November is one of the best months to plant trees and shrubs in Arizona. The weather is cooler, the soil is still warm, and plants have time to settle in before the heat returns. If you want strong, healthy growth by spring, planting now gives your yard a huge head start.
Below are the best trees and shrubs to plant before winter and the simple steps you can follow to help their roots grow strong.
Top Desert Trees and Shrubs to Plant Before Winter
Arizona’s climate can be tough on plants. Hot summers, dry air, and strong sun mean you need varieties that love the desert. Planting them in November helps them avoid summer shock and gives them months to build strength.
Here are great choices for this season.
1. Palo Verde
Palo Verde trees are fast growing and very hardy. They handle heat well and need very little water once established. Their green bark and bright spring flowers make them a favorite in Arizona yards.
2. Desert Willow
Desert Willows grow with a soft, graceful shape and bloom with purple or pink flowers. They attract hummingbirds and add color with very little water.
3. Mesquite
Mesquite trees are tough, long lived, and perfect for shade. They grow deep roots that help them survive drought. They also support local wildlife.
4. Texas Sage
Texas Sage is one of the easiest shrubs to grow in Arizona. It needs almost no care and blooms with purple flowers after summer rain. It is great for borders or filling empty spots.
5. Red Yucca
Red Yucca is not a yucca at all but behaves like one. It has long, arching leaves and tall flower spikes that attract hummingbirds. It handles heavy sun and heat without problems.
6. Bottlebrush
Bottlebrush shrubs bring bright red flower spikes that look like brushes. They add color all year and grow well in warm, sunny spots.
7. Arizona Rosewood
This evergreen shrub stays green all year. It is great for creating privacy, growing as a hedge, or filling open areas in your landscape.
Planting these trees and shrubs in November helps them adjust easily because the temperatures are gentle and the soil is perfect for root growth.
How to Ensure Root Growth Before the Spring Heat Returns
Once you choose your plants, the next step is helping them settle into their new home. Even though the top of the plant may not grow much in winter, the roots are busy underneath. The more support you give them now, the stronger they will be when spring arrives.
1. Water Deeply and Slowly
In cooler weather, you don’t need to water as often, but you do need to water deeply. This helps roots grow down instead of staying near the surface. Water slowly so the soil can absorb the moisture. For trees, water around the drip line, not right at the trunk. For shrubs, soak the soil around the base until it reaches at least 12 inches deep.
2. Use Mulch
Mulch keeps moisture in the soil and protects roots from cold nights. Spread two to three inches of mulch around the base of the plant but keep it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch also helps prevent weeds, which compete for water.
3. Do Not Fertilize Right Away
It may feel natural to use fertilizer when you plant, but November is a rest period for most plants. Fertilizer can stress them while they are trying to adjust. Wait until early spring when new growth starts, then feed lightly.
4. Choose the Right Spot
Roots grow best when the plant is placed in the right location from the start. Before planting, check how much sun the plant needs. Palo Verde, Texas Sage, and Red Yucca love full sun. Bottlebrush and Desert Willow can handle full sun but also do well with a little afternoon shade. Planting in the wrong spot can slow root growth for months.
5. Loosen the Soil
Arizona soil can be hard and compact. Before planting, break up the soil around the hole so the roots can spread easily. Do not add heavy soil mixes that hold too much water. Desert plants prefer well draining soil.
6. Protect Young Plants From Frost
November is safe for planting, but cold nights in December and January can still harm young plants. Use frost cloth on nights when temperatures drop. Even a light cover makes a big difference and helps roots continue growing instead of shutting down.
7. Watch Your Watering Schedule
Water less often as temperatures drop, but never let the root zone dry out completely. A good rule is every 7 to 10 days for new trees and every 5 to 7 days for shrubs. Adjust based on how dry the soil feels a few inches down. Consistent moisture builds healthy roots before spring heat arrives.
Final Tip: Be Patient
Root growth happens underground, so you won’t always see fast changes above the soil. Even if the plant looks quiet in winter, its roots are working hard. By spring, you will see new growth, fuller leaves, and stronger branches because of the care you gave it in November.
Visit Us and Join Our Holiday Open House
If you’re ready to prepare your yard for a water-smart winter, we’d love to help. Stop by The Green Goddess Nursery to explore our selection of desert-friendly plants, containers, fountains, and more. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you choose the right trees and shrubs for a beautiful, desert-ready landscape.
And while you’re planning your next visit, save the date for our Holiday Open House!
📅 Friday, December 12th, 2025
🕐 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 The Green Goddess
Join us for an afternoon of delicious Mexican food, sweet ice cream treats, and live music in our garden setting. Bring your friends, family, and holiday spirit, we’ll bring the good times.
We can’t wait to see you soon and celebrate the season together!
