Nevada Trees
The Sagebrush State enjoys a range of varied topography and elevation, which is an important consideration when designing a natural landscape. Because you want to maximize your tree’s growth and survival chances with minimum maintenance, trees should be chosen to match your yard’s soil types, temperatures and moisture, and light levels.
How to care for trees that grow in Nevada?
Keep this advice in mind while hunting for trees that will thrive in Nevada. It’ll save you from buying a tree that isn’t right for your yard.
Climate: Nevada enjoys a dry and sunny climate, with daily temperatures varying widely from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 69 degrees from January to July. The vast majority of the state crosses USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. However, a small area in Elko Country sits in zone 4. The state’s three largest cities – Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas – are within zone 9.
Soil: The soils in Nevada range significantly. Before you plant, test the soil to determine its pH and nutrients. Organic matter in the soil tends to be extremely small, less than 1%, and alkaline, with a pH greater than 7. You will likely need to amend the soil before you plant a tree.
Water: How much you’ll need to water your tree depends on the variety. Broadly, you should water new trees, those under 2 years old, more frequently than established trees—even more so in the summer when temperatures soar over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A back-of-the-napkin estimate is that trees need about 2 times more water during the hot season.
Varieties of Trees that Grow in Nevada
The Norway and Dwarf Alberta Spruce are great for Nevada’s cooler regions, while the Gingko, White Dogwood, and Jane Magnolia can add a palate of color to the milder regions. Don’t forget the Scarlet and Crimson Maples when you want a blaze of fall color in your garden.
If you want to increase your property’s privacy, consider planting a row of Thuja Emerald Green, American Holly, or Drought-Tolerant Evergreens. These fast-growing, feathery evergreens will enhance the beauty of your property’s boundary with their year-round dark green color while adding a sense of security.
Nevada’s state tree is the Bristlecone Pine. This unusual tree is long-living and is only found in six states in the southwestern US. It reaches a height between 16 and 49 feet with a diameter between 8 and 11 feet. It has distinctive, bright orange bark and produces evergreen needles 2-4 inches long.
Common Questions about Nevada Trees
What fruit trees grow in Nevada?
Growing fruit trees in Nevada can be tricky, but it’s more than doable for gardeners willing to put in the work. Which fruit tree varieties will flourish in Nevada largely depends on whether you reside in the northern or southern part of the state. In either case, be careful to select a variety that matches your hardiness zone.
Apples and Pears are preferable in Northern Nevada because they have a higher “chill requirement”—the minimum period of cold weather needed for the tree to blossom. The higher chill requirement ensures the fruit trees won’t blossom until the threat of a false spring has passed.
Apple trees to try: Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith.
Pear trees to try: Dwarf Comice and 20th Century.
A few years back, the University of Nevada released a list of fruit plants that would do well in Southern Nevada. The list includes:
What trees grow in Nevada?
Hundreds of trees grow in Nevada. Trees that will do well in the southern region include Mulga, Eastern Redbud, and Chinese Pistache. In the northern region, plant London Plane, Horse Chestnut, or a Shademaster. When selecting a tree, it’s best to choose one that is drought and heat tolerant. Also, pay close attention to the tree’s “comfort zone” and if it matches your yard’s USDA zone.
What flowering trees grow in Nevada?
Plenty! Crape Myrtles are popular in Las Vegas. Two other well-loved Nevada plants include Kwanzan Cherry and Desert Willow.