Increasingly, across the world, water shortages are becoming an issue. So, it makes sense to think about this before buying trees and shrubs for your garden.

Fortunately, there are plenty to choose from. Firms like The Tree Center are very much aware of the need to provide high-quality drought-resistant plants to their customers. There are dozens of different varieties to choose from, but here are some of our favourites.

Lemon trees

Most citrus trees do very well without much water, even in near desert conditions. In parts of Spain, oranges are still grown commercially in zones that are officially categorised as semi-desert.

Lemon trees are an especially good option because they continually produce fruit. They are also a bit hardier than orange, Satsuma and grapefruit trees.

Sugar maples

Maples are stunning looking trees. They come in a range of colours, shapes, and sizes. The variety that produces delicious maple syrup is particularly nice. In the autumn/fall, the foliage goes through several colour changes including yellow, gold, orange and red.

Junipers

There are many varieties of juniper that do very well in dry conditions. One of the nicest is the Blue Rug Juniper. It is very richly coloured and stays green year round. If you need grown cover, this plant is a wonderful option.

American Elms

If you are looking for a large statement tree an American elm is a great option. As the name suggests, this tree is a native of North America, but, it is now possible to buy them in other countries. They make excellent shade trees.

Hawthorns

A lot of people like to plant trees and shrubs that help wildlife. Hawthorns certainly tick that box. The colourful berries are a lifeline for wild birds because they are there during the winter months. These plants are really hardy, so can grow in virtually any garden.

Thornless Honeylocust

If you are looking for a shade tree, a honey locust is ideal. It grows to about 45 feet, but importantly the canopy can easily reach 35ft across. The shade that this tree produces is dappled, so, grass and other plants can easily grow underneath.

Just be sure to buy the thornless variety. In the wild the thorns of this tree are fierce.

Sumacs

Sumac shrubs can grow to around 6ft tall and wide. They are a great way to fill up space. If you buy something like the Rhus Tiger Eyes variety you can enjoy four different colours of foliage during a single year.

Do a little extra research before you buy

So, there you have it seven lovely trees and shrubs that can cope with going without water for fairly long periods of time. The above plants are a good option for most, but not all gardens. For example, some of them would not grow well here in Australia. So, before you buy, find out a little more about the plant. You need to work out whether you have the right soil type and check local rules and regulations. Some plants, trees, and shrubs cannot be planted in certain locations.

Whatever choices you make on a daily basis impact the world around you and beyond either positively or negatively. Looking after the environment is a conscious decision that you have to make, and just like Glasdon UK, any efforts go a long way in making the world a better place to live in. The following are tips for looking after the environment:

Carry your own grocery bag

There is no need to waste plastic or paper bags every time you go to the store. By bringing your reusable bag with you whenever you go shopping, you conserve resources and protect the environment.

Cut down on meat consumption

Try introducing one day in a week where your household does not eat meat. This way, you will reduce the number of livestock needed thus minimizing the emission of nitrous oxide from livestock waste and consequently reduce the greenhouse effect that accompanies it. Wondering what to replace the meat with? Google some delicious and easy to make veggie recipes.

Recycle

Reduce waste disposal by consciously choosing to recycle. Did you know that the average human generates wastes daily of up to 4.3 pounds? So, the next time you are tempted to throw out empty cans or damaged toys, ask yourself: are they recyclable? If you are not so sure, take some bit of time and research. It’s worth it. After all, you are on a mission to conserve the environment for the greater good.

Remember to switch off the lights

A lot of people forget to turn off the lights whenever they are not using them. Make it a habit to always remember to do so. This not only saves on the electricity bill but also conserves the environment.

Switch to reusable bottles

Make the shift from using plastic bottles and purchase reusable ones. This saves you money and at the same time, it saves on fossil fuels. It also reduces the number of plastics sent to the landfills.

Try as much as possible to repurpose and reuse

Just because you have replaced an old container with a new one, doesn’t mean that you have to throw the old one away. Awaken your creative side and use it for something else like growing some flowers or onions in it. Also, reuse your plastic bags as much as possible. Instead of rushing to throw out waste, find out if it can be repurposed or reused.

Walk or ride a bicycle to work.

Once or twice a week, purpose to walk or ride a bicycle to work if it’s not too far. If your workplace is a not at a close distance, find ways to carpool. This will help in reducing greenhouse effects as a result of gas emissions from your car.

Unplug

Most of your home appliances use electricity even when they are turned off. Unplug your air-conditioning unit, disconnect your phone charger and any other electronic device when not in use. It saves on bills and the environment as well.

Check your water Usage.

It’s the little things that make all the difference. Don’t leave your tap running when brushing your teeth. If your toilet is leaking ensure that you have it fixed.