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The Blue Spruce thrives in Utah’s semi-arid climate, boasting medium to large evergreen stature with distinctive blue-green foliage. While wild specimens can reach 75 feet, ornamental ones typically stay under 50 feet, forming a classic conical shape. Despite susceptibility to pests and diseases like aphids, it remains a popular choice for Utah yards. However, Utah growers have numerous tree varieties to consider due to the state’s large size, semi-arid climate, and varied temperatures. They must factor in climate, soil type, average precipitation, irrigation needs, growing zones, and potential weather damage when selecting the right tree for their landscape.
Read about the specifics for your state in the following sections. If you’re looking for some quick ideas on what to plant, consider the following trees as expert-tested and The Tree Center approved:
A state that without doubt deserves its millions of residents, Utah is continuing to attract new inhabitants from other parts of the United States. Although a boon for the local economy, new infrastructure can be invasive and annoying. Solutions exist for prying eyes and sound-producing highways. Trees that are cultivated to form protective barriers, better known as ‘privacy trees’ can be planted to afford the Utahn yard the solitude and peace it deserves.
Although there are many privacy trees the Utahn planter may plant, none is as fitting as the Willow Hybrid. The Willow Hybrid grow quickly, at upwards of 6 feet a year, and provides fast-growing privacy. Unlike many privacy tree species, the Willow Hybrid is not an evergreen but a subset of the willow, providing a unique barrier against intrusions of every kind. The Willow Hybrid is not the only option to choose from in STATE. Alternatively, consider the Thuja Green Giant or Juniper ‘Witchita Blue’.
Most of Utah lies in a semi-arid climate, with the western regions in the mountains often experiencing a multitude of climates. Summers are hot and winters are cold. summer temperatures vary throughout the state. Temperatures range from 85°F to 100°F throughout the region, though low humidity often leads to cooler evenings. Winters are cold and mountain regions can receive heavy snow. Utah’s most populated regions are at higher elevations, which causes colder temperatures. The record low for the state is -69°F set in 1985. The record high is 118° set in 2007.
Most trees require well-drained soil rich with minerals to grow. Mivida soils cover more than 200,000 acres of Utah. Easy to irrigate, these soils are used for pasture and agriculture. Regardless of the property’s location in The Beehive State, a soon-to-be tree planter can perform a simple test to determine his/her soil type.
In order to determine the type of soil in your yard, try this test to give you a basis for finding the best matched trees. For this test, you will need a healthy handful of soil from the layer beneath the topmost piece of soil. The soil should be a little damp, but not recently watered or wet. Simply squeeze the soil sample and one of the following events will occur.
Once you know what soil type you have, you can find trees best suited to the dirt’s properties. Loam is the best soil to have, as its unique qualities make it ideal for holding and transferring water to trees.
Rainfall is minimal in many parts of the state, where the sheltering effect of both the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Wasatch Mountains leave most of Utah in a rain shadow. The rain Utah does receive comes from the Pacific Ocean via a northeastern route. Lower elevations receive less rain, usually 12 inches or less on average annually. St. George and the Great Salt Lake Desert frequently receive less than 5 inches of rain annually. On the other hand, Salt Lake City receives upwards of 60 inches of rain annually. Snow can also be variable. Snow has been recorded in every month of the year in some mountain ranges, which can receive, on average 500 inches of snow annually. This has led to a large ski-industry. Other areas of the state receive a slightly more moderate amount, between 50 to 100 inches of snow annually.
With variable rainfall amounts and heavy snow, irrigation systems can be an effective method for controlling and dispersing water. Some systems can even use the winter snow as melted water in later, drier summer days. Consider a drip or sprinkler system to assist with water control. Newly planted trees require consistent and adequate water management, and irrigation systems can be an efficient tool for this.
Utah’s diverse landscape is home to eleven distinct growing zones. A growing zone simply refers to the USDA’s determination of areas where certain plants are most likely to thrive, preferring to focus on minimal temperature ranges in which a plant can survive. Overall, temperatures are warmer in the south and cooler in the north and in higher elevations. In the south, both near Lake George and Lake Powell, temperatures are warmest, rarely dropping below 10°F. In some areas, temperatures may never drop below 20°F for extended time. Temperatures are coldest in the north, along the panhandle border area with Wyoming west of Logan. Here, temperatures may linger below -35°F for extended lengths of time. Central Utah is colder than its borders in both the east and west, and Salt Lake City falls into one of these moderate zones, where temperatures may drop to -15°F for a length of time.
Thunderstorms and tornadoes are the most concerning natural weather disasters to occur in the area. Although thunderstorms are rare, they can be severe, touching down in the monsoon season between mid-July and mid-September. The drier soil of Utah often has difficulty in absorbing the heavy rainfall accompanied with the storm, which can lead to flash-flooding. Although tornadoes are uncommon and usually not deadly, the Salt Lake City Tornado of 1999 caused over $170,000,000.00 in damage. Plant trees away from powerlines and buildings, and near banks of streams and roads to ensure safety.
