The 5 Best Trees for Utah Landscaping That Are Drought-Resistant and Attractive
It seems to happen every year: you think you’ve finally found the trees that will thrive in Utah’s relentless sun or that rare breed that needs minimal sun in shady areas, only to be disappointed when it begins to show signs of failing. What went wrong? How much more money and time will you have to spend to get it right?
Big Rock Premium Design and Landscaping continues to help thousands of residents choose and install the best trees for Utah landscaping. In this guide, we’ll share our favorite drought-resistant, native, and stunning trees suited for Utah’s desert climate. Remember, when choosing the best trees for your landscaping, you also need to consider soil health and sun exposure.
1. Columnar Oak | Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’
If you want a natural and effective privacy and sound barrier for your residence, you’ll want to consider strategically planting a number of columnar oak trees. Their strong bark makes them fairly pest-resistant, making this tree one of the best trees for Utah landscaping.
Key Features and Characteristics
- Drought tolerant
- Tolerant of most soil conditions
- Perimeter tree.
- Dark green leaves in the summer; the crimson spire variety has bright red foliage in the fall
Ideal Growing Conditions and Soil Requirements
- Thrives in clay soils
- Prune regularly for health–usually in late winter to early spring
- Sunny location
- Drought and aerosol salt-tolerant
Seasonal Appeal
- Blossoms early spring, bright green leaves
- Most varieties turn brown in the fall; the crimson spire variety turns bright red.
2. Hot Wings Maple (Tatarian variety) | Acer tataricum ”GarAnn’
If you’re looking for something to brighten your landscaping, the Hot Wings Maple Tatarian variety is one of the best trees for Utah landscaping. Its bright red samaras (helicopter seeds) illuminate the tree all summer long. Come fall, the leaves will be aflame with bright red foliage.
Key Features and Characteristics
- Drought resistant
- Disease and insect-resistant
- Iron chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) resistant
Ideal Growing Conditions and Soil Requirement
- Thrives in partial shade to full sun
- Prefers locations with average to dry conditions
- Avoid excessive moisture
Seasonal Appeal
- Summer: bright red samaras (helicopter seeds)
- Fall: fiery red foliage
3. Zelkova Tree | Zelkova Serrata
Though the Zelkova tree is native to Japan and other parts of Asia, they are drought-resistant and do quite well in alkaline soils. Their vase-like branch structure provides plenty of shade for hot summer days and is a fantastic tree for Utah landscaping.
Key Features and Characteristics
- Drought tolerant
- Disease resistant
- Medium in size; provides good shade
Ideal Growing Conditions and Soil Requirements
- Full sun locations
- Tolerates many different types of soil
- Drought tolerant
- Wind resistant
Seasonal Appeal
- Summer: dense green leaves that provide plenty of shade
- Fall: brilliant red-purplish foliage
Pro tip: Plant the tree in springtime to avoid exposing a young Zelkova to frost.
4. Scarlet Regal Petticoat Maple | Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Tunpetti
The Scarlet Regal Petticoat Maple gets its royal name from its bright red and yellow fall colors. As one of our choices for best trees for Utah landscaping, it provides lush shade during the hot summer months and requires less watering than other trees.
Key Features and Characteristics
- Drought tolerant
- Provides ample shade in summer months
- Wind-tolerance
- Does well in urban areas
- Disease resistant
Ideal Growing Conditions and Soil Requirements
- Adapts to most soil types and growing conditions
- Does well in full sun 6+ hours per day
Seasonal Appeal
- Summer: full, lush greenery for shade
- Fall: bright reds and yellows
5. Utah Juniper | Juniperus osteosperma
Number five of our best trees for Utah landscaping is a beloved native plant–the Utah Juniper. As a desert evergreen, it’s drought-resistant and cold-tolerant. With thoughtful placement, this wild and shrubby tree brings life to otherwise unimaginative landscapes.
Key Features and Characteristics
- Drought resistant
- Cold tolerant
- Little or no maintenance required
- 10-20 ft. tall
- Blue berries for birds and humans
Ideal Growing Conditions and Soil Requirements
- Loose rock, sandy, gravelly soil
- Full sun
Seasonal Appeal
- As an evergreen, these trees bring life to your yard year-round
- Berries are year-round, though they take about 18 months to mature
Pro Tip: use the berries in spice blends and dry rubs, infuse vinegar, or add a little extra flavor to your sauerkraut or other pickled/preserved foods.
6. Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa)
Also known as a yellow pine, the ponderosa pine is native to North America and is one of the most widespread pines. Look up before you plant! A successful ponderosa pine can live for 600 years and grow up to 232 feet. They often smell like butterscotch or vanilla!
Key Features and Characteristics
- Drought resistant
- Fire-resistant
- Long needles (4-8 inches) clumped in groups of two to three
- Dark green needles
- Stiff needles
- Reddish-brown bark
Ideal Growing Conditions and Soil Requirements
- Thrives in full sun
- Prefers sandy soil with good drainage
- Allow ample space for the tree to mature to its full height
Seasonal Appeal
- Winter: Dark green needles are gorgeous against the snow.
