Best Drought Tolerant Trees and Shrubs for Low-Water Yards

Best Drought Tolerant Trees and Shrubs for Low-Water Yards

The best drought tolerant trees and shrubs include junipers, Tatarian maple, desert willow, crape myrtle, smoke bush, cotoneaster, butterfly bush and ninebark. All of them get by on little extra water once established, but every new tree or shrub still needs regular, deep watering for its first one to two years (sometimes three) while its roots grow out into the soil.

Below you will find what actually makes a plant drought-tolerant, how to water and mulch so your new plants get there, and lists of trees, evergreens and shrubs that university extension services name as good low-water choices.

"Drought-tolerant" does not mean "never water"

This is the most common mistake with low-water plants. A drought-tolerant juniper fresh out of its pot has the same small root ball as any other plant. Until those roots spread, it can dry out just as fast.

Extension services are consistent on this point:

  • Colorado State University's PlantTalk says all trees need adequate water during a minimum two- to three-year establishment period, and shrubs need at least a year of adequate water after planting.
  • Colorado State's xeriscaping fact sheet notes that many plants need at least two growing seasons to establish, and recommends watering through that time, then gradually cutting back.
  • Oregon State University Extension says all plants need supplemental water and extra attention during the first, second and possibly third growing season.
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension describes crape myrtle as drought tolerant after it is well established, which takes about two years.

So plan on one to two years of steady care. After that, these plants can handle dry spells that would stress thirstier choices. Planting in fall gives roots a head start in cool soil before the first summer; see why fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs.

What makes a plant drought-tolerant?

According to University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, plants with smaller leaves, or leaves that are gray, hairy, waxy or succulent, lose less moisture. Deep-rooted plants also reach moisture lower in the soil, so they can avoid drought stress longer.

You can see these traits in the plants below:

  • Scale-like or needle leaves. Junipers have tiny, tight foliage with very little surface to lose water from.
  • Narrow leaves. Desert willow has long, thin leaves rather than broad ones.
  • Deep, wide roots. Trees and large shrubs that are watered deeply grow roots that can draw on stored soil moisture.

The other half of drought tolerance is the gardener. Utah State University Extension explains that watering deeply encourages deeper rooting and "a more drought tolerant plant," while frequent, light watering leads to a shallow root system.

How to water new trees and shrubs deeply

Deep, less frequent watering is how you turn a newly planted shrub into a tough, established one. Utah State University Extension recommends keeping soil moist to a depth of 18 to 20 inches for trees and shrubs, and watering them less often but for longer than you would a lawn.

  1. Water right after planting. Soak the root ball and the surrounding soil to settle out air pockets.
  2. Water often at first, then stretch it out. New plants need water more frequently until roots spread. Check the soil a few inches down with your finger; water when it feels dry, not on a fixed schedule.
  3. Water slowly. A soaker hose, drip line or a hose on a slow trickle lets water sink in instead of running off. Utah State calls drip irrigation an efficient way to water shrubs and smaller trees.
  4. Aim past the root ball as the plant grows. Roots spread outward, so widen the area you water each year.
  5. Taper off after establishment. Once a plant has had its one to two years (or more for trees), cut back gradually rather than all at once.

Use mulch to hold moisture

Mulch is the easiest water saver in the yard. Oregon State University Extension reports that a 3- to 5-inch layer of mulch can cut soil water evaporation by 70 percent compared to bare soil. For fine-textured mulches like compost or sawdust, 2 to 3 inches is enough.

  • Spread mulch in a wide ring around each new tree or shrub.
  • Pull it back a few inches from the trunk or stems so bark stays dry.
  • Keep grass and weeds out of the ring. Utah State notes that weeds and grass around trunks compete with trees and shrubs for water and nutrients.

Best drought tolerant trees

Check the hardiness zone for each plant before you buy. A USDA hardiness zone is a number based on your area's coldest average winter temperature; the plant's listed zone range tells you where it survives winter outdoors. Not sure of yours? Use our growing zone guide.

Tatarian maple

Utah State University Extension includes Tatarian maple in its list of water-wise trees, and Colorado State's PlantTalk names it among small trees for xeriscapes (landscapes designed to use little water). The Hot Wings™ Tatarian Maple grows about 15 to 25 feet tall and gets its name from bright red summer seeds. It is hardy to zone 3 and best suited to climates with cold winters. Full sun.

