Honey Mesquite = tough as nails, but messy pollen, bean, and leaf drop. Great where th emess is not a problem

Australian willow = moderate to low water use, low-litter plant, nice green color.

Pomegranite (sp?) = nice trees, pretty flowers,

Pistachio = about the only way to get fall color, low water use when established.

Also consider the smaller Eucalyptus ... E. spathulata and others aren't the huge messy monsters that have given the whole genus a bad name.

I don't think that the pomegranite will grow tall enough for the shade you want. You might also consider Coast Live Oak or Island Oak. They provide much shade and are tolerant to arid climates. Soak deep when establishing so that roots will grow deep, where they can seek out water.

I researched several of those trees recently. I liked the Australian willow quite a bit. It gives a filtered shade and has a very deep root system so it won't uproot sidewalks, foundations, etc. The mulga has a very striking bark appearence, again a very good tree.

Did you mean Chinese Pistache instead of pistachio? The Both do well down here and give some nice color in the fall. There is also a variety of pistache tree called the mastic tree which is evergreen.

Other trees you may want to research are the olive tree (swan hill), Texas Mountain Laurel, and the coral gum.

Good Luck

TO aZDesertRat, how does the australian willow do next to grass as far as deep rooting? could use your asvise. thanks in advance. bonbon2007