Nevada, also known as The Silver State, boasts a semi-arid climate with minimal precipitation, making it the driest state in the nation. Represented by the Single-Leaf Pinyon, a unique pine native to the region, Nevada offers a diverse range of tree species. The Single-Leaf Pinyon, distinguished by its single needle and scaly bark, thrives in Juniper woodlands across various elevations. Despite its significance, Nevada growers have numerous tree options. Considering the state’s expansive size, low precipitation, and distinctive geography is essential for informed Nevada growers, who must assess factors such as climate, soil type, average precipitation, irrigation needs, growing zones, and weather damage.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nevada, the driest state in the nation, experiences varied precipitation due to the rain shadow effect caused by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This leads to minimal rainfall across much of the state, with some areas receiving as little as 4 inches annually. In contrast, the northwestern mountains can receive up to 24 inches annually. Winters are cold, but snowfall is scarce, averaging only 11 inches yearly.
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.
Nevada features eleven growing zones determined by the USDA, indicating areas where plants thrive based on temperature ranges. Zones vary widely, with warmer zones in the south near Arizona, where temperatures don’t drop below 25°F, and colder zones further north and east. In the west, zones are defined by elevation and typically range above -5°F, while in the east, temperatures can reach as low as -25°F in circular regions around the Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest.
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.