The best trees for heat and drought: climate-resilient species for the garden

Increasingly hot summer days, longer periods of drought and lack of rain: Many trees come under stress in the summer, grow poorly or in the worst case die.

Not every tree can withstand the current climatic conditions. Therefore, if you are planting a tree today or planning your garden for the long term, a crucial question arises:
Which trees cope well with heat and drought and therefore have a chance of remaining healthy in the future?

The best trees for heat and drought: The most important information at a glance

• Climate-resilient trees cope better with heat and water scarcity.
• Species with deep roots and low water consumption are particularly suitable.
• Choosing the right tree is becoming increasingly important due to climate change.
• Even robust trees need sufficient water in their first few years.
• Location, soil and care are just as important as the tree species.

What makes a tree resistant to heat and drought?

Some species have developed traits that help them cope better with harsh conditions. Typical characteristics of climate-resilient trees include:

• Deep roots: They reach water in deeper soil layers.
• Small or firm leaves: Reduce evaporation
• Efficient water management: The tree loses less water.
• Adaptability: Species from warmer regions, in particular, are often more robust

These properties ensure that the tree can better withstand longer periods of drought.

The best trees for heat and drought

Below you will find a selection of tree species that have proven to be particularly resistant to heat and drought.
They differ in size, site requirements and use, but they all share a good adaptability to dry and warm conditions.

For small gardens

Serviceberry (Amelanchier lamarckii)

The serviceberry is a versatile, low-maintenance tree that copes well with both heat and periods of drought. It remains relatively compact and is therefore ideal for smaller areas. Advantages:

• beautiful bloom in spring
• edible fruits
• good adaptability

You can find more information about the serviceberry in the watering glossary: Watering the serviceberry

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas)

The cornelian cherry is considered very robust and copes well even with difficult growing conditions. It is particularly resistant to heat and dry soils. Advantages:

• very durable
• early flowering
• resistant to diseases

You can find more information about the cornelian cherry in the watering glossary: cornel Giessen

For medium-sized gardens

serviceberry

The service tree (Sorbus domestica) is a native tree that adapts exceptionally well to warm and dry locations. It is considered one of the so-called "trees of the future" and is increasingly being rediscovered. Advantages:

• very drought-tolerant
• native and ecologically valuable
• resistant to heat
• rare and special

You can find more information about the serviceberry in the watering glossary: serviceberry Giessen

Field maple (Acer campestre)

The field maple is one of the most adaptable native trees. It thrives in both heat and dry, compacted soils. Advantages:

• pretty tough
• cut compatible
• Also ideal as a hedge tree

You can find more information about field maple in the watering glossary: Watering field maple

European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)

The hornbeam is a classic in the garden and surprisingly resilient. It also copes well with periods of drought, as long as the soil doesn't dry out permanently. Advantages:

• very tolerant of pruning
• robust against environmental stresses
• versatile

You can find more information about hornbeam in the watering guide: Watering hornbeam

Service tree (Sorbus domestica)

The service tree is a traditional, but now rare, tree that is particularly well-suited to heat and drought. It is considered extremely long-lived and resilient. Advantages:

• very heat and drought tolerant
• extremely durable
• native and ecologically valuable
  

You can find more information about the service tree in the watering glossary: Watering service tree

Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica)

The Japanese pagoda tree is particularly resistant to heat and dry locations. It is frequently used as a street tree. Advantages:

• high heat tolerance
• decorative flower
• durable

You can find more information about the Japanese pagoda tree in the watering glossary: Watering the Japanese pagoda tree

Water trees properly 

Even robust trees need water. Young trees are particularly vulnerable, as their roots are not yet fully developed. During prolonged periods of drought and heat, even older trees require additional watering. 

The most important measure against drought stress is consistent and sufficient irrigation. The following applies:

• It's better to water infrequently, but with plenty of water at once.
• 150–200 liters per watering is ideal
• The water should slowly seep into the ground.

A common problem is that dry or compacted soils absorb water poorly. If watering is done too quickly, a large portion runs off the surface and doesn't reach the roots.

Slow and continuous irrigation ensures that the water can penetrate deep into the soil. Drip irrigation is particularly effective, for example with... Tree watering bags.

Location and soil: The underestimated factor

Besides the tree species, the location plays a crucial role in a tree's resilience. Loose, permeable soil can absorb and retain water much more effectively. Conversely, compacted or sealed surfaces significantly impede the supply of water to the roots. You can improve the soil in specific ways, for example by:

• a message mulch layer to reduce evaporation
• organic Fertilizer to promote soil life
• biochar for better water retention
• Companion plants that root and loosen the soil

Often, it's not just the tree species, but above all the soil quality that determines how well a tree copes with drought. This article provides more information about this. Interaction of water and nutrients. 

Here are the other entries for the best trees:

The best edible trees for the garden: fruit, nuts & more from your own harvest

The best trees for small gardens

The best trees for beautiful blossoms

The best native trees for ecologically valuable gardens