How can I find best trees to plant in Utah?

NOT RECOMMENDED

Ash trees (especially the green ash variety), while very beautiful, are susceptible to major insect infestations from the emerald ash borer, a devastating pest that has already destroyed thousands of ash trees across the United States. As ash trees are also vulnerable to lilac borer infestations and diseases, they are not recommended for planting. Additionally, ash trees have been over-planted in many parts of Utah and would likely not survive a borer attack or subsequent fungal infections.

Aspens may be Utah’s new state tree, but they are one of the worst trees you can plant in your home landscape if you live in the valleys. While aspens thrive at their natural elevation (above 6500 ft.), they suffer from a long list of diseases and insect infestations when planted below their usual elevation.

The hot, dry conditions of valleys along the Wasatch Front put too much stress on aspens, leaving them vulnerable to a host of problems: leaf scorch, leaf spot, iron chlorosis, borer insects, cankers, galls, and more. If that wasn’t enough to convince you, they also send out runner roots to propagate themselves, which can cause problems for homeowners who choose to plant them around their homes.

If you live above 6,500 ft elevation, it’ll be easier to enjoy the beauty of aspen trees in your home landscape without constantly combating disease and insect attacks. However, you’ll still have to deal with runner roots, and you may end up with hundreds more aspen trees than you signed up for. With that said, if you live at a high elevation and choose to plant aspen trees, the beautiful bark, lovely green summer foliage, and golden fall foliage will likely be worth it.

As one of the most popular tree types planted in Utah, maples are well-known for their foliage and wood. Silver maples and autumn blaze/autumn fantasy varieties of the freeman maple are susceptible to iron chlorosis and struggle in Utah’s hot, dry climate. These varieties of maple also have fairly weak wood that makes it difficult to keep them free from diseases and insect infestations.

People usually plant these types of maples because of their lovely fall colors, but our arborists agree that the number of problems these maples present far outweigh the advantages of their foliage. These types of maples are prone to severe iron chlorosis because of Utah’s alkaline soil composition. Iron chlorosis is expensive to treat, and treatments will likely be required every year just to keep the tree alive. If the tree suffers from diseases or insect infestations in addition to iron chlorosis, chances are it will die quickly. For these reasons, our ISA-certified arborists do not recommend planting these types of maple trees.

Some of the worst trees for planting in Utah are elm tree varieties, especially Chinese (Siberian) elm trees. Our arborists do not recommend planting these trees because they have weak wood, which makes them extremely susceptible to a range of insect infestations and diseases (like scale and leaf miner disease). They also send out thousands of seeds that will take root and cause problems in your yard.

Elm trees grow quickly and provide good shade, so they have been overplanted in many Utah neighborhoods. This causes problems in residential areas where they grow too large and interfere with powerlines, sidewalks, and roads. If you’re looking for a nice shade tree, try a different type of tree before considering an elm.

Many evergreen trees are native to Utah’s higher elevations and can be a beautiful addition to a yard. However, they rarely receive the amount of water they need to flourish at lower elevations. Evergreen trees need double or triple the amount of water they would naturally receive at a lower elevation. For this reason, our arborists usually don’t recommend that people plant any type of evergreen in their home landscape.

Most people don’t realize how much water evergreens need and either won’t water their trees at all or won’t water them enough. This weakens the tree, leaving it susceptible to attacks from borer insects. A rough way to determine the amount of water your evergreen tree needs weekly is to measure the diameter of the tree and to give about 5–10 gallons of water for every inch of trunk.

Flowering pear trees look beautiful when they bloom in the spring and when the leaves change in the fall. Although this tree looks lovely, its flowers emit a foul-smelling odor, and the bark/branch structure is weak. This makes it susceptible to fire blight (a nasty, limb-destroying fungus), frost damage, and other abiotic issues.

Additionally, this tree grows quickly and can reach up to 50 feet tall, which is larger than most people expect when they choose to plant it. For these reasons and because Bradford pear trees are widely overplanted, they are not recommended by our arborists.

