9 of the Best Drought Tolerant Trees You Can Plant

Water conservation is often top of mind for homeowners throughout the Pacific Northwest. As summers grow hotter and drier, more property owners are turning to drought-tolerant landscaping that offers long-term beauty without relying on heavy irrigation. One of the most effective ways to reduce outdoor water use is by planting trees that naturally survive in drier conditions.

This guide explores nine of the best drought-tolerant trees you can plant in Portland or similar climates. These trees are proven performers in the region’s unique conditions, wet winters, dry summers, and variable soils. Whether you’re dealing with rocky terrain, clay-heavy soil, or limited space, these species offer dependable options for building a sustainable, low-maintenance yard.

Japanese Zelkova: Reliable Shade and Fall Color

Japanese Zelkova offers an excellent mix of durability, shade, and seasonal color. This tree grows in a vase-like shape that works beautifully along streets, patios, or front yards. It holds up well in Portland’s urban environment, tolerating compacted soil, drought, and air pollution.

In fall, its leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and red. The smooth, mottled bark adds texture during winter. With its disease resistance and structured form, Zelkova is a great alternative to elms for city and suburban landscapes alike.

Oregon White Oak: Native and Resilient

One of the few oaks native to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon White Oak thrives in the region’s dry, sunny areas. This tree is well adapted to the Willamette Valley and parts of the Columbia Gorge, where summer water is scarce and soils are poor or compacted.

It grows slowly but steadily and supports native wildlife with its acorns and strong limbs. Once established, it requires little care and stands up well to both drought and wind. Its wide canopy offers excellent shade and a timeless, natural look.

Honey Locust: Light Shade, Fast Growth

Honey Locust creates a gentle, filtered shade that allows lawn and garden plants to grow beneath it. The tree’s fine, lacy leaves give a soft look while still providing good coverage. It handles drought, compacted soils, and city conditions without missing a beat.

Newer thornless and podless varieties make this tree more manageable in residential settings. The leaves break down quickly in fall, minimizing cleanup. Its quick growth and low water needs make it a popular pick for newer homes or large yards needing fast coverage.

Eastern Red Cedar: Evergreen Privacy and Toughness

Eastern Red Cedar thrives in almost any soil condition or climate zone, something uncommon to many other trees. This evergreen tree maintains its dense foliage year-round, offering natural privacy screening and windbreaks.

It grows in a neat, pyramidal shape that suits many landscape styles. Female trees produce blue berries that attract birds, while the aromatic wood naturally repels insects. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance needs make it a great fit for areas around Portland that receive full sun and have dry, sandy, or rocky soil.

Chinkapin Oak: Adaptable and Attractive

Chinkapin Oak brings strong structure and drought resistance to the table. Though more commonly found in the Midwest, it adapts well to Oregon’s climate, especially in sunny, well-drained locations.

Its glossy, serrated leaves turn golden-orange in fall, and it grows faster than many other oaks. This makes it a smart option for smaller suburban lots where you may need a tall tree for limited space. The annual acorn crop also provides food for birds and wildlife.

Pacific Madrone: Stunning Native Evergreen

Known for its reddish bark and twisted branches, the Pacific Madrone is a standout native species that’s both drought-tolerant and eye-catching. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers sunny, sloped areas, common conditions in parts of Portland and the surrounding hills.

This tree stays evergreen year-round and produces small white flowers in spring, followed by red berries that attract birds. While it needs good drainage and some patience early on, once it settles in, Pacific Madrone performs beautifully in drier, coastal Northwest landscapes.

Ginkgo: Ancient Beauty with Modern Appeal

Many know Ginkgo trees for their fan-shaped leaves and incredible hardiness. Originally from China, this “living fossil” thrives in urban settings such as Portland, handling drought, pollution, and compacted soil with ease.

Male Ginkgos are what is typically planted in residential areas to avoid the messy fruit of female trees which has a foul-smelling outer layer that even deters wildlife. In fall, the leaves turn a striking golden yellow, often dropping all at once for a dramatic seasonal effect. Ginkgos grow slowly but steadily and can live for generations with very little upkeep.

Kentucky Coffee Tree: Bold and Low-Maintenance

The Kentucky Coffee Tree stands out with its large, tropical-looking leaves and open branching. It grows well in temperate oceanic climates, such as Portland’s, and handles dry summers with ease. Its filtered shade allows grass or perennials to grow underneath, and it thrives in tough soil.

This tree has very few pest or disease problems, and its thick, sculptural form adds interest to a property every season. Female trees produce large seed pods that add decorative visual appeal. This tree is a good choice for medium to large yards that need a standout feature with minimal water needs.

Hackberry: Urban-Proof and Hardy

Hackberry is one of the most adaptable trees for city conditions. It tolerates air pollution, poor soil, drought, and even ice storms. In Portland, this makes it a solid choice for both residential neighborhoods and commercial landscapes.

The small, serrated leaves create soft shade, and the tree establishes quickly. Its berries support local birds, and once rooted, the tree requires minimal care. Hackberry works great in parks and along streets where a rugged, long-living tree supports a cooler cityscape.

Transform Your Landscape with Professional Expertise

These trees offer beauty, resilience, and long-term value in dry summer conditions common across Portland and much of the Pacific Northwest. By choosing the right drought-tolerant trees, homeowners can build a sustainable landscape that saves water, supports wildlife, and still looks great year-round. Whether you’re refreshing a front yard or planning a full-scale redesign, these species are among the best drought-tolerant trees you can plant for low-maintenance living in a changing climate.

Want expert advice for your landscape? The team at All Around Arbor brings local knowledge and decades of experience to every project as the most professional tree service in Portland. Their certified arborists know which trees thrive in Portland’s neighborhoods and how to plant them for long-lasting success. Contact All Around Arbor today to schedule a tree consultation and start on a water-wise landscape that grows better year after year.