Shade Tree Recommendations Needed

11 years ago

I am looking for a shade tree to plant. West side of my house takes a major beating from the sun. One of my side entrance doors and the A/C unit is on that side of the house and it just heats up the rest of the house. Hoping to plant a good shade tree there hopefully help out a bit. I have had a thermometer out there on that side of the house and it have gotten into the 120's....

OK, Details: I live very north Phoenix (technically, in unincorporated Maricopa county). I am about 3 blocks east of Cave Creek town limits, and 3 blocks north of Phoenix city limits, just south of Anthem. The next set of measurements are estimations. About 15 feet from the house, is my block wall. It is about 5 feet tall. My plan was the plant it on the outside of the wall maybe 3 to 5 feet from it (I don't want to get too far from the house that is supposed to be shaded :-) ). My septic system in about 20 to 25 feet north of this planting location. I will be able to water this location well periodically, but hoping for something that is a little bit heat and drought tolerant once established.......oh, I have pets, livestock, and children, so need to make sure it is not toxic (sorry, no oleanders.)

So to throw another oddity into the mix....I am a sort of an utilitarian...so hoping for a tree that is "dual purposed"...shade and something more.... Maybe a fruit or nut type tree so that I can harvest from it....or something that attracts bees and pollinators to the yard. I also hope that once REALLY established (and has some shade), I MIGHT be able to get a dragon fruit vine to grow on it (that is a possible long term goal).

OK, hopefully you have some good suggestions on what I can plant.

I really appreciate it!!

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Comments (6)

joncongaroo
11 years ago
I don't know about planting a tree close to a septic leach field, or if you would want to eat anything that grew from it. If your area is not too high of elevation an Ironwood tree is an extreme drought tolerant tree that attracts pollinators, but it's roots may get into your septic system. This link about planting near septic systems isn't tailored to Arizona, but its something to consider. Link
Fascist_Nation
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
SRP says a shaded AC unit is 10% more efficient. I agree no matter what you plant you will start to find its roots in the leech field.

Thornless Honey Mesquite - sweet pods

Foothills Palo Verde - seeds are like edamame when green

Once either established no need to water it or really prune it. Seed pods/seeds tasty (I've selected the best bets)! Can plant under it once big enough and either nitrifies the soil.

Both provide transpiring dappled shade so growing a dragonfruit up them should not be an issue.

http://www.desertharvesters.org/native-tree-information/a-guide-to-pruning-native-sonoran-desert-multi-trunk-trees/

http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1429.pdf

http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/water/az1048.pdf
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User
11 years ago
For a tree to shade wall from outside the fence line it would have to be pretty tall and wide.

Consider a trellis or arbor and vine closer to the house. Faster shade production.

This is a west side arbor with several queens wreath vines. It makes a real difference in the temperature of the rooms on that side.
PRO
JSL Landscape Design
11 years ago
Agree with lazy gardens, a shade structure using 4 x4 posts and shade cloth material on top will be instant, requires no irrigation and not effect the septic system. Could also grow Cats Claw on the walls - self clinging. A typical shade tree just takes too long to provide enough shade.
User
11 years ago
Do NOT grow cat's claw anywhere near your house ... it is too vigorous and ends up ripping the roof off in search of prey.

http://www.public.asu.edu/~camartin/plants/Plant%20html%20files/Cat%20claw%20house%20cover.JPG
MaryMcP Zone 8b - Phx AZ
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
In addition to Queens Wreath, another pretty vine that is evergreen, not over-bearing and drought tolerant is Primrose Jasmine. Or try hop bushes. Drought tolerant, fast growing. Not sure if the roots are invasive, anyone?? Avoid Chocolate Bean vine for the same reason you would avoid Cats Claw.