The honey locust tree may look beautiful, but it is considered an invasive tree because it sends out sucker sprouts. Some varieties of honey locust trees have thorny branches and struggle with aggressive insects that bore into the trunk and main branches of the tree. The chances of saving your honey locust tree from a borer attack are slim, especially if it has been weakened by other environmental factors. Honey locust trees are usually planted for their nice fall color and attractive foliage, but the risks they invariably carry with them should cause you to think twice about planting one in your landscape.

Stay away from poplar varieties as they are weak-wooded and particularly susceptible to attacks from diseases and insects.

Depending on the specific cultivar, poplars will also send out hundreds of sucker sprouts or seeds to propagate themselves, which is an annoyance for homeowners who choose to plant them.

These types of trees also grow very large, making them unsuitable for small yards. If the right variety is planted in a wide-open area like a park and properly cared for, it can be a fairly nice shade tree. Even so, our arborists recommend staying away from poplar trees because they are not worth the hassle.

Because sycamore trees grow tall quickly, they have been overplanted as shade trees in the past. In recent years, they have become a nuisance tree and are planted less often. Sycamore trees are not recommended because they are susceptible to insect infestations and diseases. Sycamore plant bug, scale, and anthracnose are some of the most prevalent problems that these trees present. They also experience a fair bit of die-back, which creates a mess of dead twigs and branches every year. If that isn’t enough, sycamores are also known for disrupting concrete with their surface roots. As these problems are so widespread, our arborists suggest that homeowners refrain from planting sycamore trees.

The iconic, delicate structure and shape of willow trees have made them popular in the past. However, they suffer from a range of problems that make them difficult to care for in Utah.

Like sycamore trees, willow trees often shed branches and twigs that die off. They also have weak bark that makes them vulnerable to diseases and insects, especially borers. Additionally, willows need a lot of water—more than what they would usually receive in our Utah climate. All of these factors create an undesirable tree that our arborists do not recommend.

RECOMMENDED

Beech trees make great shade trees in large, open areas.

If you’re looking for a sturdy, attractive shade tree that will last for years, consider planting a beech tree. Just be sure to plant your tree in an area where it has plenty of room to grow—some types of beech trees can reach up to 100 feet tall!

The downside to beech trees is that they struggle with aphids most years. Aphids are generally only a threat to the foliage of the tree and don’t cause lasting damage. However, if they become a problem on your beech trees, Stewart’s tree spraying service can help.

Chokecherries are medium-sized trees often planted for their deep purple foliage.

Chokecherry trees have very pretty foliage, and some varieties produce fruits that can be used in jams and jellies. If the small fruits produced by this type of tree bother you, you can also try planting the barren varieties. Chokecherry trees make a pleasant addition to almost any home landscape with their pretty white blossoms in the spring and red-leafed foliage throughout the summer. Although they prefer rich soils, they can survive quite well in poor soils.

The downside to chokecherry trees is that they send out sucker sprouts and may be prone to black knot disease, which affects the bark. Black knot disease is preventable if you can keep the tree bark relatively dry. If your tree still becomes infected, you can prevent the disease from spreading by pruning the affected areas in late winter.

Columnar oaks make a good sound/privacy barrier when planted around the perimeter of a landscape.

Columnar oak trees grow tall and can provide an effective privacy barrier and some shade. However, they are not generally planted to be shade trees. Because they have strong bark and are fairly pest resistant, oak trees are a great choice for Utah landscapes. The crimson spire variety of columnar oak is particularly desirable because of its vibrant red foliage in the fall. It is also drought-resistant and grows well in clay soils.

Hackberries are usually planted for their shade and lovely fall foliage.

With its attractive bark and fall foliage, hackberry is a great option for planting in Utah landscapes because it has not been overplanted. It is also very tolerant of drought conditions, alkaline soil, and wind.

This type of tree can grow quite tall, so it’s a good choice if you want a relatively low-maintenance shade tree in your landscape. Hackberry trees bear a small amount of fruit that would normally be a nuisance. However, the fruit rarely makes it to the ground because it dries out or birds eat it before it can fall.

Hackberry trees are quite resilient and usually free from disease and pest infestations. Sometimes aphids and scale choose to attack, but these pests are so small that little damage is actually done.

