What's a desert tree that gives lots of shade, needs little water and little maintenance?

Question

We're remodeling the house and we want to get rid of the two ugly trees in the front yard. We need one that gives lots of shade (or kinda tall) because the trees right now are in front of our window. And I live in a desert area so it needs to survive the conditions here. Is there a tree that meets these conditions?

Answer 1

Some Acacia trees will get tall and provide descent shade.  Also,Mesquite trees,like acacia, are not that dense but pretty. Oak trees need water to get establish and grow slowly, depending on what kind of desert you're talking about.

Palm trees grow in the desert, like in Saudi Arabia.  (Hey that could be real cool!)

The Earth and I Thank You for replanting.

Answer 2

Well, you have a problem.  Most desert trees don't give a lot of shade.  They can't, to survive the desert with little water they need small leaves and some even drop their leaves when the going get rough....Palo Verde for example.  There are many Acacias and Mesquites, they would work but they can be messy with fruit or seed drop.  Still they are generally low water......not no water, low water.

Chinese Pistache is a nice deciduous tree, no leaves in winter.  Takes a bit more water.  No, it's not pistachio.  Female trees do have a little nubbin like fruit, no big deal.  

Carob is a one of the densest shade trees.  They tolerate desert conditions well and still remain moderate to low in water requirements.  

Ashes are used a lot, like Velvet ash, but probably too much water for you.  If you are near Tucson, tour the University campus to see various trees, here's there on line map.  http://cals-cf.calsnet.arizona.edu/arbor...