The Best Arizona Trees to Plant in Fall

Fall is the perfect time to plant trees in Arizona. With cooler weather and warm soil, new trees establish strong roots for long-term health. Discover the best trees to plant this season for shade, beauty, and resilience in desert landscapes.

Why Fall is the Best Time to Plant Trees in Arizona

🌱 Cooler Weather = Less Stress: Young trees won’t be shocked by extreme summer heat.
🌿 Longer Root Establishment: Roots grow throughout the fall and winter, preparing for spring growth.
🌞 Stronger Trees by Summer: Fall planting gives trees a head start, so they can withstand Arizona’s hot months.

According to Moon Valley Nurseries, fall is the perfect season for tree planting because the cooler weather helps roots establish quickly and reduces stress on young trees.

Top Trees to Plant in Arizona This Fall

1. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)

Beautiful pink-purple trumpet flowers.
Drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun.
Attracts hummingbirds and pollinators.

2. Palo Verde (Parkinsonia)

Arizona’s state tree.
Striking green bark and bright yellow flowers in spring.
Hardy and water-wise once established.

3. Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis)

Gorgeous fall color—red, orange, and gold leaves.
Provides excellent shade.
Low maintenance and drought-tolerant.

4. Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

Evergreen with strong, dense shade.
Long lifespan and durable.
Great anchor tree for Arizona landscapes.

5. Arizona Ash (Fraxinus velutina)

Fast-growing and ideal for creating quick shade.
Golden fall foliage.
Needs consistent watering when young.

Learn about our tree planting services in Arizona

Fall Planting is Also the Perfect Time to Replenish Your Soil

Arizona’s weather can take a serious toll on soil health. After the intense summer heat and monsoon rains, much of the soil’s natural nutrients are either depleted or washed deeper below the root zone—making it harder for young trees to access what they need.

That’s why fall planting is also the perfect time to replenish your soil:

🌱 Fertilize Smartly: Use a deep-root fertilizer like SuperFeed to restore essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
💧 Check Moisture Balance: Monsoon rains may leave soil compacted—break it up and add organic matter to improve drainage.
🌿 Mulch Matters: A fresh layer of mulch helps lock in moisture and prevent further nutrient loss.
🌞 Support Recovery: Trees stressed from summer heat and storms need extra nutrition in the fall to rebuild strength and prepare for winter.

By nourishing the soil right after summer, you give your fall-planted trees the best chance to thrive with strong roots, lush growth, and long-lasting health.

According to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, proper tree planting and seasonal care in the fall is essential for long-term health and resilience in Arizona’s unique desert climate.

Want expert help choosing and planting the perfect tree for your Arizona landscape?

👉 Contact PROS Tree and Landscape today for professional planting services backed by certified arborists.

Additional Services We Offer:

Looking for more than just fall planting?

Whether you need tree trimming, deep-root fertilization, storm cleanup, or professional advice from our certified arborists, PROS Tree and Landscape is here to help.

📍 We service the following areas: Phoenix AZ · Scottsdale AZ · Chandler AZ · Paradise Valley, AZ · Cavecreek, AZ · Carefree, AZ · Fountain Hills, AZ Gilbert, AZ · Glendale, AZ · Goodyear, AZ · Litcheld Park, AZ · Mesa, AZ · Surprise, AZ · Tempe, AZ · Tolleson, AZ · Waddell, AZ

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