Trees That Thrive in Full Sun and Heat

Summers are getting hotter. As climate change causes temperatures to rise across many parts of the United States, more homeowners are looking for trees that can tolerate full sun and heat. The right choice of tree species can help provide cooling shade and save on energy bills while beautifying your landscape. This article explores some of the best options for trees that like sun and heat.

Why Sun and Heat Tolerance Matters

Most trees naturally prefer partial shade or dappled sunlight But increasingly hot summers are stressing out many popular shade trees that just aren’t equipped to handle the intense heat and sun exposure. Maples, dogwoods, and other cool-climate trees are suffering from scorched leaves, branch dieback, and even premature death when planted in sunny spots

At the same time, full sun trees have to cope with more days over 90 or even 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Scorching afternoons take a toll on trees not adapted to these temperatures. Homeowners in warmer climates need trees that can thrive despite heat and drought stress.

Native Species Naturally Adapted

Some of the best sun-loving trees are native North American species that evolved in hot climates, Their native resilience equips them to handle the increasing heat These include

• Red maple – Fast growing with brilliant fall color. Tolerates damp as well as dry soil. Grows 50-60 feet tall.

• White oak – Massive shade tree to 80 feet. Handles drought and poor drainage. Provides wildlife food.

• River birch – Peeling cinnamon bark. Yellow fall foliage. Grows 40 feet tall. Likes moist soil.

• Sweetbay magnolia – Fragrant white blooms in spring. Grows 20 feet tall. Tolerates damp areas.

• American hornbeam – Understory tree with orange-red fall leaves. Grows 20-30 feet tall. Hummingbird favorite.

• Eastern redbud – Showy pink spring flowers. Grows 20-30 feet tall. Widely adaptable.

Non-Native Heat-Lovers

Several non-native species have proven themselves able to thrive in hot, sunny conditions in the United States:

• Crape myrtle – Available in many color varieties. Long summer bloom period. Grows 15-20 feet tall.

• Chinese pistache – Lovely fall colors ranging from red to orange. Grows 35-50 feet tall.

• Japanese zelkova – Graceful vase shape and colorful fall foliage. Grows 50-80 feet tall.

• Chitalpa – Pink flowers in summer resemble both catalpa and chitalpa trees. Grows 20-30 feet tall.

• Indian hawthorn – Shrub with white spring flowers and red fall berries. Grows to 10 feet.

• Texas mountain laurel – Evergreen shrub with dramatic purple blooms. Grows 12 feet tall. Deer resistant.

Consider Climate and Growing Zone

When selecting sun-loving trees, it’s important to choose varieties suited to your specific USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. A tree adapted to hot southern climates may still struggle in the drier heat of western states. Check for varieties bred for local conditions.

Northern zones will have fewer heat-tolerant native species to choose from. Select trees like red maple which can cope with both cold winters and heat waves.

Provide Adequate Water

Even with sun and heat adapted trees, it’s important to provide adequate water, especially during the first few years while roots establish. Deep weekly soaking is better than frequent light watering. Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weed competition.

Once established, many heat and drought resistant trees will be quite resilient. But young trees will need help avoiding stress during hot, dry weather. Proper watering gives them the best chance of thriving.

Choosing the right trees for full sun and heat tolerance is key to creating a healthy, low-maintenance landscape. Do your homework when selecting trees to make sure your choices will flourish in your specific climate and growing conditions. With care and the right species, even hot summer sun doesn’t have to limit your design options.