Hibiscus is a small, shrub-like tree that nicely accents garden areas with its attractive summer/fall flowers.

If you’re hoping to add some tropical-looking flowers to your home’s landscape, consider planting a hibiscus (rose of Sharon) tree. Rose of Sharon has beautiful summer/fall flowers (blue, pink, or white) and a shrubby shape that makes it a great border for a garden. Our arborists recommend this tree because it is seldom planted in Utah, which makes it less likely to encounter problems it would normally struggle with.

Hibiscus is not native to Utah and thrives best in nutrient-rich, moist soils, but it is very tolerant of drought conditions and poor soil. It may be attacked by leaf spot diseases, canker, and Japanese beetles, so watch for signs of weakening foliage. Rose of Sharon is worth the slight risk of disease for its reliably beautiful blossoms and foliage.

Hot wings maples are often planted for their small size, spring flowers, and fall foliage.

Unlike many maple varieties, the hot wings (or tatarian) maple does very well in Utah’s alkaline soil and drought-prone climate. It’s a small, easy-to-manage tree with pretty white flowers, vibrant red seed pods, and pleasant fall foliage.

This type of maple is not seen in Utah very often, so it isn’t known to struggle with diseases or insect infestations. If you want a hearty, unique maple tree that won’t struggle with iron chlorosis, the hot wings maple is a great choice.

Japanese cherry blossom trees are planted for their spring blossoms, fall foliage, and medium size.

Renowned around the world for their beauty, thousands of Japanese cherry blossom trees were gifted to the US by the mayor of Tokyo in 1912 and planted around Washington DC. They have been a famous attraction there for over 100 years. Japanese cherry blossom trees also make a beautiful addition to home landscapes. They are covered in lovely pink blossoms in spring and have attractive bark and fall foliage. Additionally, the medium size of cherry blossom trees allows them to easily fit into smaller landscapes and gardens.

Though very beautiful throughout the year, Japanese cherry blossom trees are somewhat disease-prone, so be prepared to combat diseases like black knot fungus if you choose to plant these trees in your yard. You can prevent fungal infections from spreading by promptly pruning off branches that show signs of disease and by keeping the branches dry.

Lindens are good shade trees with attractive foliage.

Usually planted because they grow tall and provide good shade, linden trees also show off either flowers, lovely summer/fall foliage, or small fruit throughout the year. They prefer healthy soils and plenty of water, but they are tolerant of dry climates and alkaline soil (which is usually the case in Utah).

One of the only downsides to linden trees is that they often struggle with aphids, which in turn attract wasps. Some varieties also send out sucker sprouts, which can become an annoyance.

Magnolia trees can fit into smaller areas and are planted for their spring blooms.

Magnolia trees are usually planted for their giant, pink blossoms. They are fairly small (depending on the type), tolerant of alkaline soils, and some varieties are disease resistant.

Blossoms are fragile and can be damaged by late spring frosts, so it may be a good idea to plant your magnolia tree near your home to help protect it. Be cautious with the exact placement, however, because magnolias are less drought tolerant than other trees, prefer milder temperatures, and won’t like to be too hot or dry in the middle of the summer. If you place your magnolia tree in the right part of your yard, you can be confident that your tree will thrive for many years

Scarlet regal petticoat maples are planted for their beautiful summer and fall foliage.

If you’re looking for something new and different for your property, consider planting a scarlet regal petticoat maple. This type of maple is unique because a range of colors exists on the same tree. Petticoat maples are not only known for their unique fall coloring and beautiful foliage throughout the year, but they’re also known for their resilience. Where other maples struggle with iron chlorosis in Utah’s alkaline soils, this tree thrives. It is also tolerant of drought and resistant to insect or disease-related problems. Most people plant this type of maple for its heartiness, and they are rewarded with a strong tree that beautifies their landscape for years.

Zelkova trees are attractive, medium-sized shade trees with beautiful fall foliage.

