Tree & Shrub Planting and Care in Phoenix, AZ

Quick answer

Healthy trees in Phoenix start with a planting hole that drains, a root flare at grade, deep watering, and emitters that move outward as the tree grows. Fall is generally the best time to plant most trees in the low desert, with frost-tender plants such as citrus usually planted in spring. Avoid over-thinning, which makes trees topple in monsoon winds.

Last updated October 22, 2026

Shade trees are one of the best investments in a Phoenix yard. They cool patios and walls, protect other plants, and make outdoor space usable in summer. But desert trees fail for predictable reasons: planted over caliche, watered too shallowly, or pruned so hard they topple in monsoon winds. Getting planting and pruning right avoids most of it.

Planting it right

Check drainage first. Fill the hole with water and see how fast it drains. If it sits, caliche or hardpan may be below. It often has to be broken through so water and roots can move down.
Dig wide, not deep. A hole two to three times as wide as the root ball lets roots spread into loosened soil. Set the root flare at or slightly above grade.
Use native soil. Heavy amending of the backfill can create a pocket roots don't want to leave.
Build a watering basin and plan for drip emitters that move outward as the tree grows.
Water deeply. Trees need water soaked down well below the surface, not short daily sips.

Best time to plant

In the low desert, fall is generally the preferred time to plant most trees and shrubs. Roots grow through the mild winter and the plant is stronger by June. Frost-sensitive plants, including citrus and many tropical-looking shrubs, are commonly planted in spring after the last frost. Summer planting is possible with careful watering but is the riskiest.

Good choices for Phoenix yards

Desert trees such as palo verde, mesquite, ironwood and desert willow, and shrubs such as Texas ranger, desert ruellia and brittlebush, are widely planted. The Arizona Department of Water Resources' Low Water Use and Drought Tolerant Plant List for the Phoenix AMA, and AMWUA's plant guide based on it, are useful for checking water needs and mature size.

Pruning basics

Prune with a purpose: remove dead, damaged, crossing or rubbing branches first.
Avoid heavy pruning just before or during summer. Exposed bark can sunburn, and trees need their leaves for shade.
Don't over-thin mesquites and other desert trees. Lion-tailing, stripping inner branches and leaving tufts at the ends, makes them more likely to break in monsoon winds.
Citrus is usually left with low branches that shade the trunk. Painting exposed trunks with diluted white latex paint is a common sunburn protection.
Never top trees. Topping creates weak regrowth and decay.
Avoid shearing desert shrubs into balls; it cuts off flowers and leaves bare interiors.

Native plants and protected trees

Some cities regulate removal or relocation of native plants. Scottsdale, for example, has a citywide Native Plant Ordinance, and parts of north Scottsdale fall under its Environmentally Sensitive Lands overlay. Check with your city before removing a saguaro or large native tree.

Large trees and removals

Landscape companies commonly plant trees and maintain shrubs and small trees. Large tree pruning, storm cleanup, removals and anything near power lines is dangerous work better suited to a tree service with the right equipment and insurance, ideally with an ISA Certified Arborist.

See our monsoon prep guide for storm-ready trees. When you're ready, request a landscaping company for planting or shrub care.

Frequently asked questions

When should I prune trees in Phoenix?

Light pruning for dead or damaged wood can happen any time. Avoid heavy pruning before or during summer, when exposed bark can sunburn. Structural pruning is commonly done in the cooler months.

Why do mesquite trees blow over in monsoon storms?

Common causes include shallow roots from frequent light watering, and over-thinned canopies that act like sails. Deep, less frequent watering and moderate pruning help.

Do I need a permit to remove a native tree or cactus?

Some cities regulate native plants. Scottsdale has a citywide Native Plant Ordinance. Check with your city before removing or relocating a saguaro or large native tree.

Sources and further reading

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