Scorching summer heat can be tough on gardens. Many plants wilt or stop blooming when temperatures soar. But some trees actually thrive in hot, sunny conditions. If you live in a climate with steaming summers consider adding one of these full sun trees to your landscape.
Red Maple
With brilliant fall color ranging from bright yellow to blazing red, the red maple (Acer rubrum) is one of the best small trees for full sun. It has a rounded oval shape and grows fast, up to 2 to 3 feet per year when young. Eventually reaching 40 to 60 feet tall and almost as wide, red maple casts cooling shade over yards. This versatile American native tolerates drought, pollution, poor drainage, and compacted soil. Plant red maple in zones 3-9.
White Oak
A symbol of strength, the white oak (Quercus alba) becomes a massive, spreading shade tree at maturity. It grows well in full sun and adapts to most soil types, including clay and acidic soil. The dark green leaves provide dappled shade beneath the 50 to 100 foot canopy. White oak is hardy in zones 3-9. Its acorns attract wildlife, its lumber is highly valued, and it’s resistant to drought and pollution.
River Birch
River birch (Betula nigra) is a fast-growing deciduous tree that thrives in hot climates Native to the eastern US., this multi-trunked birch grows 40 to 70 feet tall. The peeling, paper-like bark provides year-round interest. River birch needs regular watering when young but becomes quite drought tolerant. Plant it in full sun or light shade. Grow river birch in zones 4-9.
Ginkgo
With unique fan-shaped leaves, the ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is one of the oldest species of trees on earth. It thrives in heat and resist pests, pollution, salt, and urban conditions. Male ginkgo trees are preferred because females produce messy, smelly fruit. Ginkgo grows slowly, eventually reaching 60 to 100 feet high. Its golden yellow foliage is spectacular in fall. Grow ginkgo in zones 3-9.
American Hornbeam
Also called musclewood, American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) has smooth gray bark and sinewy trunks, hence its common name. This small understory tree grows 20 to 30 feet tall and wide. American hornbeam thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts to most soil types. Yellowish fall color and slightly irregular shape give it artistic appeal. American hornbeam grows well in zones 3-9.
Sweetbay Magnolia
A Southern magnolia cousin, sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) brings graceful beauty to gardens. This small flowering evergreen tree reaches just 20 to 30 feet tall. Fragrant white blooms appear in late spring and sporadically all summer. Sweetbay magnolia grows in zones 5-9. It needs regular watering but tolerates intermittent mild drought. Plant it in full sun or partial shade.
Serviceberry
Serviceberry (Amelanchier) offers multi-season interest with spring blooms, tasty summer berries, and reliable fall color. These understory trees grow 15 to 30 feet high. Varieties like Autumn Brilliance and Princess Diana serviceberry thrive in full sun and zones 4-9. Their delicate white flowers and oval, lobed leaves add grace to landscapes. Plant serviceberry as a specimen plant or in groupings.
When designing an outdoor oasis that withstands summer swelters, use trees strategically for cooling shade and comfort. Place them to shade patios, porches, driveways, and air conditioning units. Groupings of both evergreen and deciduous trees create shelter from the afternoon sun. Even smaller sun-loving trees make excellent focal points while helping filter intense sunlight.
With smart tree selection and placement, you can enjoy outdoor living despite rising temperatures. But provide plenty of water for new plantings, especially during their first two years. Mulch around trees to conserve soil moisture. Once established, many hardy, drought-resistant trees will thrive with minimal care through blazing summers.
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FAQ
What are the most heat tolerant trees?
What makes a tree more heat tolerant?
Some characteristics make trees more heat tolerant than others, such as trees that have good drought tolerance and prefer full sun exposure. When looking for trees that resist drought, look for trees with smaller and waxier leaves. These characteristics help your trees maintain moisture levels.
Are junipers heat tolerant?
Maples, oaks, and junipers are lauded for their overall temperature tolerance (in both directions). Some characteristics make trees more heat tolerant than others, such as trees that have good drought tolerance and prefer full sun exposure. When looking for trees that resist drought, look for trees with smaller and waxier leaves.
What plants can be planted in full sun?
Also called “strawberry tree”, the arbutus is native to the Mediterranean basin. Modest in terms of maintenance, this shrub likes full sun and supports dry grounds. 11. The laurel-tin One of the main advantages of the laurel-tin to be planted in full sun is that it blooms in winter, when nature is asleep, from January to April.
Which pine tree is best for a hot climate?
Hardy for almost all zones, pine trees are some of the best options to try if you’re searching for great heat tolerance. There are various types of pine trees that can bring that long-lasting familiar scent to the landscape. One variety that’s particularly well adapted to hot climates is the Canary Island pine tree.
What is a good small tree for landscaping?
‘Prairifire’ is a standout variety that has dark pink flowers, reddish-purple foliage, and great disease resistance. Another popular small tree for landscaping is ‘Centurion’ which has rose-pink flowers, an upright shape, and great disease resistance. Growing Conditions: Full sun in medium moisture, well-drained soil
Can shrubs withstand full sun?
Bushes that happily bask in full sun in northern zones might haplessly bake in southern ones. Ahead, we’ve collected some stunning shrubs that can withstand heat and full sun, as long as they don’t dry out.