Native to Japan and other parts of Asia, zelkova trees are well-adapted to city conditions and are known for their disease resistance. Zelkovas are medium-sized trees with a vase-like branch structure that provides a fair amount of shade for their size. They are also drought-tolerant and do well in alkaline soils. These attributes are important, but their vibrant fall color is one of the main reasons people choose to plant zelkova trees.

If you have questions about your trees, call or text our office at 801-226-2261 to talk with one of our ISA-certified arborists today.

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• White Fir. Abies concolor.
• Rocky Mountain Maple. Acer glabrum.
• Bigtooth Maple. Acer grandidentatum.
• Boxelder. Acer negundo.
• Serviceberry. Amelanchier utahensis.
• Netleaf Hackberry. Celtis reticulata.
• Mountain Mahogany. Cercocarpus ledifolius.
• Desert Willow. Chilopsis linearis.

Hybrid Norway maples are a favorite for Northern Utah landscapes, due to both tolerance of varying soil conditions and moderate growth rate – up to two feet per year! These shade trees are also prized for their beauty, as they offer gorgeous red color during every fall, as well as striking bark in the winter, blooms in the spring and big foliage throughout summer.

For attractive, fast-growing shade trees, hybrid poplars are at the top of the list. These beauties work well as visual screens and, with an annual vertical growth capacity of up to 8 feet, they provide a quick route to a shady landscape.

With its beautiful spreading canopy supported by leafy architecture, the English oak is widely considered a valuable addition to any Northern Utah landscape. Height increases for these brilliant sun-blocking trees can top more than two feet per year, and they’re well-suited for both urban and rural settings.

Frontier Elm trees can boost the curb appeal of any property, as the wide-spreading branching offers gorgeous seasonal color. The leaves are bright green in the spring, dark, lustrous green in the summertime and deep red in the fall. Add in the fast growth rate of one to two feet per year, and it’s easy to see why the Frontier Elm is a popular choice.

Tuliptrees are stunning, fast-growing trees that can gain up to two feet in height each year. Named for their tulip-shaped outline of the leaves and their cup-shaped yellow flowers, these brilliant shade trees also grow quite tall, reaching up to 90 feet.

With an attractive, vase-shaped form and an oval crown that increases in height by up two feet per year, the Japanese zelkova is a beautiful option for urban and rural landscapes. The fall colors these trees display is intense, with leaves turning yellow, orange, deep red or purplish-red.

Could your northern Utah landscape use a little – or a lot – more shade? Millcreek Gardens, Salt Lake City’s favorite garden center since 1955, is stocked with a wide range of affordable, fast-growing shade trees.

Finding the best trees to plant in Utah was not as easy as I thought. Some require lots of care, others are don’t survive extreme weather, and lots are just not easy & quick enough to grow.

That’s why I created a list of the 10 Best Trees to Plant in Utah!

This ultimate guide will give you the best trees to plant, why you should plant them, and even how to plant them.

Knowing what hardiness zone Utah is in is critical to understanding the best trees that can be grown.

It can be the difference between your tree thriving and growing or becoming stunted and even die.

Utah is mostly considered Hardiness Zone 4, 5, 6, & 7.

Popular Varieties: White, English, Northern, Bur

It should be noted that it is not recommended to grow oak trees if you are worried about their strong underground roots destroying the foundation of your house. It should also be noted that you should not plant your oak tree near your house due to large branches easily falling.

Popular Varieties: Red, Norway, Sycamore, Sugar, Silver

There are very few reasons not to grow maple trees. They are perfect in rural areas, the suburbs, and even in certain cities. The only reason you would not want to grow a maple tree is if you have a small yard that is already crowded with trees.

Popular Varieties: Golden Eclipse, Ivory Pillar, Ivory Silk, Signature

The Japanese Lilac Tree is not only one of the easiest and best trees to plant in Utah, but it is also one of the least expensive and most easily found trees throughout the entire state.

Popular Varieties: Harvest Gold, Snowdrift, Golden Hornet, Sugar Tyme

If you are interested in learning about some of the trees that crabapples can pollinate check out my articles about apple trees and pear trees!

