9 Drought-Tolerant Trees That Thrive Even When You Forget to Water Them Help your landscape thrive even in the dead of summer. Close Credit: Imagesbybarbara / Getty Images If your backyard experiences dry spells, embracing drought-tolerant trees is a fantastic choice. Their ability to thrive even with little rainfall provides peace of mind, especially during hot summers or while you're on vacation. Once established, drought-tolerant trees will improve your landscape's curb appeal and make it more resilient to prolonged periods without rain. Ahead, landscape experts present durable, drought-tolerant trees that look great, require minimal maintenance, and thrive in dry conditions. Cameron DePaola, landscape designer and owner of Bloom and Riverside Landscaping Inc. Kristi Baldini of Windswept Gardens in Bangor, Maine 5 Drought-Tolerant Fruit Trees That Can Thrive in Dry Weather 01 of 09 Ginkgo Credit: Nenov / Getty Images The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba), also known as the maidenhair tree, is an excellent option for a dry landscape once established. "Ginkgos have a unique leaf shape and wonderful yellow fall color," says landscape designer Cameron DePaola. "These trees thrive in compacted soil, dry conditions, and full sun, making them ideal for street environments or urban areas." Not only are they drought-tolerant, but they are also generally resistant to pests and diseases, making them a low-maintenance yet attractive option. Zones: 3 to 9Size: 50 to 80 feet tall x 30 to 40 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter 02 of 09 Red Maple Credit: aon168 / GETTY IMAGES The red maple tree (Acer rubrum), cherished for its rich red foliage, is an excellent ornamental, drought-tolerant choice. This tree enhances landscapes with its stunning colors and features, which include red-tinged flowers, twigs, leaves, and fruit. It establishes easily, provides ample shade, and displays a beautiful range of colors from yellow to red in fall. Red maple trees produce edible seeds, which have a nutty, buttery, slightly sweet flavor. The outer covering of the seed must be removed before eating. Zones: 3 to 10Size: 40 to 70 feet tall x 30 to 50 feet wideCare requirements: Full to partial sun; well-draining, sandy, clay soil 03 of 09 Japanese Tree Lilac Credit: skymoon13 / GETTY IMAGES Drought-tolerant Japanese tree lilacs (Syringa reticulata) produce beautiful white, purple, or pink flowers in spring, says DePaola. These trees are very resilient, long-lived, and emit a wonderful fragrance. Additionally, they are easy to maintain and can be pruned to stay small in tight spaces. With a medium growth rate, tree lilacs can be enjoyed as a small tree or shrub, depending on your aesthetic preference. Zones: 3 to 7Size: 20 to 30 feet tall x 15 to 25 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter 04 of 09 Honey Locust Credit: GETTY IMAGES Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis) is a striking tree offering an open, airy canopy that provides light shade without blocking everything underneath, says Kristi Baldini of Windswept Gardens. It’s a fast-growing, hardy option that is adaptable to various growing conditions. Blanketed in small, delicate leaflets, this tree adds charm to your landscape, even in dry spells. Baldini notes that once established, the honey locust tree handles poor soils, urban stress, and drought with ease. Zones: 4 to 9Size: 30 to 70 feet tall x 25 to 45 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter 05 of 09 Bur Oak Credit: ClubhouseArts / Getty Images The bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a majestic native tree known for its thick bark and deep roots. According to Baldini, it is an excellent choice for providing long-term shade and supporting wildlife. Once established, this drought-tolerant tree can endure urban pollution and thrive in compacted soils. The bur oak is a long-lived deciduous tree with a wide, open crown and a large trunk featuring deep, ridged bark. It produces large, oval acorns and boasts leathery, dark green leaves, adding charm and sophistication to your yard. Zones: 3 to 8Size: 60 to 80 feet tall x 60 to 80 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining, loamy, sandy, clay soil, rich in organic matter 06 of 09 Kentucky Coffeetree Credit: seven75 / Getty Images Despite its name, the Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) does not produce coffee beans. However, it's a perfect choice for adding character to any landscape. This drought-tolerant tree is native to North America and thrives in moist soils and dry, rocky conditions. According to DePaola, it can withstand significant stress and pollution. The tree has rough, flaky bark and compound leaves that produce large seed pods. Its resilient leaves can grow up to 3 feet long and 2 feet wide, displaying bluish-green leaflets during the summer. Zones: 3 to 8Size: 60 to 80 feet tall x 40 to 50 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining, alkaline soil rich in organic matter 07 of 09 Eastern Red Cedar Credit: Lex20 / Getty Images The eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is a beautiful native evergreen tree found throughout North America. It is known for its striking reddish-brown bark and delicate blue-gray, berry-like cones. This tree thrives in dry climates and is one of the most tolerant species when it comes to drought, heat, and extreme cold. With its impressive deep root system, the eastern red cedar not only enhances the beauty of your landscape but also serves as an excellent ally in erosion control, helping to keep your outdoor spaces vibrant and secure. Zones: 2 to 9Size: 30 to 65 feet tall x 8 to 25 feet wideCare Requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter 08 of 09 Crape Myrtle Credit: LITTLE DINOSAUR / GETTY IMAGES Crape myrtle trees (Gymnocladus dioicus) are known for their vibrant summer blooms, which come in shades of purple, pink, white, and red. They are characterized as deciduous shrubs or small trees that can grow to various sizes depending on the cultivar. In addition to their striking blooms, these trees also feature beautiful fall foliage, exfoliating bark, and a vase-shaped crown with dense branching. The leaves are dark green and change to shades of yellow, red, and orange in the fall, adding character to the landscape. Once established, this showy tree is extremely heat- and drought-tolerant. Zones: 6 to 9Size: 6 to 25 feet tall x 6 to 25 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; well-draining soil rich in organic matter 09 of 09 Olive Tree Credit: Israel Sebastian / Getty Images The olive tree (Olea europaea) is well-regarded for its early fruiting, high-quality olives, and self-fertility. It features attractive gray-green foliage and has an elegant weeping habit. It can start bearing fruit as early as two to three years after planting. Once established, this tree is drought-tolerant and thrives in hot, dry conditions with minimal watering. Its charming, compact size makes it ideal for small gardens and growing in containers, allowing it to thrive beautifully in limited spaces. Zones: 8 to 9Size: 20 feet tall x 12 feet wideCare requirements: Full sun; dry, well-draining soil Explore more: Garden Landscaping