Landscaping with Trees in Utah: Best Practices
When planting trees, the health of the tree is extremely important. Keep reading to learn about the best practices that will result in mature and long-lasting trees!
The Importance of Native and Drought-Tolerant Trees in Utah
Native trees are fantastic as they have already adapted to the environment that they are in. With this natural adaptation, they require not only less care but also less water than other non-native species. They are prepared for the local conditions, whether it be snow, rain, sun exposure, or even the soil, which ultimately allows them to thrive.
Drought-tolerant species offer environmental benefits by using less water and staying resilient to dry conditions. These types of trees and their overall resilience also require less fertilizer, leading to less of a chemical impact as well.
Common Tree Mistakes Homeowners Make
It’s easy to make a mistake when planting a tree, which makes having a landscaping professional who understands the climate and the correct way to plant even more important! Common mistakes often include a lack of correct mulching or watering, planting too deep or too shallow or in the wrong location, or improper pruning such as removing too much foliage or not enough, or picking a tree that is not appropriate for Utah’s climate!
Best Time of Year To Plant Trees
In general, the best time to plant most trees in Utah is during the fall season. If it’s been a dry fall season, water the trees to give them a healthy foundation for thriving in the upcoming years. Always do your research, as some trees have a better chance of survival when planted in the spring.
How To Choose The Best Trees for Landscaping in Utah
When you begin your research to choose the best trees for your Utah property, make sure to consider the following:
- Hardiness zones: will your tree thrive in Utah’s desert climate?
- Trees that will provide shade
- Trees that can act as a privacy and sound barrier
- Drought and cold-tolerant trees
- What kind of wildlife do you want to attract or keep away (birds, deer, pollinators, etc.)
- How much raking you’re willing to do/hire out in the autumn.
How To Design Placement and Spacing of Trees
If you plan out tree placement thoughtfully, you can keep your home cool in the summer months and allow the sun to flood through your windows during the cold winter months. It’s also critical to avoid overcrowding not only for the root systems but for the branches as well. Things to think about when designing your personal treescape:
- Growth rate: how long before you experience the full benefits of each tree?
- Canopy: how wide will the branches spread?
- Height: how high will the tree grow?
- Soil, sun, and moisture requirements
- Deciduous (sheds leaves annually) or evergreen (keeps needles year-round)
- Fruit: fruit trees require much more maintenance and commitment
FAQs About the Best Trees for Utah Landscaping
When you’re landscaping your yard, it’s an investment in the future. Trees will grow and flowers will blossom, and your landscaped space will start to look more mature. With all that in mind, it’s critical to pick the best trees that will survive the Utah landscape for a successful outdoor space.
What are the best drought-tolerant trees for Utah’s climate?
Some of the best drought-tolerant trees for Utah’s climate include the Utah Juniper, the Columnar Oak, the Hot Wings Maple, the Zelkova Tree, and the Scarlet Regal Petticoat Maple. It’s also important in Utah to consider how a tree will do in the cold climate.
When is the best time to plant trees in Utah?
The ideal time to plant most trees in Utah is in the fall, after the heat, but before winter frost hits. If the fall has not produced a lot of rain, it’s important to water your tree often to give it the ideal start.
What trees grow the fastest in Utah?
Aspens can be fast-growing in Utah, but other fast-growing shade trees include Hybrid Poplars, a few maples, including the Red Sunset Maple, Silver Maple and Hybrid Elms. Don’t forget Weeping Willows, they can grow over 24 inches per year.
What trees provide the best shade for Utah homes?
Utah has many fantastic shade options, but some include the Weeping Willow, which was also mentioned above as a fast-growing tree. The Ginkgo tree is another good one to consider as are the Red Sunset Maple, Silver Maple, and Hybrid Elms, all which are also fast growing!
How often should I water my trees in Utah?
Trees that are more mature and established should be watered weekly during the fall, spring, and summer seasons. However, if it’s a tree that has recently been planted, it will need more water as it starts to grow longer roots. Soaking the tree encourages deep root growth.
What trees should I plant to attract birds and pollinators?
Trees known for attracting birds and pollinators can provide not only nesting opportunities but also ample food sources. Some trees to consider would be the elderberry tree, the dogwood, the maple, and the cherry.
TREE QUESTIONS? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS
If you have any more questions about how to select the best trees for Utah landscaping, we can help you design and landscape an area that you’ll love every season, year after year. As a full-service landscaping company that focuses on not only trees but also hardscaping and irrigation, Big Rock Landscaping has the experience and knowledge to help make your yard vision a reality. Experienced landscapers have a deep understanding of not only Utah’s climate but also the soil. With that knowledge they are able to successfully select the best trees for the area. With this landscape expertise, you will be planting trees that will become staples of your space for years to come. Contact Big Rock Landscaping today!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.