Popular Varieties: Korean, Nordmann, White, Fraser

The biggest tip when purchasing and growing a fir tree is deciding what type you want. Some fir trees only grow 2 or 3 feet tall and others can grow 40 to 50 tall. Some of slim and others are very wide. Carefully pick a fir tree that meets your needs.

Popular Varieties: Shellbark, Bitternut, Pecan, Shagbark

There are many benefits to having hickory trees in your yard, but it should be noted that they are very tough to come by. In addition, they require moister soil to fully grow although they have been known to adapt in dry soil too.

Popular Varieties: American, Chinese, Siberian, Ulmus Minor

Elm Trees are one of the oldest types of trees in North America. They are beautiful, native, and perfect for homeowners and gardeners alike. To learn more about the Dutch Elm disease that is destroying them and how to help I would visiting HERE.

Popular Varieties: Dissectum & Palmatum

Japanese maple trees are one of the easiest trees to shape. If you want to limit growth and properly shape your tree then I recommend pruning it every year. Do not prune any more than 1/3 of your tree per year though.

Popular Varieties: Common, White, Pagoda, Cornelian

Dogwood Anthracnose is one of the deadliest diseases of your dogwood tree. It has affected trees since the 1980s and has killed millions of trees. Because of this, you will want to take extra care of your newly planted tree!

Popular Varieties: American, European, Chinese, Japanese

Chestnut Trees are incredibly hardy against heat, insects, garden pests, and diseases. What will quickly kill a young chestnut tree and sometimes mature chestnut trees is too much water. To help prevent this from happening, I recommend mulching around your tree after planting it.

Did you know that there are over 100 uses for chestnuts? And did you know you can make a business by selling chestnuts? Out of all the trees on this list, the chestnut tree will help you eat healthier and make more money too!

21-Mar-2019 | by Scott Bennett

The snow has finally melted (mostly!) and many of us are ready for warmer weather, blue skies, and being outside. Nurseries and garden centers are filling with plants and it seems to be the perfect time to plant a tree—or is it? When should trees be planted in Utah? When should I avoid planting trees?

The best time to plant trees is not the spring. It is actually in the fall—late August, September, or October as the temperatures start to drop but the ground hasn’t frozen. Trees planted in the fall can easily establish roots. In the fall, naturally, a tree’s growth is slowed as it approaches dormancy in the colder winter and early spring months. Trees can focus their energy on roots and not on growth.

Another advantage of planting trees in the fall is that most garden centers are liquidating their stock at that time of year. They don’t want to have to winterize their plants and would rather sell them. You can get good deals on trees.

So what about spring? Why are there so many trees for sale in garden centers if spring isn’t a good time of year to plant? After fall, spring IS the second best time of year to plant trees, especially if it is done early spring, as soon as the ground isn’t frozen. In early spring, trees are still dormant and can focus on their roots, not growing taller. Later spring, when blossoms are popping out on trees, is when trees are in peak growth mode. Ideally, you would get trees in the ground before this peak growing season hits. As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, trees can become stressed.

Summer is the toughest time of the year on trees. It is the hottest and driest time of the year. Avoid planting trees in the summer months.

Winter isn’t a good time either. If the ground is frozen, a tree will struggle to get established.

Whether it is in the spring or the fall, what is the best way to plant trees?

1. Know how large your tree will get and choose a spot that will give your tree plenty of room to grow. Most varieties of trees planted in Utah yards grow 2 feet per year or more. It may look “cute” now but it won’t be its current size for long.

2. Did a hole deep enough to cover the root ball but not too deep. You don’t want to cover up bark unnecessarily. Find the trunk flare—the point at which the trunk widens. This point should be barely visible when the tree is planted.

3. Make the hole about 3X the diameter of the root ball but no wider.

4. Backfill the hole with the original soil, since this is the soil your tree will have to get used to living in and getting nutrients from. Fertilizer isn’t necessary until the tree is firmly established.

Because they have strong bark and are fairly pest resistant, oak trees are a great choice for Utah landscapes. The crimson spire variety of columnar oak is particularly desirable because of its vibrant red foliage in the fall. It is also drought-resistant and grows well in clay soils.