), but still fit for low-water landscapes, blue palo verde is more suitable for planting near lawns and other irrigated areas. Enjoy its prolific yellow flowers in spring (and sometimes in fall), but avoid overwatering and ensure the soil has good drainage.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Hardiness zones: 8-10<\/li>    <li>Growing conditions: Full sun and reflected heat. Well-drained soil.<\/li>    <li>Foliage: Deciduous<\/li>    <li>Mature size: 20-30 feet high, 20-25 feet wide<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"23-faq\">FAQ<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749882414291\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Do You Establish Drought-Tolerant Trees?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">To establish drought-tolerant trees:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 Plant in fall for best root development<br\/>\u2022 Water 2-3 times weekly during the first year (otherwise they\u2019ll show <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/signs-of-drought-stress-in-trees\/\">signs of drought stress<\/a>), then reduce frequency gradually\u00a0<br\/>\u2022 Apply 2 to 4 inches of mulch over the root zone<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749882447279\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Long Does it Take for Drought-Tolerant Trees to Establish?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most drought-tolerant trees need at least 2-3 years to establish and thrive without additional watering.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749882459029\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What Are the Best Drought-Tolerant Trees for Small Yards?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Sweet acacia (8-20 feet), desert willow (15-30 feet), and Amur maakia (20-30 feet) are ideal drought-tolerant trees for compact spaces.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"24-need-help-selecting-the-right-tree\">Need Help Selecting the Right Tree?<\/h2>    <p>Choosing the right drought-tolerant trees for your climate and yard size can be challenging, but don\u2019t get discouraged. Find a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnstarter.com\/landscaping\/\">landscaping expert<\/a> with LawnStarter and start creating your perfect water-wise garden this season.<\/p>    <p><strong>Read More:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/best-drought-tolerant-ground-covers\/\">Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/how-to-take-care-of-trees-during-drought\/\">How to Take Care of Trees During Drought<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-baffffb9-ec6c-46a1-9831-3cf23cdbb513\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-baffffb9-ec6c-46a1-9831-3cf23cdbb513\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-baffffb9-ec6c-46a1-9831-3cf23cdbb513\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-baffffb9-ec6c-46a1-9831-3cf23cdbb513\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.seattle.gov\/trees\/trees-for-neighborhoods\/past-plantings\/amur-maackia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amur Maackia<\/a>.\u201d Seattle.gov.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.arborday.org\/perspectives\/desert-willow-tree-blooms-drought\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Desert-Willow: The Tree That Blooms in Drought<\/a>.\u201d The Arbor Day Foundation.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/texnat.tamu.edu\/library\/symposia\/brush-sculptors-innovations-for-tailoring-brushy-rangelands-to-enhance-wildlife-habitat-and-recreational-value\/mesquite-ecology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mesquite Ecology<\/a>.\u201d By researchers James Ansley, J.A. Huddle, and Betty Kramp. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Vernon, TX.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu\/plants\/quercus-suber\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Quercus suber<\/a>.\u201d Oregon State University.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/calscape.org\/Quercus-agrifolia-(Coast-Live-Oak)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Coast Live Oak (<em>Quercus agrifolia<\/em><\/a>).\u201d Calscape California Native Plant Society.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.missouribotanicalgarden.org\/PlantFinder\/plantfindersearch.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plant Finder<\/a>.\u201d Missouri Botanical Garden.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/garden.org\/plants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Plant Database<\/a>.\u201d The National Gardening Association.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flawildflowers.org\/flower-friday-vachellia-farnesia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sweet Acacia<\/a>.\u201d Florida Wildflower Foundation.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/research.fs.usda.gov\/treesearch\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Treesearch<\/a>.\u201d Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p>Main Image Credit: Strawberry Tree \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/strawberry-tree-arbutus-unedo-in-a-park-in-madrid-spain\/900753231\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">vli86<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The best drought-tolerant trees for your yard are the ones that fit your climate.<br \/>\n\u2022 Cold-hardy species like bur oak and hackberry thrive in the North.<br \/>\n\u2022 Heat-tolerant trees like palo verde and mesquite withstand the warm Southwest.<br \/>\n\u2022 Resilient trees like Japanese pagoda or Amur maackia are ideal for the temperate zone.<br \/>\nFind the best drought-resistant tree for your location to enjoy a resilient, low-maintenance yard.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":140,"featured_media":135365,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[668],"tags":[1286],"class_list":["post-55728","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tree-care","tag-tree-care"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/strawberry-tree-hero.jpeg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Sinziana Spiridon","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/sinziana-spiridon\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Drought-Tolerant Trees<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/best-drought-tolerant-trees\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Drought-Tolerant Trees\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The best drought-tolerant trees for your yard are the ones that fit your climate. \u2022 Cold-hardy species like bur oak and hackberry thrive in the North. \u2022 Heat-tolerant trees like palo verde and mesquite withstand the warm Southwest. \u2022 Resilient trees like Japanese pagoda or Amur maackia are ideal for the temperate zone. Find the best drought-resistant tree for your location to enjoy a resilient, low-maintenance yard.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/tree-care\/best-drought-tolerant-trees\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Lawnstarter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-08-28T04:48:33+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-29T19:32:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/strawberry-tree-hero.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"795\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Sinziana Spiridon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" 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