Landscaping trees in Utah: Our list of the best trees you can use to landscape your gardens in Utah. Trees are exceptional at making your gardens flourish with beauty and fullness, not to mention giving shade and shelter to wildlife.
If you are interested in making your backyard a tree haven, read up on our list of some of the best trees to plant in Utah.
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List of Landscaping Trees in Utah
1. Maple Trees
Maple trees are the beautifully growing trees that would provide excellent shade, street, and specimen trees, which is why many people choose to plant them.
– Features
In the fall, many kinds of maples are put on a spectacular display of orange, brown, yellow, and red hues. Some trees’ leaves may display a combination of these hues. Many maples’ like the silver maple and red maple, have the ability to withstand drought is another valuable characteristic.
There are numerous species of maple trees in the genus Acer of the Aceraceae plant family, as they would feature similarly. However, the majority of the species of maple are woody, deciduous plants, with forms ranging from big, towering trees to shrubs with numerous stems.
– Characteristics
The stunning fall colors of maple trees are well known. Most exhibit bright reds and oranges. But the big leaf maple, which is as colorful, turns a brilliant golden yellow on the west coast.
The reason why they are multiple in their shades of color is that after the green chlorophyll in the leaves degrades, anthocyanin pigments, which are responsible for the red colors, are produced, and carotenoids, which are responsible for the orange and yellow colors, are present in the leaves.
The maple leaf buds open up in the spring, frequently concurrently with the tree’s flowering season. Depending on the species, the flowers are clustered, white to light yellow-green in color, occasionally crimson, and pollinated by wind or insects.
– Growth Requirements
It’s important to start watering right away if your maple tree is beginning to exhibit signs of wilting, which often starts at the top and progresses down the tree. You must first consider purchasing a tree watering bag, and this is due to the fact that it at the best peak for trees between two and three years old and can save time and water.
If you didn’t plant your trees when they were dormant, then you must fertilize them after planting which is a crucial task to be done. If you need help caring for your new tree while it’s establishing itself or have questions regarding this procedure, get in touch with your neighborhood arborists.
2. Beech Trees
Beech trees are deciduous trees that belong to the Fagaceae plant family and are categorized as members of the Fagus genus. Beech trees are well-liked options for residential shade trees because of their thin, but dense foliage crown and their wood provides great lumber and firewood.
– Features
Beech trees may grow in various environments as long as the soil drains well. Their leaves are typically green and may have serrated edges. Additionally, some varieties have leaves that are variegated, yellow, or purple; some of these are even thought to be edible.
Beech trees are resilient species that can live for 200 to 300 years. Therefore, your beech tree will make a great shade tree for as long as you live in your house if the right circumstances are met. Although there are different varieties that exist, because the state of Utah is one that this tree would grow successfully.
– Characteristics
Beech trees are renowned for their enormous size; they frequently reach heights of 80 feet or higher. Unfortunately, the beech tree is not well suited to urban environments; it does not appreciate even modest pollution levels, despite occasionally being utilized as a landscaping tree. In addition, shallow roots will easily sucker if left neglected, eventually generating a tangle of trees.
This tree grows rather slowly, typically gaining only six to nine inches per year before reaching maturity. Therefore, it is generally planted bare-root in late winter or early spring.
– Growth Requirements
Like most large shade trees, Beech trees enjoy the full sun which would ideal for it to see about six or more hours on a daily basis. However, it may also can thrive in partial shade as well.
On another note, the most crucial of all the requirements suggested for beech trees are deep, well-drained soil. In order for the tree to grow and thrive in a healthy way, it needs around average amounts of water. Which means that it receives around one inch of water weekly through irrigation or rainfall.
3. Columnar Oak Trees
If you think your yard is too small to accommodate oak trees, think again. In the world of botany this is a popular tree which is scientifically called the Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’ and it is best to grow in Utah.
– Features
Columnar oak trees provide stunning green lobed leaves and ridged bark without taking up as much room as other oak trees. They have tight, upright, and narrow profiles and slow growth, and this feature is one of their prominent ones.
These rare and lovely trees that you would see around, sometimes known as upright English oak trees, were initially discovered growing naturally in a German woodland. These columnar oak species were multiplied through grafting. Columnar oak trees grow up, not out, and their development rate is somewhat slow, which means they grow in a tall manner.
You don’t have to be concerned about the spreading of the lateral branches that other oaks are known for with these trees. Although columnar oak trees can reach heights of 60 feet , the spread will stay at about 15 feet.
– Characteristics
In the months before they drop from the tree in the winter, the dark green leaves turn brown or yellow in the autumn. Columnar oaks have strongly ridged trunks, are dark brown, and are very appealing. Most of the winter, the tree bears tiny acorns hanging on the branches that draw squirrels.
