The Best Small Palm Trees for Mesa Landscapes

Bassett Tree Service • May 28, 2025
A white house with a tree in front of it and palm trees in the background.

When it comes to landscaping in Mesa, small palm trees can make a big impact. Their sculptural beauty and desert-friendly qualities make them ideal for adding a touch of the tropics without overwhelming your outdoor space. Better yet, many small palms thrive in the hot, dry climate of the Sonoran Desert, making them low-maintenance and water-wise choices for your yard. When you need palm tree care in Mesa, AZ, or the surrounding areas, give the team at Bassett Tree Service a call.


Pygmy Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)

The pygmy date palm is a favorite among homeowners for good reason. Topping out at around 10 feet, it’s compact, elegant, and perfect for patios or entryways. It grows well in containers and does best with partial shade, though it can handle full sun if needed. With its feathery fronds and graceful trunk, it adds a soft, refined look to any landscape.


Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)

One of the hardiest palms out there, the Mediterranean fan palm is both cold- and drought-tolerant, which is ideal for Arizona’s fluctuating desert weather. It grows in clusters, forming a multi-trunked shape that maxes out around 15 feet. Its fan-like leaves bring texture and structure to desert landscapes, and it pairs well with native plants and decorative rock.


Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei)

While less common in the desert, the windmill palm can thrive in Mesa with proper placement and care. It prefers some protection from intense afternoon sun, making it great for north- or east-facing yards. With its fuzzy trunk and upright, fan-shaped leaves, it has a distinctly tropical look in a smaller footprint. It usually grows up to 20 feet, but it is often trimmed shorter.


Bottle Palm (Hyophorbe lagenicaulis)

For a bold, sculptural statement, the bottle palm is a unique choice. Its swollen trunk and arching fronds stand out in xeriscaped yards. Keep in mind, this palm is less cold-tolerant, so it’s best planted in a sheltered location or grown in a container that can be moved when needed.


Palm Tree Care in Mesa

The certified arborists at Bassett Tree Service specialize in palm tree services in Mesa and the surrounding areas. Our local palm tree experts are highly skilled at caring for all species of palms, ensuring that they remain healthy year after year. Whether you need palm tree maintenance, palm tree removal, or other services for your palms, we can help. Give us a call at 480-745-2290 to learn more about our local tree company or to request an estimate for palm tree services near Phoenix.