Grapevine’s Guide to Drought-Tolerant Trees

Grapevine, like other areas of North Texas, has a climate on the warmer side of the spectrum. Classified as humid subtropical by the National Weather Service, the city sees average temperatures of around 100 degrees Fahrenheit at the peak of summer and above freezing even in the coldest winter months. Drought is a common occurrence because of the generally mild-to-hot conditions endemic to the region, which presents a hazard to its arboriculture. Here, we examine eight of the best drought-tolerant tree species for maintaining a lush arboreal presence on Grapevine properties.

Cedar Elm

Image via Flickr by Bill Longstaff

Elm trees are among the most common in North Texas, and for good reason. The cedar elm is especially good at withstanding drought conditions, and it’s also quite tolerant of wet soil. With their verticality and dark-green leaves, they’re a large species that provide both regal looks and comforting shade.

Crepe Myrtle

The crepe myrtle is a gorgeous ornamental tree with flowers that bloom red, pink, purple, or white in the spring. Come fall, the leaves blaze in the warm autumnal colors of orange, gold, and red. In addition to being drought-tolerant, this species is also cold-resistant.

Desert Willow

As its name implies, the desert willow is a tree species that embraces full sunlight and thrives even in extremely dry regions. It’s also easygoing about soil conditions capable of growing in loam, sand, and dry clay. Its flower is an elegant purple or dark pink with white or yellow and purple streaks in the throat.

Golden Rain Tree

The golden rain tree is a medium-size deciduous species that can grow up to 40 feet tall and 40 feet wide. Its flowers are a bright yellow whose petals “rain” to the ground once the blooms have finished. In addition to drought, this species is tolerant of heat, wind, and air pollution.

Pecan Tree

The pecan tree is not only native to Texas but is also the official state tree, so it’s no surprise that it’s drought-tolerant. Growing up to 120 feet tall, it’s a large species that serves terrifically as a shade tree in summer and, of course, a food source in the fall.

Texas Persimmon Tree

The Texas persimmon tree is a small species that grows between 10 and 35 feet tall. The persimmon fruit ripens from July to September. The trunk and branches are an elegant and smooth gray-white. It’s both drought-tolerant and disease-resistant.

Redbud

The Texas redbud and the Mexican redbud are two species to consider. The Texas redbud blooms purple flowers in spring, while the Mexican redbud boasts vivid red petals. The latter is more drought-tolerant than the former, but both are well-suited to the North Texas climate.

Tipu

The tipu tree is medium to large with soft green foliage and lemon-colored flowers. It bears fruit in the form of a bean pod that spins like a helicopter’s rotor when it drops from the tree.

If you need help selecting drought-tolerant trees in Grapevine, get in touch with an arboreal expert at TreeNewal today. In addition to a wide range of care services, we offer comprehensive consultations and guidance on all things tree related. Give us a call at 972-777-4626 or submit an online inquiry form to get started.