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The Silver State is the driest in the nation. Cradled up beside California, Nevada is home to a semi-arid climate and minimal precipitation. It is the Single-Leaf Pinyon that represents the state, a pine native to the region and most of the western United States, from Arizona to Utah. The Single-Leaf Pinyon is the world’s only single needled pine. Reaching between 30 and 60 feet tall, the Single-Leaf Pinyon has a scaly bark and rounded, small cones that mature every two years. A blue-green hue, the Single-Leaf Pinyon is often found among Juniper woodlands at a variety of elevations. The Nevadan planter is not limited to this unique pine, though; there are hundreds of tree varieties from which the Nevada grower can choose.
Due to its large size, minimal precipitation, and unique geography, the smart Nevadan grower will need to consider the following:
Best Trees for Nevada
Read about the specifics for your state in the following sections. If you’re looking for some quick ideas on what to plant, consider the following trees as expert-tested and The Tree Center approved:
Ideal for providing fast-growing shade, year-round beauty, and drought resistance.
Ideal for continuous color, adaptable growing conditions, and landscaping designs.
Ideal as potted plants, these trees are adaptable and edible.
Ideal for providing stunning colors, disease resistance, and drought tolerance.
Fast Growing Privacy Trees in Nevada
The state of Nevada is renowned throughout the United States as a comfortable, healthy, and safe state in which to abide. It is no wonder that Nevadan residents may notice new homes being built nearby, new developments and shopping centers popping up, and highways carrying loud cars laid in bulk near their home. Planting trees along yard perimeters will add both privacy and beauty to the Nevadan yard.
Although there are many options from which to choose, in Nevada, a planter cannot be mistook by the American Holly. Growing throughout the United States, American Holly is adaptable, fast-growing, and colorful. Reaching at least 15 feet in height, the American Holly forms dense evergreen walls reminiscent of hedge mazes. In addition, Nevadan residents can also choose from the Leyland Cypress or Nellie Stevens Holly to form the perfect private paradise.
Climate
Nevada is the driest state in the United States, displaying a semi-arid climate. This is in large part due to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which create a rain shadow across much of the state. Temperatures vary widely, with hot summers and cold winters. The average July temperature is only 70°F across much of the state, but the record stands at 125°F. The southern portions of the state are usually warmer, averaging in the mid-80s in the summer and 40s in the winter. Northern portions of the state can be quite cold, with the average in the 20s. The record low is -54°F, recorded in 1937.
Soil Type
Most trees require well-drained soil rich with minerals to grow. Nevada is home to the Orovada soil series, which covers over 350,000 acres of Nevadan land. Arable and dry, Orovada soils take well to moisture and can be good farmland when properly irrigated. Alfalfa, wheat, and barley grow best here, though the land can also be good for grazing cattle. Regardless of the property’s location in The Silver State, a soon-to-be tree planter can perform a simple test to determine his/her soil type.
The Squeeze test is aptly named because it requires only a small handful of dirt from just beneath the ground’s surface, and your hands. The soil should be moist, but not drenched. The tester simply squeezes the soil and observes one of the three following events.
1. The soil will hold its shape. If you touch the soil, it will maintain its original shape. You have CLAY.
2. The soil will hold its shape. If you touch the soil, it will collapse. You have LOAM.
3. The soil will fall apart as you open your hands. You have SAND.
Once you know what soil type you have, you can find trees best suited to the dirt’s properties. Loam is the best soil to have, as its unique qualities make it ideal for holding and transferring water to trees.
Average Precipitation
As the driest state in the nation, it is an obvious fact the state receives little, though albeit varied, moisture. The Sierra Nevada Mountains in the west create a rain shadow, forcing clouds containing moisture-rich Pacific air to drop the moisture before reaching Nevada. The rain shadow extends throughout most of the state, with the region surrounding Carson Sink receiving as little as 4 inches of rain annually. The southeast is equally dry. In the northeast, regions will only see about 8 inches of rain, while the northwestern mountains will receive as much as 24 inches of rain annually. Winters are cold, but snowfall is scarce. Nevada receives on average only 11 inches of snow annually.
Irrigation
Irrigation is essential in Nevada. Long dry spells are not infrequent, and most trees will require more water than is naturally occurring. Newly planted trees, regardless of species, will require consistent and constant access to water. Once transferred, the root ball of a new tree is prone to weakness and stress, which inconsistent water dispersal will only aggravate. Contact the Nevada Irrigation District, a Nevada agency responsible for appropriate water supply, to determine accessible water amounts for your area.
Growing Zones
Despite relative consistencies in weather, Nevada is home to eleven growing zones. A growing zone simply refers to the USDA’s determination of areas where certain plants are most likely to thrive, preferring to focus on minimal temperature ranges in which a plant can survive. The zones are rather inconsistent in nature; the warmest areas are in the south, along the border with Arizona, where minimum temperature ranges do not dip below 25°F. Bands move horizontally northward getting progressively colder until the Toiyabe National forest, where the bands then split. In the west, growing zones are based around elevation ranges, and do not typically dip below -5°F. In the east, temperatures can get much colder with most areas ranging between zones 6a (-10°F to -5°F) and 5b (-15°F to -10°F). Circular regions surrounding the Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest can drop to as low as -25°F.
Weather Damage
Excessive heat, earthquakes, and flash floods affect the Nevada region. High temperatures are damaging to both people and plants, and Nevada’s location along several fault lines makes it prime for earthquakes. Flash flooding hits areas near Las Vegas, where hard, flat ground is a large factor. Trees can provide reprieve from the heat and protect against erosion.