These columnar oaks are of the “fastigata” kind and are low-maintenance trees with exceptional decorative qualities.
The key characteristic why this tree is popular and loves is that they are useful in regions where you don’t have room for wide trees because their growth is up, not out; the crown of the columnar oak stays tight, and no branches break out of the crown and wander out from the trunk.
– Growth Requirements
Sunlight and an open area are both favorable for the growth of columnar oak trees. Plant these oaks in full sun on acidic or slightly alkaline soil that drains well, so that no excess water would remain in the roots of the tree and damage them. They are exceedingly tolerant of urban circumstances and highly adaptive, not only that, but also note that they stand salt aerosols and dryness.
4. Hackberry Tree
The hackberry tree is incredibly resilient; experts have called it “one tough tree.” The reason why this tree is popular, and it is planted all along, is that it is known to be one that can tolerate various aspects. It is a resilient, low-maintenance tree.
– Features
Given enough room for its extensive root system, the hackberry makes a great choice for nearly any landscape as an energy-efficient shade tree. These trees bear tiny drupes, which resemble dark red berries and mature in the middle of autumn.
These drupes eventually turn dark purple, and they would show their appealing aesthetic all over. Numerous bird species, such as cardinals, flickers, robins, cedar waxwings, and brown thrashers, rely on the fruit as a significant source of food throughout the late winter, though that also means other animals, such as deer, often damage them.
– Characteristics
The hackberry is particularly famous for its unique bark, which has been compared to stucco because of its corky texture and base warts. Its lovely serrated leaves have uneven bases and tapered ends, as they might be glossy or dull green. Moreover, the leaves will change to a dull yellowish tone in the fall and then fall off.
Although native to North Dakota, hackberry trees can grow elsewhere. They belong to a separate genus even though they are in the Elm family. Furthermore, the tree wood is commonly used for storage containers, crates, and firewood.
– Growth Requirements
The hackberry can grow in various soils and environments and survive in a wide range of temperatures and weather patterns, including areas that receive up to 50 inches of rain annually, although the tree itself doesn’t need much water. In addition, this gorgeous tree has a reputation for withstanding ferocious winds and smog.
What you must note is that this beautiful tree tree will thrive in direct sunlight, which means that you must try to place your tree, so it will get at least six hours a day of unobstructed, direct sunshine.
Furthermore, it would be able to thrive in different soil conditions, including acidic, loamy, alkaline, rich, moist, clay, sandy, well-drained, and wet soils. For the roots to take root, you should water your hackberry tree at least once a week throughout its first growing season particularly during dry weather.
5. Rose of Sharon
The Rose of Sharon is also popularly known as Hibiscus syriacus is a species of deciduous hibiscus that blooms profusely in the summer and fall.
– Features
The five-petalled, paper-like blossoms can grow up to three inches in diameter, as these come in a variety of hues, which including bicolors too. Buds have a prominent stamen and often a dark-colored throat.
The number of branches and light to dark green foliage give the rose of Sharon its characteristic upright vase shape. But you may shape this shrub into a tree by cutting it down to a single trunk. The ideal time to plant a rose of Sharon is in the spring or the fall as it grows at a modest rate of one to two feet per year.
– Characteristics
As its key characteristic, you should note that this plant can withstand heat, humidity, poor soil, and city drought. The most common uses for it are as a specimen, hedge, or foundation plant. If you don’t want more Rose of Sharon in your environment, be prepared to remove seedlings since it readily self-seeds.
To get started, young plants require regular feeding and watering. However, mature bushes often only need a little maintenance. When there is a prolonged drought, prepare to water. Regular pruning will keep the shrub in the desired shape.
– Growth Requirements
Full sun, or six to eight hours a day at least, under direct sunlight most days, is ideal for this tree, as you would see the result of beautiful blooms in spring. This shrub may thrive in loamy, sandy, and clay soils, among other soil types.
Although established shrubs may withstand considerable drought, wet soil is ideal for the growth of the rose of Sharon. Extremes like drought or very rainy weather won’t be favorable for it, and this is an aspect to consider and be mindful about.
6. Linden Tree
The Tilia genus of deciduous trees, which includes roughly 30 species indigenous to North America, Europe, and Asia, contains lindens. They are more generally referred to as “Basswoods” in North America than they are as “lindens” or “limes” in Europe, this shows that it has the ability to grow multiple places. It can be challenging to pinpoint a specific tree species in its natural habitat because some species hybridize rather often.
– Features
Medium to big shade trees, linden trees often have sturdy, pillar-like trunks and dark, initially smooth bark that becomes furrowed as the tree ages. The strong horizontal branches produce a dense pyramidal or rounded growth habit thrust out from the stem.
Their foliage is a key feature, because of the heart-shape that it has and the dark-green leaves that closely resemble aspen trees but are quite larger. The linden tree’s blossoms, a favorite of bees, bloom from May to July.
