My daughter has built a home in a dry area. What low-maintenance trees could she plant?
Topping the list of all-time favorites for dry soil are the live and laurel oaks. Less well-known but perhaps even more drought tolerant are the myrtle and sand live oaks, often found in some of the sandiest soils. Other favorites that can normally survive on their own with normal rainfall include the loquat, sand pine, Southern red cedar, tabebuia, winged elm and yaupon holly. Getting these trees established is the key to helping them survive on their own. Make sure the trees have adequate water for up to a year after planting. This usually means watering daily for two to four weeks and then every other day for a few months. Then give the trees at least weekly waterings for the rest of the year.
