Albuquerque, New Mexico, has an arid semi-continental climate that changes according to the season. It experiences hot and dry summers and short but cold winters with snow. For this reason, identifying trees that grow well in Albuquerque is essential to ensuring their survival.
Trees That Grow Well in Albuquerque
Here are seven varieties of tree that grow well in the NM climate:
Bing Cherry Tree
Scientific name: Prunus avium
Bing cherry trees are one of the trees that grow well in Albuquerque because they require lots of sunlight. And given that Albuquerque receives 310 days of sunshine per year, it’s the ideal place for them.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to plant at least two bing cherry trees if you want to enjoy their sweet fruit, given that they can’t self-pollinate.
Crabapple Tree
Scientific name: Malus
Crabapple trees are an excellent fit to plant in Albuquerque because they’re flexible with soil conditions. They can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soil as long as it has some moisture. Since they can’t tolerate standing water, Albuquerque’s dry climate is ideal for them.
You can plant crabapple trees in a place in your yard that receives full or partial sun.
Raywood Ash Tree
Scientific name: Fraxinus oxycarpa
Raywood ash trees are vigorous growers that provide excellent shade. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, making Alberquerque a great home for them.
You’ll need to keep your raywood ash trees watered at first. But once they become established, they have a decent tolerance for the drought conditions that often affect Alberquerque.
Lacebark Elm Tree
Scientific name: Ulmus parvifolia
Lacebark elm trees are elegant additions to a landscaped lawn. They grow well in essentially any soil you can imagine, including soil with an acidic and alkaline pH, making them versatile for growing in Alberquerque.
You may need to water your lacebark elm tree occasionally during long periods of drought. But overall, these trees have a high tolerance for mildly dry conditions.
Imperial Honey Locust Tree
Scientific name: Gleditsia triacanthos
Honey locusts are excellent trees that grow well in Albuquerque, NM, because they grow fast, allowing them to take root before winter. Although honey locust trees are native to the central and east parts of the country, they don’t have invasive roots.
Providing ample shade is one of the iconic draws of people in Albuquerque to honey locusts. However, these trees also produce beautiful yellow leaves that change to green in the summer.
Pomegranate Tree
Scientific name: Punica granatum
Pomegranate trees thrive in hot, dry summers and cool winters, making them an ideal fit for Albuquerque. Contrary to popular belief, they’re notably more cold-resistant than citrus trees. Nevertheless, planting them in the warmest and sunniest part of your yard is ideal.
But you’ll need to practice patience when waiting for your pomegranate tree to mature. It often takes them three years to produce their first yield, and even then, it might be a small yield at first.
Flowering Pear Tree
Scientific name: Pyrus calleryana
Although flower pear trees don’t produce fruit worth eating, these ornamental trees have magnificent flowers in the spring and stunning colors on their leaves in the fall. They’re a great option for Albuquerque since they can grow in conditions that kill many other trees.
You should plant your flowering pear tree in an area of your yard that receives at least six hours of sun per day. Aside from this, you should also test your soil to ensure it’s slightly acidic.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to plant a tree in New Mexico for fruit, shade, or show, the trees discussed here will all thrive in Albuquerque. You may also be interested in finding out about the best grass for Albuquerque lawns.