There are thousands of different species of trees, and they don’t all thrive in every climate. Over time, certain trees adapt to certain climates, where they grow and thrive. To understand what trees grow best in Denver, it’s important to understand the region’s climate and typical weather conditions. Let’s look at the 8 best drought-tolerant trees to grow in Denver landscapes and what makes them the best choice.
Understanding Denver’s Climate
Colorado experiences a semi-arid, high-desert climate. This means that the air is typically very dry, and the region commonly experiences droughts. The local weather in Denver is influenced by the Front Range and Rocky Mountains, giving the area four distinct seasons each year. Spring can bring snow or rain, while winter storms can produce plenty of snow. However, the storms are short-lived, and the snow often melts very quickly. On average, Denver sees around 15 inches of precipitation each year.
Because Denver’s climate is dry, trees in the area must learn to thrive in drought-like conditions. Luckily, many trees have adapted over the years to grow healthy and strong in Colorado.
Why Are Drought-Resistant Trees Important in Denver?
Drought-resistance isn’t just a means of survival for trees. Although it affects how well a tree can survive, its drought-tolerance also impacts the environment in your yard as well. Trees that have grown accustomed to Denver’s climate help to build better, more resilient forests, and they reduce the amount of water that landscapes need to thrive. This also saves homeowners time and money in watering costs and maintenance.
By planting drought-tolerant trees, homeowners can also avoid having brown patches in the yards when droughts occur and other plants begin to die.
8 Best Trees for Drought Resistance
There are many different drought-tolerant trees that thrive in Denver landscapes. Here are eight of the best trees to plant in your yard.
- Hackberry: The hackberry tree is extremely drought-tolerant and resilient through all kinds of weather conditions, including strong winds, high temperatures, and flooding.
- Bur Oak: Strong and mighty, the bur oak tree can withstand drought conditions with ease. Their massive trunks and impressive canopies look great in backyards and public spaces.
- Hawthorn: They grow in a wide variety of soil conditions and types, and they don’t require a lot of water to survive. This makes them the perfect trees for Denver landscapes.
- Kentucky Coffeetree: These trees can withstand long drought periods in the Denver area. Newly planted saplings do require consistent watering for at least two years until they’ve grown and become established in the soil.
- Ponderosa Pine: Ponderosa pine trees tolerate droughts easily, thanks to their extensive root systems. Their tap roots can grow far into cracks and tiny spaces to find water. On top of that, they simply don’t need a lot of water.
- Honey Locust: They’re very drought-tolerant and can withstand irregular watering techniques. However, young saplings need consistent watering as after they’re planted until they are established.
- Upright Junipers: Although they’re drought-tolerant, it’s best to water your young saplings at least twice a week. Do this for the first few months and continue to water your tree during droughts to keep them healthy and strong over the first few years of its life.
- Bristlecone Pine: Bristlecone pine trees can tolerate droughts by entering a dormant state until their roots sense moisture again. They also keep their pine needles during periods of drought to continue photosynthesizing.
Watering Practices for Drought Resistance Trees
Drought-resistant trees require deep, slow watering techniques. Use drip lines or soaker hoses to ensure that the roots get a constant supply of water. Place mulch over your drip line to keep the water from evaporating before it gets a chance to soak into the soil. This is especially important during periods of drought, when your trees may need extra water.
Keep Your Trees Healthy With Help From Your Trusted Local Arborists
At American Arbor Care, we’re passionate about keeping Denver landscapes looking healthy and beautiful. If you’re interested in learning more about drought-resistant trees for your yard, contact us today. We’d be happy to chat about the best choices for your property.