In addition, some beekeepers specifically grow lindens to increase honey yield. Lindens come in several varieties.
– Characteristics
Large and elegant linden trees are deciduous. The asymmetrical leaves have coarse teeth and a heart-shaped form. Insects pollinate the fragrant, cream-colored flowers, which are is how they would successfully achieve the pollination process.
The peculiar slender, leafy bracts from which the small, spherical fruits dangle may aid in dissemination. The plants are simple to grow from cuttings and grafts, but they are particularly vulnerable to aphid attacks.
– Growth Requirements
In the absence of rain, water newly planted trees at least once or twice a week for the initial months. Keep the ground wet but not drenched. Linden trees that are established only require watering during extended dry times. If you plan to fertilize newly planted linden trees, wait until the next spring season.
7. Magnolia Tree
A staple in the Utah landscape niche, the magnolia tree is a staple for landscapes across salt lake city. The Magnolia genus of plants, which contains many species suitable for cooler climes, is extraordinarily diversified and is frequently regarded as the archetypal trees and shrubs representing the South.
– Features
Magnolias are generally recognized for their spectacular white or pink blooms that bloom extremely early in the spring, frequently before the leaves even emerge, and for their huge, leathery leaves.
Depending on where they are grown, magnolias can be either evergreen or deciduous. While some species are large, upright, upright trees, others are multi-stemmed shrubby plants.
Some species alter their growth patterns in response to the environment and climate. Magnolias in bloom are renowned for having particularly strong scents. Although a magnolia tree doesn’t grow quickly, patience will pay off.
– Characteristics
Both evergreen and deciduous magnolia trees produce alternating leaves with smooth margins.
The typically cup-shaped and fragrant blooms feature three sepals, six to twelve petals clustered in two to four series, and numerous spirally organized stamens. They are found near the tips of the branches.
The multiple simple seedlings in the center eventually develop into an aggregate of follicles, a cone-shaped fruit, and this how you would see it grow. Furthermore, the fruit’s hairs each contain a single seed. The typically crimson seeds frequently droop by thin strands.
– Care
Severe winds and frosts can harm the flowers of magnolias. They require a lot of sunshine and protection. Heavy summer trimming may stress the tree, preventing it from flowering and destroying the growing flower buds. Water shortages can also affect trees. Frost damage is the cause of blackened foliage.
8. Japanese Zelkova Tree
Japanese Zelkova is a hardy urban tree for street plantings and residential shade. Its habit is vase-shaped, spreading, and often upright branching. Compared to the American elm, the crown is shorter and more rounded.
– Features
The bark is smooth and reddish brown with pronounced cherry-like lenticels when young. As the tree ages, its outer bark turns grayish-brown and frequently peels away to reveal its orangish inner bark. Leaf color changes from medium green to yellow, orange, brown, deep red, and reddish-purple in the fall, making the aesthetics look more appealing.
Established trees are somewhat resistant to wind and drought, of course, if they are properly pruned. It has good resistance to the elm leaf beetle and Japanese beetle, as well as to Dutch elm disease. The best time to transplant young trees is in the spring since they are vulnerable to frost. Fall is the best time to prune, and Japanese zelkova has to be pruned to establish a sturdy structure.
– Characteristics
Its habit is vase-shaped, spreading, and often upright branching. Compared to the American elm, the crown is shorter and more rounded. As the tree ages, its outer bark turns grayish-brown from the red one as it used to be in its youth and frequently peels away to reveal its orangish inner bark.
Particularly in metropolitan environments, the primary branches should develop a firm grip on the trunk by being evenly distributed along a single box. However, note that in order to preserve a robust form, branches must be less than half the trunk’s diameter. Zelkova can be planted for bonsai, lawns, street trees for shade, parking lot islands, and buffer strips.
– Growth Requirements
The zelkova can spend the winter months in a cool greenhouse, garage, or shed that is free of frost. Regularly water the zelkova tree to prevent the rootball from drying up, but be careful not to overwater it. Root rot may result from overwatering. Instead, keep the rootball wet during the winter.
Most soil types, up to and including those with a pH of about 7.5, are tolerable for this tree, but it favors deep, moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in direct sunlight.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks. A complete list of trees to use for landscaping in Utah. before choosing a tree, keep in mind the following:
- Japanese zelkova trees will not match well with frost. So, if you’re currently in a frost, try moving the tree to a cool greenhouse or inside a garage to keep it from dying.
- Beech trees like the sun quite a lot and will need it to survive. But, if you can’t afford to give them that but still have access to partial shade, you’re good to go.
- Maple trees can start wilting in no time which is why watering them consistently is going to be your number one priority.
Now, after learning about these landscaping beauties, which of them are you going to grow in your home?
