Top 10 Non-Toxic Trees for Dog-Friendly Landscaping in Las Vegas

With each summer seemingly getting hotter and hotter, I'm all about planting more trees! I was hoping to plant a few more in my backyard this spring, but planting season also happens to be my busy season and I think I missed my window. Maybe fall. 

If, like me, you're overly paranoid about keeping your dog safe and you like shade, this list is for you!  

Non-toxic, dog-safe trees that actually thrive in the Las Vegas desert.

1. Desert Willow

• Why it works: Native, drought-tolerant, and bursting with purple blooms all summer.
• Dog-safe: Yes.
• Extra perk: Attracts hummingbirds and doesn’t drop a ton of litter.

2. Fruitless Olive (Swan Hill or Wilsonii)

• Why it works: No messy olives, evergreen, and looks great year-round.
• Dog-safe: Yes, just avoid the fruiting types.
• Extra perk: Elegant and low-maintenance.

3. Thornless Mesquite

• Why it works: Grows quickly, provides real shade, and thrives in bad soil.
• Dog-safe: Yes.
• Extra perk: That twisty trunk makes it look extra cool.

4. Mastic Tree

• Why it works: Compact, slow-growing, and super tolerant of Las Vegas heat.
• Dog-safe: Yes.
• Extra perk: Great choice for smaller yards.

5. Chinese Pistache

• Why it works: Offers a splash of fall color (yes, in the desert!), and survives the heat.
• Dog-safe: Yes, if ornamental only.
• Extra perk: Leaf drop in winter = more sun when you want it.

6. Crape Myrtle

• Why it works: Showy blooms, long flowering season, and manageable size.
• Dog-safe: Yes.
• Extra perk: Comes in lots of colors and looks great all season.

7. Bottlebrush Tree

• Why it works: Handles heat, has striking red flowers, and grows fast.
• Dog-safe: Yes.
• Extra perk: Loved by butterflies and hummingbirds.

8. Desert Museum Palo Verde

• Why it works: Native hybrid with yellow blooms, green bark, and lots of character.
• Dog-safe: Yes—no thorns, and it’s non-toxic.
• Extra perk: Dappled shade keeps it cooler underneath without blocking all the light.

9. Vitex (Chaste Tree)

• Why it works: Pretty purple flowers, handles heat well, and low water use.
• Dog-safe: Yes.
• Extra perk: Smells amazing and attracts pollinators.

10. Arizona Ash (Modesto Ash)

• Why it works: Grows fast, creates dense shade, and survives in the desert.
• Dog-safe: Yes.
• Extra perk: Perfect for dogs who love to nap in a cool spot.