Choosing the right tree in the Treasure Valley is
about more than looks. Our landscapes demand plants that can handle real
conditions due to their tolerance for drought, salt, and poor soils, while still providing shade, habitat, and long-term beauty. A great example is the honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis ‘Shademaster’),
a thornless tree that balances function and form with ease, with golden color in the fall. Its fine-textured leaves
create light, filtered shade that supports lawns and garden beds beneath it,
making it an excellent choice for yards where multiple layers of plants need to
coexist. It is also relatively low-mess compared to many shade trees, and its
dappled canopy helps reduce water stress on turf and understory plantings
during peak summer heat. It’s a quiet workhorse that brings both comfort and
resilience to the landscape and the edible pulp in its seed pods, which are a food source for wildlife.
The Treasure Valley climate brings hot, dry summers, cold winters, and
alkaline soils that can stress less-adapted species. One way to build
resilience into your landscape is to incorporate native trees that are already
attuned to our region. Black or Douglas hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii) is a native gem that brings both beauty and backbone to a yard. This small,
multi-stemmed tree thrives in irrigated areas or low spots that hold a bit of
moisture, making it a great choice for swales, borders, or naturalized edges. 
In spring, it lights up with clusters of showy white blossoms that draw in
pollinators, followed by dark berries
that
feed birds and wildlife. Its dense, thorny branches create excellent nesting
habitat and can double as a living screen or informal hedge. While it won’t
cast deep shade, black hawthorn adds structure, seasonal interest, and ecological
value as part of a layered, living landscape. There is a a hawthorn called 'Paul's Scarlet' with striking pink blooms too!
For those with large areas, selecting species that are
well-adapted to local conditions means less water, less maintenance, and
greater long-term success. The bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) embodies this principle with its deep roots, drought tolerance, and remarkable longevity. It
not only withstands Treasure Valley conditions, but also supports wildlife and
adds lasting structure to a landscape. Over time, it can become a true anchor
tree, offering shade, habitat, and a sense of permanence that grows with the
landscape itself. This is a tree that rewards patience and strengthens the
resilience of your yard for decades to come.
When you match the right tree to the right place, you’re not just
planting shade, you’re building a resilient Treasure Valley ecosystem from the
ground up.
More information is available here:
https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/NativePlantLandscaping.pdf
In spring, it lights up with clusters of showy white blossoms that draw in
pollinators, followed by dark berries 
