Most maples suffer from iron chlorosis or are sensitive to salts in western irrigation water. These coniferous evergreens do not thrive where both day and night temperatures are high. They are more adapted to mountainous regions. For the most part, the deciduous species are untried in the Southwest. They are okay with special care and locations.
Willows do well in wet locations, such as playa lakes.
In home landscapes, their roots are very invasive and grow into water and sewer lines. When water is not plentiful, they drop their leaves and take on an unsightly appearance. This widely planted tree has become a nuisance in South Plains landscapes. Although it becomes quite large, and provides good shade, it is very susceptible to the Elm Leaf Beetle which causes defoliation in mid to late summer. The branches are quite brittle, litter in landscapes after storms.