Mesa Tree Trimming Guide


Top 25 Trees for Mesa, Arizona

Discover the best trees to plant and maintain in Mesa, AZ. Each tree is suited for the desert climate, with trimming times to keep your landscape healthy and beautiful.

1. Palo Verde (Parkinsonia spp.)

  • Description: Arizona's state tree with unique green bark and stunning yellow blooms in spring. Drought-tolerant and ideal for filtered shade.
  • Best Time to Trim: Late summer (August–September) to allow recovery before cooler weather.

2. Mesquite Tree (Prosopis spp.)

  • Description: Hardy, drought-tolerant tree with a broad canopy. Provides excellent shade and thrives in desert conditions.
  • Best Time to Trim: Late winter (January–February) during dormancy.

3. Ironwood Tree (Olneya tesota)

  • Description: Slow-growing, native desert tree with dense wood and purple spring flowers. Extremely durable and low-maintenance.
  • Best Time to Trim: Spring after flowering or fall (September–October).

4. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)

  • Description: Small, drought-tolerant tree with delicate pink or lavender trumpet-like flowers. Perfect for ornamental landscaping.
  • Best Time to Trim: Late winter (January–February) while dormant.

5. Acacia Tree (Acacia spp.)

  • Description: Fast-growing and hardy, with feathery foliage and fragrant yellow flowers. Perfect for arid landscapes.
  • Best Time to Trim: Late summer (August–September) to remove weak branches.

6. Olive Tree (Olea europaea)

  • Description: Evergreen tree with gray-green leaves. Fruitless varieties are recommended to minimize mess.
  • Best Time to Trim: Late winter (January–February).

7. Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora)

  • Description: Evergreen with fragrant purple flowers in spring. Low maintenance and drought-tolerant.
  • Best Time to Trim: Spring after flowering.

8. Ash Tree (Fraxinus velutina)

  • Description: Fast-growing deciduous tree that provides excellent shade. Common varieties include Arizona and Shamel Ash.
  • Best Time to Trim: Late winter (January–February).

9. Chilean Mesquite (Prosopis chilensis)

  • Description: Thornless variety with wispy foliage, offering excellent shade. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
  • Best Time to Trim: Late winter.

10. Sissoo Tree (Dalbergia sissoo)

  • Description: Fast-growing, dense shade tree. Perfect for larger yards but requires space for its spreading roots.
  • Best Time to Trim: Fall (September–October).

11. Bottle Tree (Brachychiton populneus)

  • Description: Unique drought-tolerant tree with a swollen trunk and glossy green foliage.
  • Best Time to Trim: Late winter to maintain shape.

12. Eucalyptus Tree (Eucalyptus spp.)

  • Description: Fast-growing and aromatic evergreen tree. Ideal for providing shade in hot climates.
  • Best Time to Trim: Late summer.

13. Chinese Elm (Ulmus parvifolia)

  • Description: Hardy shade tree with small green leaves and attractive, peeling bark. Minimal maintenance required.
  • Best Time to Trim: Winter (December–February).

14. Texas Ebony (Ebenopsis ebano)

  • Description: Evergreen with dense foliage and fragrant yellow blooms. Excellent for shade and low water use.
  • Best Time to Trim: Spring or fall.

15. Sweet Acacia (Vachellia farnesiana)

  • Description: Multi-trunked tree with bright yellow puffball flowers and soft, feathery foliage.
  • Best Time to Trim: Late winter (January–February).

16. Citrus Trees (Citrus spp.)

  • Description: Includes oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. Thrives in Mesa's hot, dry climate with proper care.
  • Best Time to Trim: Early spring (February–March).

17. Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera)

  • Description: Iconic desert palm that adds an oasis-like look. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
  • Best Time to Trim: Spring (March–April).

18. Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera)

  • Description: Tall, slender palm with fan-shaped leaves. Perfect for creating a desert-style landscape.
  • Best Time to Trim: Spring (April–May).

19. Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis)

  • Description: Deciduous tree known for its vibrant orange and red fall foliage.
  • Best Time to Trim: Late winter (January–February).

20. Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo)

  • Description: Fast-growing shade tree with rich green leaves. Perfect for large spaces.
  • Best Time to Trim: Fall (September–October).

21. Desert Museum Palo Verde

  • Description: Thornless hybrid Palo Verde with brilliant yellow blooms and smooth green bark.
  • Best Time to Trim: Late summer.

22. Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)

  • Description: Stunning ornamental tree with vibrant purple flowers in late spring.
  • Best Time to Trim: Winter (January–February).

23. African Sumac (Rhus lancea)

  • Description: Evergreen tree with a weeping canopy. Low maintenance and drought-resistant.
  • Best Time to Trim: Late summer.

24. Mulga Tree (Acacia aneura)

  • Description: Compact tree with silvery-green foliage and bright yellow blooms. Drought-tolerant and attractive.
  • Best Time to Trim: Spring or fall.

25. Fig Tree (Ficus carica)

  • Description: Thrives in hot climates and produces sweet, edible fruit. Requires regular irrigation.
  • Best Time to Trim: Late winter (January–February).

Why Tree Care Matters in Mesa, AZ

Trimming your trees at the right time promotes healthy growth, prevents damage, and enhances the beauty of your landscape. At Bynum Tree and Landscape, we specialize in trimming and maintaining desert trees.