Trees for Taos

Post date: Nov 8, 2014 3:41:45 PM

I started thinking about trees because my neighbor's house is tall and imposing and nearly abuts my southern property line. I also need shade trees for the summer months that will shed leaves to admit solar heat in winter.

Taos is in USDA hardiness zone 5a (lows to -20° F) with annual precipitation around 13”. Valverde Commons has silt-clay soil that is alkaline and a water table about 6’ down.

See New Mexico Tree Species.

Arizona Cypress Scientific name: Cupressus arizonica to 50’
Bur Oak Scientific name: Quercus macrocarpa to 40’
Colorado Blue Spruce Scientific name: Picea pungens to 100’
Gambel Oak Scientific name: Quercus Gambelii to 60’
Netleaf Hackberry Scientific name: Celtis reticulata Torr. to 25’
New Mexico Olive Scientific name: Forestiera neomexicana to 15’
Piñon (Pine) Scientific names: Mexican Pinon = Pinus cembroides; Singleleaf Pinon = Pinus monophylla; Pinon = Pinus edulis; Parry Pinon = Pinus quadrifolia all to 25’
Redosier Dogwood Scientific names: Cornus stolonifera 3’ to 10’

Shade Trees for New Mexico.

“Less than one-third of New Mexico is naturally forested. The rest of the state is natural grassland or desert, with small areas of tundra. Thus, trees plant- ed in our cities and around our homes must grow under climatic conditions and in soil that does not naturally support tree growth.” They have a table showing water requirements, growing zone, and height. Selecting only Low water, Northern zone:

Melia azedarach cv. Umbraculiformis Texas umbrella tree, chinaberry. Does well in alkaline soil but has weak wood, grows to 40’
Adding Medium water requirements:
Cercis occidentialis Western redbud wants shade to 16’
Prunus virginiana var. melanocarpa Chokecherry suckers badly, to 20’
Robinia neomexicana New Mexico locust, poisonous fruit, to 25’
Cercis canadensis Eastern redbud to 30’
Maclura pomifera Osage orange to 50’

Guzman Greenhouse

Weeping Mulberry

Scientific Name: Morus alba pendule

Can take Full USDA Zone 4-9

This weeping mulberry can grow up to 15-20ft tall not as wide. Tree froms a beautiful shade canopy. Perfect for kid to hide in.

Idaho Locust

Scientific Name: Robinia x ambigua Full Sun - USDA zones 4 - 8 Idaho Locust tolerates summer heat and dryness as well as winter cold. Beautiful fragrant pink flowers. Grows about 35ft. tall and 25ft. wide. Good shade and ornamental tree.

Blue Juniper Tree Scientific Name: Juniperus scopulorum

Full Sun - USDA - Zones: 5 thru 7

More of an ornamental tree. This tree can be used as a border plan. Drought Tolerant Easy Care tree. Extremely Hardy Tolerates Poor Soils, Deer Resistant. Excellent for close wall bordering. About 15-20 ft high 20ft wide. Almost zero maintenance.

Euclayptus Tree Scientific Name: Eucalyptus melliodora

Full Sun - USDA Zones: 4-10

A good choice New Mexico evergreen tree, withstanding dry areas and wind. Drought tolerant once established good ornamental tree. This tree is low maintenance. About 40’ ft tall and just as wide.

Chinese Pistache Tree Scientific Name: Pistacia chinensis

Loves Full Sun - USDA Zones: 4-10

This Las Cruces tree is a desirable ornamental with attractive, umbrella-like crown. Lustrous green leaves turn a brilliant orange crimson in fall. Very drought tolerant, deciduous and extremely handsome tree. About 30-40 ft. tall and wide. Does well in the desert heat.

Xeriscape Plant Guide

Catalpa speciosa 40-70' upright, grows rapidly, provides heavy shade, matures quickly, easily grown in difficult areas.
Celtis occidentalis Hackberry. 50-60' spreading, drought resistant, dense canopy
Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green Ash. 50-60' w surface roots. tolerates alkaline, compacted, drought, full sun. self-sowing :(