Desert willow

The Texas Tree Selector from Texas A&M Forest Service calls desert willow "extremely drought-tolerant," with showy flowers through spring and summer. Utah State also lists it as a water-wise tree. The Bubba Jones Desert Willow Tree reaches 20 to 25 feet in zones 6 to 11 and wants full sun.

Crape myrtle

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension says crape myrtle is drought tolerant after about two years in the ground, and does best in full sun with well-drained soil and good air flow. For warmer yards, try Natchez Crape Myrtle (white flowers, 20 to 30 feet, zones 7 to 10) or the smaller Tuscarora Crape Myrtle (coral-pink flowers, 15 to 20 feet, listed for zones 6 to 9).

Best drought tolerant evergreens

Junipers are the standout evergreen for dry yards. Colorado State University names Rocky Mountain juniper and one-seed juniper among its evergreen trees for xeriscapes, and Utah State lists several junipers among its water-wise trees and full-sun shrubs. The ones below are all junipers, even the one called a "cedar."

  • Skyrocket Juniper: a very narrow, blue-gray column, 12 to 15 feet tall. Zones 4 to 9.
  • Spartan Juniper: a dense, rich green upright juniper, 15 to 20 feet tall, often used for screening. Zones 5 to 9.
  • Brodie Eastern Red Cedar: a selection of eastern red cedar, which is a juniper. Grows 25 to 45 feet tall. Zones 3 to 9.
  • Blue Star Juniper: a low, mounding shrub with steel-blue needles, 2 to 3 feet tall. Zones 4 to 8.

If you want an evergreen wall, upright junipers can do the job in drier spots. Our guide to fast-growing evergreens that actually make a privacy screen covers spacing and growth rates.

Best drought tolerant shrubs

Utah State University Extension's water-wise plant list for full sun includes smoke bush, cotoneaster, butterfly bush and ninebark. Colorado State's PlantTalk also names cotoneaster among xeriscape shrubs with a green, lush look.

Smoke bush

Smoke bush is grown for its colorful leaves and fluffy, smoke-like flower plumes in summer. Royal Purple Smoke Bush has deep purple leaves and grows 10 to 15 feet tall in zones 5 to 9. It can be pruned to stay smaller.

Cotoneaster

Low, spreading cotoneasters make good groundcovers for dry, sunny slopes. Coral Beauty Cotoneaster stays about 1 foot tall and spreads several feet wide, with white spring flowers followed by red berries. Zones 5 to 8.

Butterfly bush

Butterfly bush blooms from summer into fall and draws butterflies and bees. Black Knight Butterfly Bush has very dark purple flower spikes and grows 6 to 10 feet tall if left unpruned, or about half that if cut back each spring.

Ninebark

Ninebark is a tough, cold-hardy shrub with colorful leaves and clusters of small spring flowers. Summer Wine® Ninebark has wine-red foliage, grows 5 to 6 feet tall, and is hardy in zones 3 to 7.

Quick tips for a low-water planting

  • Group plants by water needs. Put drought-tolerant plants together so you are not overwatering them to keep a thirsty neighbor happy.
  • Match the plant to the spot. Most plants on this list want full sun and soil that drains well.
  • Choose plants suited to your region. Oregon State Extension recommends trees and shrubs adapted to your area's soil and climate.
  • Do not skip the first two years. Steady, deep watering early is what lets you water less later.

Common questions

How long do drought-tolerant plants need to be watered?

Plan on regular, deep watering for at least the first one to two growing seasons. Colorado State University says trees need two to three years to establish, while shrubs need at least one. After that, cut back gradually and water during long dry spells.

What is the most drought-tolerant evergreen?

Junipers are among the most reliable choices. Both Colorado State University and Utah State University list junipers as water-wise evergreens for dry western landscapes.

How often should I water a new tree?

There is no single schedule. Check the soil a few inches down and water when it is dry. When you do water, soak it deeply; Utah State suggests moistening soil 18 to 20 inches deep for trees and shrubs.

Does mulch really help with drought?

Yes. Oregon State University Extension reports that a 3- to 5-inch layer of mulch can reduce evaporation from soil by about 70 percent compared to bare ground.

Are drought-tolerant shrubs good in rainy climates?

Often, yes. Colorado State and Utah State lists are written for dry western yards, but many of these plants grow across a wide range of zones. Plant them in soil that drains well and avoid low spots where water sits after rain.

Find your low-water favorites

Most drought-tolerant trees and shrubs love sunshine. Browse our full sun plants to find junipers, flowering trees and tough shrubs for your yard, then give them a good start with deep watering and a layer of mulch.

Sources and further reading

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