unfortunately the water system is me
Yes the soil here stays pretty dry if I don't water it. I was just thinking maybe a small maple would do okay since they do have vigorous root systems. I don't think I could link the two beds as that is the only area to fit the mower in to mow the back half of the yard that we just have trees/grass. The garden area in the back is large, but we do still have some that we mow.
