Whats a desert tree that gives lots of shade, needs little water and little maintenance?
Well, you have a problem. Most desert trees don’t give a lot of shade. They can’t, to survive the desert with little water they need small leaves and some even drop their leaves when the going get rough….Palo Verde for example. There are many Acacias and Mesquites, they would work but they can be messy with fruit or seed drop. Still they are generally low water……not no water, low water. Chinese Pistache is a nice deciduous tree, no leaves in winter. Takes a bit more water. No, it’s not pistachio. Female trees do have a little nubbin like fruit, no big deal. Carob is a one of the densest shade trees. They tolerate desert conditions well and still remain moderate to low in water requirements. Ashes are used a lot, like Velvet ash, but probably too much water for you. If you are near Tucson, tour the University campus to see various trees, here’s there on line map. http://cals-cf.calsnet.arizon
