Drought Tolerant Trees

Trees That Thrive With Less Water

A drought-tolerant tree is one that can get through long dry spells on rainfall alone once its roots are established, usually after two or three growing seasons. These trees tend to have deep or wide-spreading roots, tough or waxy leaves, and a natural range in hot, dry or poor soils. They're a smart choice for water-restricted areas, sunny slopes, sandy ground, and any spot your hose doesn't reach. Most of the drought-tolerant trees we sell cost $24.99 to $42.99 and ship as bare-root plants.

Best Drought-Tolerant Trees We Grow

Flowering trees for dry, sunny yards

Red, purple and Natchez white crepe myrtles are some of the most heat- and drought-tough flowering trees for the South, blooming for weeks in midsummer when little else does. Eastern redbud is a native that covers its bare branches in pink-purple flowers in early spring and handles dry, rocky soils well.

Shade trees

Ginkgo is famously tough: it tolerates heat, drought, poor soil and city pollution, and turns a clear gold in fall. Pecan grows a deep taproot that reaches moisture other trees can't, and gives you broad shade plus a nut harvest once it matures.

Fruit and nut trees

Persimmon is one of the most drought-tolerant fruit trees for eastern North America and asks for very little care. Mulberry grows fast, handles dry and poor soils, and feeds both people and birds. Keep in mind that fruit trees survive drought better than they fruit through it: water them during dry spells while fruit is forming for the best harvest.

How to Choose a Drought-Tolerant Tree

• Match your zone first. Drought tolerance doesn't help a tree that can't survive your winters. Use the zone filter above to see only trees rated for your area.
• Check mature size. Plant shade trees at least 15–20 feet from your house and away from power lines; smaller flowering trees like crepe myrtle and redbud fit closer in.
• Think about your soil. Most drought-tolerant trees want well-drained ground and dislike standing water. On heavy clay, choose adaptable trees like redbud or persimmon.
• Pick for the job. Want summer color? Crepe myrtle. Shade? Ginkgo or pecan. Something to eat? Persimmon or mulberry.

Watering a New Tree Until It's Established

No tree is drought tolerant on day one. A newly planted tree has a small root system and needs regular water through its first one to two growing seasons. Water deeply rather than often: a slow soak once or twice a week during the growing season, more in heat waves, so water reaches 12 inches or more into the soil and roots grow down after it. Spread 2–3 inches of mulch in a wide ring around the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk, to hold moisture and keep roots cool. By the third year, most of these trees can get by on rainfall except in severe drought.

Plant in Fall for a Head Start

Fall and winter planting gives drought-tolerant trees the best start. Roots keep growing in cool soil after the leaves drop, so the tree is better anchored before its first summer. That's why we ship trees while they're dormant. When your order arrives, keep the roots moist and plant as soon as the ground can be worked. Our planting instructions and bare-root guide walk you through it.

Drought-Tolerant Trees FAQ

What is the most drought-tolerant tree?

Among the trees we grow, crepe myrtle, ginkgo and persimmon are among the toughest in dry conditions once established. In the desert Southwest, native trees like mesquite and palo verde are even more drought tolerant.

Do drought-tolerant trees need watering?

Yes, at first. Every new tree needs regular deep watering for its first one to two growing seasons. After that, drought-tolerant trees can usually survive on rainfall, though watering during long dry spells keeps them healthier.

What is a fast-growing drought-tolerant tree?

Mulberry and crepe myrtle both grow quickly and handle dry soil well once established. Fast growth depends on good care in the first years, so water consistently until the tree is settled.

What are good drought-tolerant shade trees?

Ginkgo and pecan both grow into large shade trees and tolerate dry periods once their roots are established. Give them plenty of room, since both get big.

Are any fruit trees drought tolerant?

Persimmon and mulberry are two of the most drought-tolerant fruit trees. They will survive dry spells, but watering while fruit is forming gives you a bigger, better harvest.

When is the best time to plant a drought-tolerant tree?

Fall through early spring, while the tree is dormant. Cool weather and more reliable rain help roots establish before summer heat arrives.