Arizona’s diverse landscapes, from its high mountain ranges to its arid desert regions, offer unique opportunities for homeowners and landscapers alike.
In this article, we will look at the fastest growing trees in Arizona.
Read on to explore the world of fast-growing trees perfectly suited to Arizona’s varying climates and growing zones.
Discover how these trees can provide beauty, shade, and more while thriving in the state’s challenging soil conditions. Whether you are looking to enhance your property’s curb appeal or create a cool oasis, fast-growing trees in Arizona have you covered. Read on!
The diverse climates and numerous planting zones in Arizona offer a wide array of fast-growing tree species for gardeners and homeowners. Although this plethora of choices presents an overwhelming challenge in selecting the ideal tree.
While those in warmer, subtropical regions have the most options, even homeowners at higher altitudes can find fast-growing trees to enhance their landscapes year-round.
Fast-growing trees are popular preferences among Arizona landowners. They bring several advantages, such as enhanced curb appeal, shade, privacy, and even environmental benefits like improved air quality and reduced energy expenses
However, the key lies in selecting trees well-suited to Arizona’s unique climate and soil conditions.
Arizona’s Different Climate for Growing Trees
Plants grow well in climates to which they are adapted. In Arizona, the land and soil are different depending on where you are.
In the northern and higher places, it is more like mountains, and it can get pretty cold in the winter. So, you need trees and plants that can handle the cold, and the soil there should drain water well.
But as you go down south, it gets warmer, and it’s mostly desert with hot weather. The soil in these areas is often sandy or rocky, and plants must be able to survive with very little water.
So, when you choose trees or plants for your garden, you have to think about where you live in Arizona and pick ones that can handle the weather and soil there.
Read on, and Let us talk briefly about the different growing Zones in Arizona below.
Growing Zones in Arizona
Growing zones, also known as plant hardiness zones, are geographic areas that categorize regions based on their climate conditions and average annual minimum temperatures.
These zones help homeowners, gardeners and horticulturists choose plants, trees, and shrubs that are likely to thrive in a particular area.
In Arizona, the growing zones are defined by temperature ranges, which can vary significantly due to the state’s diverse geography, including low-lying subtropical areas and higher-altitude regions.
Each growing zone is typically identified by a numerical designation, such as Zone 9 or Zone 10, indicating the approximate minimum winter temperatures in that area.
Gardeners and homeowners in Arizona can use these zones as a guide to select plants that are well-suited to their local climate and can withstand the temperature extremes common in the state.
It helps ensure the successful growth of plants and trees in a specific region by matching them with the prevailing weather conditions.
In Arizona, the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones range from Zone 4a to Zone 10b, covering a wide range of climates and temperature extremes.
Here is a summary of each growing zone in Arizona:
- Zone 4a: This is the coldest zone in Arizona, found in high-elevation areas of the northern and eastern parts of the state. Winters can be very cold, with average minimum temperatures ranging from -30°F to -25°F (-34°C to -32°C).
- Zone 5a: Similar to Zone 4a, this zone covers high-elevation areas but with slightly milder winters. Average minimum temperatures range from -20°F to -15°F (-29°C to -26°C).
- Zone 6a: This zone includes parts of northern Arizona, including Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon area. Winters are cold, with average minimum temperatures ranging from -10°F to -5°F (-23°C to -21°C).
- Zone 6b: Slightly milder than Zone 6a, this zone encompasses areas like Sedona and Prescott. Average minimum temperatures range from -5°F to 0°F (-21°C to -18°C).
- Zone 7a: Covering central and northern Arizona, this zone includes Phoenix and Tucson at higher elevations. Average minimum temperatures range from 0°F to 5°F (-18°C to -15°C).
- Zone 7b: Similar to Zone 7a but with slightly warmer winters, this zone includes the lower elevations of Phoenix and Tucson. Average minimum temperatures range from 5°F to 10°F (-15°C to -12°C).
- Zone 8a: Found in the central and southern parts of Arizona, including parts of Phoenix and Tucson. Winters are mild, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 10°F to 15°F (-12°C to -9°C).
- Zone 8b: This zone also covers southern Arizona, including Yuma and Tucson. It has slightly milder winters, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 15°F to 20°F (-9°C to -7°C).
- Zone 9a: Encompassing the lower elevations of southern Arizona, this zone has mild winters with average minimum temperatures ranging from 20°F to 25°F (-7°C to -4°C).
- Zone 9b: This zone includes the warmest parts of Arizona, such as the southernmost areas near the Mexico border. Winters are very mild, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 25°F to 30°F (-4°C to -1°C).
- Zone 10a: Found in the extreme southwestern corner of Arizona, near Yuma. Winters are extremely mild, with average minimum temperatures ranging from 30°F to 35°F (-1°C to 2°C).
