Small Trees, Bigger Isn't Always Better

By Kirti Mathura

One of the biggest mistakes we can make in our landscapes is planting the wrong tree. As with the selection of any plant, we must consider the mature size of the tree to determine if it is right for the job. Many of us find ourselves in rather small lots these days, where large-scale trees just don’t work. Even in larger properties, smaller sized trees are best for intimate patio areas or courtyards.

A size-appropriate tree will look better in your yard since it will be in scale with the setting. In many respects, it also means less maintenance and a healthier tree. Oversized trees require constant pruning to make them fit a space. This triggers more growth, and creates a need for more water and fertilizer, and thus begins the vicious cycle.

The following examples offer ideas for trees that may fit your space and also provide attractive features such as seasonal bloom color, foliage texture, or fragrance. Guajillo (Acacia berlandieri) has a very soft fern-like texture produced by its delicate evergreen foliage. This small tree quickly grows 10' to 12' tall and wide, typically multi-trunked and full to the ground. It can easily be shaped into a small canopy tree by selecting a few of the dominant trunks, pruning as it matures. Left in its natural form, it creates a wonderful screen. In spring, and periodically through the summer with a good rain, it becomes covered with heavily scented cream puffball flowers that attract butterflies.

Palo Blanco (Acacia willardiana) is the ideal tree for a narrow space. Its open graceful form reaches 15' to 20' in height and 10' to 15' in spread. The single-trunked, deciduous, upright form is accentuated by stunning white bark that peels off seasonally, adding more interest. Following the spring bloom of elongated cream puffballs, intricate pendulous foliage creates an airy canopy through the warm season.

Single-trunked Texas-ebony (Ebenopsis ebano) attains a stature of 15' to 25' and spread of 15' to 20'. Dense evergreen foliage creates a cooling shade through the summer. Creamy elongated puffball blooms cover the tree in late spring, and again any time a good monsoon rain occurs, filling the area with an enchantingly sweet scent. Stout seed pods hang like ornaments afterwards. Don’t let the thorns discourage you from using this magnificent tree!

Golden Ball Lead Tree (Leucaena retusa) is an absolute delight with its brilliant gold puffball blooms that appear in spurts from mid-spring through summer. It grows 15' to 18' tall and 10' to 15' wide, with bright green winter deciduous foliage that offers moderate summer shade. Often multi-trunked, this tree can be pruned canopy-style to allow for underplanting.

Screwbean Mesquite (Prosopis pubescens) is petite compared to the Chilean Mesquite. It attains a height and spread of 15' to 20', which is much more appropriate for many landscape situations. The lemony-yellow elongated puffball flowers occur in spring, and again with good monsoon rains. Interesting clusters of corkscrewed pods develop after the blooms. Fern-like foliage provides moderate shade during the summer and drops to allow warming sun into your yard through the winter. If space allows, let this multi-trunked mesquite grow in natural form to the ground. It may be pruned into a canopy also.

Evergreen Arizona Rosewood (Vauquelinia californica) exhibits an upright growth habit reaching 10' to 15' in height and 8' to 12' in width. Deep green leathery foliage contrasts with the creamy-white clusters of tiny flowers that are present late spring and early summer. Normally a large bush, Rosewood can be pruned into a tree form. This is one of the “cleanest” trees you can have near a pool or patio area.

All of these trees prefer full sun exposure and well-drained soil, and are quite drought tolerant once  established. Several other desert adapted small trees are available, so spend time visiting your local nursery and display gardens around the Valley to help you make the perfect choice for your landscape.