If you prefer to purchase your trees or shrubs in person instead of online, we offer this comprehensive guide to purchasing a tree at your local Nevada nursery or garden center. However, since we don’t actually live in Nevada we can’t guarantee this list to be 100% accurate – but we did attempt to be as accurate as we possibly could. We have no affiliation with any of the businesses listed below and make no guarantees as to the businesses’ ability or the quality of trees you will receive. As with any purchase you make, be sure to check out the business with the Better Business Bureau, references, and any other sources you may have.
Boulder City | Lady Bug Nursery | 1674 Nevada Highway | 702-293-4987 |
Carson City | Greenhouse Garden Center | 2450 S Curry Street | 775-882-8600 |
Elko | Elko Garden and Landscape Center | 2222 Last Chance Road | 775-738-9273 |
Elko | Kimberly Nurseries and Gift Shop | 2223 5th Street | 775-738-8011 |
Fallon | Garden of Edith Nursery | 3900 Sheckler Road | 775-867-3099 |
Fallon | Workman’s Farms Crafts and Nursery | 4990 Reno Highway | 775-867-3716 |
Fernley | Mirage Garden and Gifts | 350 E Main Street | 775-575-6888 |
Gardnerville | A and B Tree Sales | 1650 Lombardy Road | 775-782-4567 |
Gardnerville | Carson Valley Garden and Ranch | 1144 US Highway 395 S | 775-782-7630 |
Gardnerville | Mountain View Tree Farm | 972 Springfield Driveive | 775-265-6675 |
Henderson | Hoosier Desert Nursery | 2625 N Green Valley Parkway #125 | 702-943-1111 |
Las Vegas | All American Topiary Animals | 3005 Treasure Island Road | 702-731-0009 |
Las Vegas | Ccsn Desert Garden Center | 6221 W Charleston Boulevard | 702-651-5050 |
Las Vegas | Corey Nursery | 3112 N Nellis Boulevard | 702-651-0935 |
Las Vegas | Dan’s Plant World Nurseries | 9040 S Eastern Ave | 702-361-1955 |
Las Vegas | Garden Center Lawn Care | 5781 Jackie Driveive | 702-220-3161 |
Las Vegas | J Markam Inc | 5311 W Charleston Boulevard | 702-878-8492 |
Las Vegas | K and J’s Crane and Hauling Svc | 18 Mont Blanc Way | 702-271-1675 |
Las Vegas | Plant World Nursery | 5311 W Charleston Boulevard | 702-878-9485 |
Las Vegas | Roman Gardens Fountain | 3616 Spring Mountain Road | 702-222-0600 |
Las Vegas | Star Nursery Inc | 8170 W Charleston Boulevard | 702-360-7827 |
Las Vegas | Tri State Palm and Tree | 5050 N Rainbow Boulevard | 702-644-4442 |
Las Vegas | Western Rock and Landscape Supply | 3020 W Wigwam Ave | 702-269-9622 |
Minden | Genoa Lane Trees | 2181 US Highway 395 N | 775-782-5605 |
Minden | Northern Nevada Nursery Corp | 3190 US Highway 395 N | 775-267-3084 |
Minden | Silver City Rv Park | 3165 US Highway 395 S | 775-267-3359 |
Moapa | Davis Nursery | 3335 Warm Springs Road | 702-865-2715 |
Pahrump | Don’s South Side Nursery | 5611 Homestead Road | 775-751-8885 |
Pahrump | Garden Oasis Nursery | 141 W Calvada Boulevard | 775-727-5489 |
Pahrump | Talbert’s Nursery | 1701 Adams Road | 775-727-4297 |
Reno | Discount Nursery | 190 W Moana Lane | 775-829-7733 |
Reno | Dry Creek Garden Co | 7250 S Virginia Street | 775-851-0353 |
Reno | Garden Shop Nursery | 475 Gentry Way | 775-825-3527 |
Reno | Moana Nursery | 11301 S Virginia Street | 775-853-1319 |
Reno | Mountain Pine Bonsai Garden | 4155 Jasper Lane | 775-826-6724 |
Reno | Mountain Valley Nursery and Feed | 3390 White Lake Parkway | 775-972-0933 |
Reno | Pioneer Landscape Materials | 11600 S Virginia Street | 775-851-2420 |
Reno | Springtime Gardens Landscape | 2395 E 2nd Street | 775-322-2314 |
Reno | Unique Landscape Nursery | 7780 N Virginia Street | 775-971-1996 |
Reno | Willey and Sons Tree Farm | 5855 Rebel Cause Road | 775-475-0433 |
Silver Springs | Tiny Petals Nursery | 2880 Ramsey Cutoff | 775-577-4474 |
Sparks | G and G Nursery and Landscaping | 900 S Rock Boulevard | 775-358-1700 |
Sparks | Garden Spot | 990 Glendale Ave | 775-972-0841 |
Sparks | Oasis Water Gardens | 881 Glendale Ave | 775-358-6060 |
Sparks | Rail City Garden Center | 1720 Brierley Way | 775-355-1551 |
Spring Creek | Colorscapes Greenhouses | 194 Two Bottle Bar Lane | 775-753-5000 |
Spring Creek | Tropical Touch Orchid Nursery | 443 Lipparelli Lane #7 | 775-778-3716 |
Winnemucca | Winnemucca Nursery | 5015 Grass Valley Road | 775-625-1531 |