- Zone 10b: Also located in the southwestern corner of Arizona, this zone has the mildest winters, with average minimum temperatures above freezing, ranging from 35°F to 40°F (2°C to 4°C).
List of Fastest Growing Trees in Arizona
Here is information about some of the fastest-growing trees in Arizona. These trees offer various benefits and are well-suited to Arizona’s unique climate and landscape requirements.
- Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
- Arizona Ash (Fraxinus velutina)
- Palo Verde (Parkinsonia species)
- Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
- Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis velutina)
- Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia)
- Bonita Ash (Fraxinus velutina ‘Bonita)
- Evergreen Pear (Pyrus kawakamii)
- Mexican Sycamore (Platanus Mexicana)
- Ficus Indian Laurel (Ficus nitida) – Privacy tree
- Foothills Palo Verde (Parkinsonia microphylla)
- Japanese Blueberry Tree (Elaeocarpus decipiens) – Privacy Tree
- Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii)
- Shamel Ash (Fraxinus udhei)
- Museum Palo Verde (Cercidium x ‘Desert Museum’)
- Desert Hackberry (Celtis pallida)
- Chinese Parasol Tree (Firmiana simplex)
- Sweet Acacia (Vachellia farnesiana)
- Palo Brea (Parkinsonia praecox)
- Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica)
- Arizona Sycamore (Platanus wrightii)
Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)
The Chinese Elm is a deciduous tree known for its graceful, weeping branches and small, attractive leaves. with distinctive exfoliating bark. Chinese Elm is valued for its shade and resistance to many common pests. Native to China, and Japan, the Chinese Elm is adaptable to many kinds of soil types.
Growth Rate: It’s known for its moderate to fast growth, adding 3 to 4 feet in height annually. Typically reaches 30-50 feet in height with a similar spread.
Water Requirements: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established, adaptable to various soil types.
Growing Zones: Suitable for USDA Zones 6-10.
Arizona Ash (Fraxinus velutina)
The Arizona Ash is a deciduous tree native to Arizona, known for its rapid growth, rounded canopy leaves, and graceful growth. This tree is a favorite for its relatively rapid growth and adaptability to desert conditions. Its leaves are dark green, and in winter the tree produces pale yellow flowers at the time of leaf emergence.
Growth Rate: It has a moderate growth rate, adding about 3 to 5 feet or more in height annually. Typically reaches 30-50 feet in height at maturity.
Water Requirements: Moderate water requirements, prefers well-drained soil.
Growing Zones: Suitable for USDA Zones 6-10.
Palo Verde (Parkinsonia species)
Palo Verde trees are iconic in the Arizona Landscape, featuring green branches and vibrant yellow flowers. Palo Verde trees are well-adapted to Arizona’s arid climate and are drought-tolerant.
Growth Rate: Varies by species but can be relatively fast. They typically grow moderately, adding about 2 to 3 feet in height per year. Generally ranges from 15-30 feet in height to maturity.
Water Requirements: Low water requirements; drought-tolerant; well-suited to desert environments.
Growing Zones: Suited for USDA Zones 8-10.
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
Desert Willow is a deciduous tree known for its vibrant blooms and slender leaves with beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers. It is prized for its ornamental appeal, especially its flowers.
Growth Rate: It has a moderate growth rate, adding 2 to 3 feet in height annually. Typically reaches 15-25 feet in height at maturity
Water Requirements: Low water needs; drought-resistant; prefers well-drained soil.
Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis velutina)
The Velvet Mesquite is a native desert tree with distinct, finely divided foliage, twisted trunk, and airy canopy. This tree provides both shade and wildlife habitat in arid regions.
Growth Rate: Varies but can grow quickly in favorable conditions. grows moderately, adding about 2 to 3 feet in height per year. Typically reaches 25-30 feet in height at maturity
Water Requirements: Low water needs; drought-tolerant.
Growing Zones: Suited for USDA Zones 8-11.
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia)
Crape Myrtle trees are known for their vibrant summer blooms, attractive bark, and beautiful foliage. Crape Myrtles come in various colors, and they are prized for their showy flowers during the summer months. They require pruning to maintain shape and encourage flowering.
Growth Rate: Crape Myrtles can grow at an average rate of 1 to 3 feet per year. Typically reaches a height of 10-25 feet, depending on the variety.
Water Requirements: Moderate water needs; well-drained soil is essential.
Growing Zones: Suited for USDA Zones 7-10.
Bonita Ash (Fraxinus velutina ‘Bonita’)
Bonita Ash is a cultivar of the Arizona Ash and is known for its upright, oval shape. This tree is prized for its rapid growth and ability to provide shade quickly.
Even with its fast growth rate, it is characterized by strong wood and the ability to withstand strong winds and extreme temperatures. It is a popular choice in Arizona due to its drought tolerance.
