What is it that allows a tree to put down roots in a landscape where the rain does not come often and the summer heat is unyielding? One has to admire the hardiness of the trees in and around Prescott Valley. And for those with an eye for their own yard, you may be curious as to what would grow there.

We at A and C Tree Services, LLC make our living from the trees in the Quad Cities. As a veteran and family run concern we have been serving Prescott Valley as well as Chino Valley, Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Prescott and Dewey-Humboldt. You can reach us 24/7 at (928) 800-0452. For now, allow us to put forward some facts about the kind of trees that do well in the high desert.

The High Desert Defies Expectations

Arizona conjures up images of flat sand and saguaro cactus for most. Yet the high desert in the Quad Cities is at a higher elevation; there are proper seasons here and cooler weather, even winter snow. It is an environment for all manner of tree that could not make it in the low desert.

That is what puts an interesting spin on tree care in this part of the country. The ones on your property have found ways to cope with the dry heat or a freeze.

Some of the Better Trees in Our Climate

You will find these in the Quad Cities, along with a fact or two:

• The bark of an alligator juniper is so square and cracked it resembles the skin of an alligator; they are also long lived, in the order of centuries.
• Let the sun warm the bark of a Ponderosa pine and many will tell you it has a butterscotch or vanilla aroma.
• For a privacy screen one cannot go past the Arizona cypress. It is drought tolerant to a fault and never loses its blue-green hue.
• A Gambel oak propagates by way of its underground roots, meaning a cluster of them is really a single plant.
• The pinyon pine has been putting out edible nuts for the wildlife and people of the region for millennia.
• Then there is the velvet mesquite which will put down roots of extraordinary depth to get at water and remain green while the rest of the landscape is parched.

Desert Trees Have Their Ways

To get by in the high desert a tree has to be resourceful. Some sport small leaves, waxy or fuzzy, to reflect the worst of the sun and retain moisture. Others will shed their leaves in the driest part of the year to conserve energy and put them back on when things pick up.

A taproot is another way to survive. Certain trees will send one far under ground where a more shallow rooted plant would not find water. That is why a healthy specimen can appear unfazed by a protracted dry spell.

Make of Natives a Wiser Choice

There is no sense in not planting what is suited to the climate. Once established, a native or desert adapted tree will want for less water and stand up to the local pests and weather better. It is an economy of time and money.

Still, any tree requires attention. Be it pruning or a health check, it is good for the longevity and appearance of the tree. And if a storm comes through or an overgrowth encroaches on the house, a professional is worth having on speed dial.

For Your Neighbors’ Edification

Trees are not just for show. A few points to consider:

• The shade from a mature tree will put the temperature down around the home.
• They are a natural means of filtering dust and pollutants.
• Put a tree in the right spot and it adds to your property value.
• Squirrels and birds will find food and shelter in them.
• In times of wind and heavy rain, a sound tree is a check against soil erosion.

We Can See to Your Trees

Most do not give enough credit to the trees of the high desert for being as tough and interesting as they are. With care, the ones on your land will be beautiful for generations.

Should you require tree services or have a question, the licensed and insured professionals of A and C Tree Services, LLC are at your disposal. We have maintenance plans for commercial and residential alike, and extend discounts to veterans and seniors. Do not hesitate to call for a free estimate at (928) 800-0452, day or night.