"Your complete tree guide for the Southwest" written over a desert garden scene

Which Trees Will Suit Your Needs & Your Space

The first question you should ask before buying, planting, or growing a tree is: What kind of tree do I want? Usually, the answer is pretty tricky. Some people seek out drought-tolerant shade trees to block the hot sun, while others may be looking for fruit trees because of the benefits they can provide. Of course, other people may want specific trees and shrubs to accent their landscape or garden. So which type of tree suits you?

We collected information from across the Southwest and put together a list of some of the most popular trees and plants bought, planted, and grown from West Texas to the Arizona desert, Utah to New Mexico, and just about every place in-between.

Leyland cypress tree

Leyland Cypress

These fast growing, thick, beautiful evergreens can handle a whole lot of whatever Mother Nature can throw at them. That’s why they’re becoming increasingly popular in landscape and garden designs throughout the Southwest and elsewhere across the country.

Learn more about growing and caring for Leyland Cypress here.

Blueberry Bush

In the arid Southwest, most soil is naturally alkaline. Most varieties of blueberries, however, require a more acidic soil. So while blueberry bushes are very popular in the region, successfully growing these delicious little treats will require either potting your blueberries or having a little bit of soil know how. Either way, we’ve got you covered!

Get the know how growing and caring for blueberries here.

Blueberries growing on a branch
Avocados growing on a tree

Avocado

While cold-hardy varieties exist, most avocado trees thrive in warm climates, making them excellent trees to grow in the southwestern part of the United States. Regardless of whether or not you live in the mountains or the desert, avocado trees are increasingly popular indoor trees as well.

Discover all the secrets to growing an Avocado Tree here.

Growing Trees Indoors

When most of us think about trees, we probably first think about backyards, front lawns, maybe parks or forests, but what you probably don’t think about is indoor trees. There are actually a ton of trees that make for wonderful houseplants. Especially in the Southwest, indoors might actually be the only way for you to grow certain types of trees.

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