Growth Rate: Grows at a moderate to fast rate, typically around 3 to 4 feet per year. Reaches heights of 30-40 feet with a 25-30-foot spread at maturity.
Water Requirements: Moderate water needs; adapts well to various soil types.
Growing Zones: Suitable for USDA Zones 7-11.
Evergreen Pear (Pyrus kawakamii)
The Evergreen Pear, famous around Arizona, is a small to medium-sized tree known for its glossy, evergreen leaves. This tree is valued for its year-round greenery and adaptability to urban settings, tolerant of heat, pollution, poor soil, and other adverse conditions. It produces small, white flowers in spring.
Growth Rate: Grows moderately, adding 1 to 2 feet per year. Typically reaches 15-30 feet in height.
Water Requirements: Moderate water needs; prefers well-drained soil.
Growing Zones: Suited for USDA Zones 7-9.
Mexican Sycamore (Platanus Mexicana)
Mexican Sycamore is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to Mexico, known for its striking large leaves and tolerance to hot climates. It is admired for its shade-providing canopy and resistance to pests. It is well-suited for parks and large landscapes.
Growth Rate: Grows relatively quickly, adding 3 to 5 feet or more per year. Typically reaches heights of 40-50 feet.
Water Requirements: Moderate water needs; can tolerate wet conditions.
Growing Zones: Suited for USDA Zones 7-10.
Ficus Indian Laurel (Ficus nitida) – Privacy Tree
Ficus Indian Laurel, also known as Indian Laurel Fig, is a popular choice for privacy screens and hedges. This fast-growing tree is often used to create living privacy barriers and offers dense foliage throughout the year. Proper pruning helps maintain its desired shape.
Growth Rate: Grows at a moderate pace, adding about 2 feet per year. Can reach a height of 20-35 feet at maturity.
Water Requirements: Moderate water needs; prefers well-drained soil.
Growing Zones: Suited for USDA Zones 9-11.
Foothills Palo Verde (Parkinsonia Microphylla)
Foothills Palo Verde is a native desert tree known for its green trunk and delicate foliage. This tree provides filtered shade and is known for its green trunk, making it a picturesque choice for desert landscapes.
Growth Rate: Grows relatively quickly, adding 2 to 3 feet in height per year. At maturity, it reaches 15-30 feet in height.
Water Requirements: Low to moderate water needs; well-adapted to desert conditions.
Growing Zones: Suited for USDA Zones 7-10.
Japanese Blueberry Tree (Elaeocarpus decipiens) – Privacy Tree
Japanese Blueberry Tree, a striking fast-growing evergreen tree or shrub is favored for its dense, evergreen foliage, ideal for privacy screens. This tree’s lush, deep green leaves make it an excellent choice for creating privacy and visual barriers to withstand cold temperatures, especially in colder parts of AZ.
Growth Rate: Grows at a moderate pace, adding about 2 to 3 feet per year. Reaches 20-40 feet in height at Maturity.
Water Requirements: Moderate water needs; prefers well-drained soil.
Growing Zones: Suited for USDA Zones 9-11.
Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii)
Shumard Oak is a deciduous tree known for its fall foliage colors and adaptability.
Growth Rate: Grows moderately, adding about 2 to 3 feet in height per year. Typically reaches 40-60 feet in height.
Water Requirements: Moderate water needs; prefers well-drained soil.
Growing Zones: Suited for USDA Zones 6-9.
Shamel Ash (Fraxinus udhei)
Shamel Ash, also known as Evergreen Ash, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that provides ample shade. Shamel Ash is prized for its fast growth and ability to provide quick shade, making it a popular choice in Arizona.
Growth Rate: Grows rapidly, adding 3 to 4 feet in height per year. At maturity, it reaches 40-50 feet or above in height.
Water Requirements: Moderate water needs; prefers well-drained soil.
Growing Zones: Suited for USDA Zones 7-10.
Other Fast-Growing Trees in Arizona
- Museum Palo Verde (Cercidium x ‘Desert Museum’)
- Desert Hackberry (Celtis pallida)
- Chinese Parasol Tree (Firmiana simplex)
- Sweet Acacia (Vachellia farnesiana)
- Palo Brea (Parkinsonia praecox)
- Arizona Sycamore (Platanus wrightii).
Conclusion
Fast-growing trees in Arizona offer a variety of benefits and can be suitable choices for Arizona landscapes, depending on your specific needs and site conditions.
These trees are well-suited for various landscape needs in Arizona, but it’s important to consider specific site conditions and care requirements when planting them.
Growth rates vary depending on local conditions and care. It is advisable to always consider factors like soil quality, sunlight, and watering practices when planting these trees.
Understanding your specific growing zone in Arizona is also essential for selecting plants and trees that can thrive in your local climate and temperature conditions. It helps ensure successful gardening and landscaping projects.
