There are so many types of trees to choose from. We don’t blame you for being confused. Here are some of our favorites, just a small list of the many trees available here in New Mexico. Before you head out to buy your tree, though, let’s chat a little bit about them.
As you look around town, you’ll notice trees come in all shapes and sizes. The key to choosing the perfect tree for your yard is picking the right tree for the right place. In fact, this phrase is popular among arborists.
When deciding what tree to plant, think about the tree size now and at maturity. It may look small now, but how big will it grow once it’s mature? Make sure you provide enough room for future growth. No one wants branches growing into power lines, roots disrupting your foundation or leaves blocking the solar panels on your neighbor’s house.
Learn about the rate of growth of the tree, too, so you know how long it will take to get to mature height. Other key factors in choosing the perfect tree are understanding what sun exposure the tree likes. Does it like full sun all day? If so, plant it on the south side of the house or in a location where buildings will not block its access to sunlight. Cold hardiness, heat tolerance, soil preference and irrigation needs should all be considered when choosing a tree species.
Trees are also a long-term investment. Take the time now to choose the right tree for the right place and you’ll save money in the long run.
This list of recommended trees is broken into deciduous and evergreen trees.
A deciduous tree loses its leaves annually in the fall.
Evergreen trees shed their leaves or needles periodically, but usually remain green throughout the year.
Large Deciduous Trees
‘Accolade’ Elm, Ulmus japonica x wilsoniana ‘Morton’
Burr Oak, Quercus marcrocarpa
‘Shademaster’ Honeylocust, Glenditsia triacanthos ‘Shademaster’
Japanese Pagoda Tree, Sophora japonica
Medium Deciduous Trees
Chinese Pistache, Pistacia chinensis
‘Expresso’ Kentucky Coffee Tree, Gymnocladus ‘Espresso-JFS’
Texas Red Oak, Quercus buckleyi
Goldenrain Tree, Koelreuteria paniculata
Small Deciduous Trees
Mesquite, Prosopis pubescens
Desert Willow, Chilopsis linearis
Oklahoma Redbud, Cercis candensis var. Texansis ‘Oklahoma’
Purple Chastetree, Vitex agnus-castus
Evergreen Trees
Austrian Pine, Pinus nigra
Scotch Pine, Pinus sylvestris
Whichita Blue Juniper, Juniperus scopulorum ‘Wichita Blue’
Deodor Cedor, Cedrus deodara
Photography Courtesy of: Trees of Corrales, Waterwise Landscapes, My Landscape Coach, and The University of Minnesota