Deciduous trees drop their leaves for a part of every year, usually during periods of dryness or cold weather. Their branches remain free of foliage until conditions improve. For the tree, this means that it can save energy by not working to keep the leaves green and healthy. Despite having to deal with the fallen leaves and bare trees for part of the year, many people find this type of tree quite attractive.
A tree will lose its leaves when it goes dormant, which is a means of self-preservation. When one of the elements needed for plant survival is lacking, i.e., sunlight, the stress triggers hormonal changes. This change prompts the tree to put more energy into simply surviving rather than expending its energy into the leaves, which take a great deal of water and energy to maintain and grow.
Planting deciduous trees on the east and west side of your house will keep your home cool in the summer and allow the sun to warm your home in the winter. Lower branches can be pruned to prevent blocking the view.
The Canyon Hackberry can tolerate temperatures as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit. It can handle eight or more hours of sun each day and requires moderate water. Growth is moderate. Typical height is 25 feet. Birds are attracted to the tree's tiny orange berries.
The Chaste Tree can tolerate temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It can handle eight or more hours of sun each day and requires little water. The growth is moderate. Typical height is 20 feet.
The Chinese Pistache can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. It can handle eight or more hours of sun each day and requires moderate water. Growth is moderate. It can reach a height of 40 feet. This tree provides striking fall color and the female trees provide fruit.