The number of trees that can do well in the Utah climate is limited – but not as limited as you might think. Many homeowner’s and commercial landscapers stick to the old standbys like maples, willows and cottonwoods because they want trees that will survive. But there are other species that will not only survive but thrive here.
Are native trees the only ones you can depend on to survive?
Surprisingly, no. The majority of the native trees in Utah are not ideal for urban or suburban areas. Most of the trees the native trees are best suited to the mountains. Trees like aspens do great when the weather is cool and there is enough moisture in the air. But most of the population doesn’t live in the mountains. If you try to plant aspens in Salt Lake City, you are likely to struggle to keep them alive.
The best trees for the populous areas of Utah are non-native or hybrids of native and non-native trees. They need to be able to stand up to the heat and the dry air. Fortunately, there are plenty of tree species that can do just that.
Tree Species that Can Thrive in Utah
There are several organizations that offer recommendations for trees to grow in Utah. One of these, the Utah Community Forest Council, gives recommendations for Northern Utah, Southern Utah and High Altitudes. As a tree service in Northern Utah, we will focus on the organizations Northern Utah list.
Some of the trees recommended by the Utah Community Forest Council include:
Small Deciduous Trees
- Apple Serviceberry – Amelanchier x grandiflora
- Crabapple – Malus spp.
- Japanese tree lilac – Syringa reticulata
Medium Deciduous Trees
- Red Horsechestnut- Aesculus x carnea
- Silver Linden – Tilia tomentosa
- Lacebark Elm – Ulmus parvifolia
Large Deciduous Trees
- Northern Catalpa – Catalpa speciosa
- European Beech – Fagus sylvatica
- Tuliptree – Liriodendron tulipifera
Conifers
- White Fir – Abies concolor
- Deodar Cedar – Cedrus deodara
- Bald Cyprus – Taxodium distichum
How to Choose the Right Tree
The lists provided by organizations like the Utah Community Forest Council are great. However, we want to make sure that you get the right tree for your needs. Just because a tree is known to do well in the northern part of the state does not mean it will do well in your landscape. There are many reasons why a tree will do poorly, including lack of water, too much or too little sun, soil conditions, wind exposure, and more. We recommend speaking with one of our tree trimming specialists to get recommendations specific for you and your local environment.
Questions About Trees? Contact Us!
If you are wondering if there is a “tree service near me?”, we want you to know that the answer is a definite “Yes!” Our tree experts can help you choose the perfect trees. Whether you are looking for beauty, hardiness, privacy, or anything else, we can help you pick the right trees.
Please give us a call at (801) 330–8861 or fill out our secure online contact form to get a free estimate. We are standing by to answer your questions!