Low-water trees for Greeley
Last updated 2026-06-05
Quick answer
10 low-water trees for Greeley are ranked here for Greeley's specific conditions — drawn from the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List and regional extension sources, then ordered for Greeley's local hazards. Compare them below.
Greeley is the driest and most continental of the Front Range cities, out on the semi-arid Weld County plains at about 4,660 feet — lower, hotter in summer, and more exposed to open-plains wind than the foothills towns, with colder zone 5a winters. With only ~13–15 inches of precipitation a year and heavy alkaline clay, a low-water tree here is the difference between a tree that thrives and one you fight to keep alive. Every tree below is rated low or low-to-medium water on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List and ranked for Greeley's wind, cold, hail, and drought — drought-tough, plains-hardy, and well matched to a Weld County yard. Greeley Water also offers a lawn-replacement rebate to help you go water-wise.
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What this means in Greeley
"Low water" means low water once established — even the toughest tree needs deep, regular watering for its first two or three summers to root into Greeley's dense clay, and winter watering on dry, warm spells. Favor plains-hardy, wind-firm species, and confirm cold-hardiness to zone 5a given Greeley's colder winters.
Top picks for Greeley
| Plant | Mature height | Water | Colorado native | Hardiness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juniper — One – Seed | 10–20 ft | low water | Yes | USDA 3–8 |
| Juniper — Rocky Mountain | 15–30 ft | low water | Yes | USDA 3–8 |
| Pine — 'Vanderwolf's Pyramid' | 25–30 ft | low to medium water | Yes | USDA 4–7 |
| Pine — Bristlecone(foxtail) | 15–30 ft | low to medium water | Yes | USDA 4–7 |
| Cypress — Arizona Cypress | 30–50 ft | low water | — | USDA 7–10 |
| Cypress — Arizona Cypress 'Blue Ice', CRYSTAL FROST™ | 20–30 ft | low water | — | USDA 7–10 |
| Honeylocust — Thornless Common – IMPERIAL®, SHADEMASTER®, SKYLINE® | 40–50 ft | low to medium water | — | USDA 3–9 |
| Honeylocust — Thornless Common – NORTHERN ACCLAIM® | 30–45 ft | low to medium water | — | USDA 3–9 |
| Coffeetree — Kentucky Coffeetree | 60–75 ft | low to medium water | — | USDA 3–8 |
| Coffeetree — Kentucky Coffeetree – ESPRESSO®, DECAF®, SKINNY LATTE™, PRAIRIE TITAN™ | 50–70 ft | low to medium water | — | USDA 3–8 |
Juniper — One – SeedJuniperus monosperma10–20 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Juniper — Rocky MountainJuniperus scopulorum15–30 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Pine — 'Vanderwolf's Pyramid'Pinus flexilis25–30 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–7
Pine — Bristlecone(foxtail)Pinus aristata15–30 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–7
Cypress — Arizona CypressHesperocyparis arizonica30–50 ftlow waterUSDA 7–10- Cypress — Arizona Cypress 'Blue Ice', CRYSTAL FROST™Hesperocyparis arizonica20–30 ftlow waterUSDA 7–10
Honeylocust — Thornless Common – IMPERIAL®, SHADEMASTER®, SKYLINE®Gleditsia triacanthos40–50 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9- Honeylocust — Thornless Common – NORTHERN ACCLAIM®Gleditsia triacanthos30–45 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9
Coffeetree — Kentucky CoffeetreeGymnocladus dioicus60–75 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8- Coffeetree — Kentucky Coffeetree – ESPRESSO®, DECAF®, SKINNY LATTE™, PRAIRIE TITAN™Gymnocladus dioicus50–70 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8
Frequently asked questions
- What trees survive Greeley's dry, windy plains?
- Plains-hardy, low-water species — several bur oak, hackberry, Kentucky coffeetree, and juniper selections — handle Greeley's wind, alkaline clay, and zone 5a cold. Compare mature size and water rating on each tree's page.
- Why is Greeley drier than Denver or Fort Collins?
- Greeley sits lower and farther out on the semi-arid Weld County plains, away from the foothills, so it gets less precipitation (~13–15 in), hotter summers, and more open-plains wind.
- Does Greeley offer a lawn rebate?
- Greeley Water has offered a turf-replacement rebate to encourage water-wise landscapes. Check the current rate and rules on the Greeley Water site before removing lawn.