In this DenGarden article, Jay Judd from Davey's East Denver office lists trees that deliver shade, beauty and structure without demanding constant watering once established.

Posted: October 15, 2026

Trees aren’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind when you’re trying to reduce the amount of water your landscape needs. But choosing the right species can give you the shade, structure and beauty of a tree without committing to constant watering.

“A lot of homeowners assume that having trees in the yard automatically means a big water commitment, but that’s not always the case,” says Jay Judd, district manager and arborist for Davey Tree in East Denver. “There are some excellent trees that, once established, are remarkably self-sufficient.”

Ultimately, selecting the right drought-tolerant tree species is one way to make a landscape easier to maintain while reducing its long-term water demands. As Judd puts it, choosing a more self-sufficient, drought tolerant tree can make yard care easier while potentially making a noticeable difference on your water bill.

And it’s worth thinking of that tree as a long-term addition rather than a quick landscaping fix. “Planting a tree is an investment in your property, community and environment that will truly pay off for years to come,” Judd says.

Here are 7 drought-tolerant trees Judd recommends for low-water landscaping.

To continue reading this article, click here. 

For more information, contact the East Denver office. 

A large oak tree with green leaves.

More from Jay Judd: 

The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental and utility infrastructure consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. Established in 1880 and headquartered in Kent, Ohio, Davey has over 12,000 employees who create and deliver sustainable solutions. Davey continues to grow through expertise with the SEED Campus, its newest commitment to training, research and safety. Become part of the Davey legacy by applying today and join one of the top ten largest employee-owned companies in the U.S.

Other News Posts

Screenshot 2026 10 15 151506
Davey In The News

Hey Dallas, Let's Talk About Bagworms

Are bagworms bad for my trees? In this Fox 4 Dallas interview, Aaron Hoot from Davey's Dallas office says bagworms are more noticeable in fall and spotting them early could help your tree. 
Read More
Screenshot 2026 10 15 150534
Davey In The News

Tree Planting Tips from a Nashville Arborist

Is fall the best time to plant trees? In this News Channel 5 interview, Lukas Suzano from Davey's Nashville office says planting in fall is best to optimize root growth and reduce stress. 
Read More
Two Employees (1)
Two Employees (1)

Get In Touch With Us!

We pride ourselves at Davey Tree on providing prompt, professional and personalized service from certified arborists that live, work and engage in your community. Contact one of our Davey Tree specialists for your residential, commercial, utility, or environmental needs.

Let's Find What
You're Looking For!