Best Trees to Plant in Utah: A Homeowner's Guide

Utah's high-altitude desert climate — with alkaline soils, low humidity, temperature extremes, and limited water — can be challenging for trees. But choosing the right species makes all the difference. Here are our top recommendations from years of experience caring for trees throughout the Salt Lake Valley.

Understanding Utah's Growing Conditions

Before selecting a tree, consider these Utah-specific factors:

• Alkaline soils: Most of Utah has soil pH of 7.5-8.5, which limits iron availability
• Low humidity: Trees that prefer humid conditions will struggle
• Temperature extremes: From -10°F in winter to 100°F+ in summer
• Water restrictions: Choose trees that can thrive with moderate watering
• High altitude: More intense UV radiation affects some species

Best Shade Trees for Utah

Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos)

The quintessential Utah shade tree. Tolerates alkaline soil, drought, and urban conditions. The thornless, seedless varieties like 'Shademaster' and 'Skyline' are best for residential use. Dappled shade allows grass to grow beneath.

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

One of the few oaks that thrives in alkaline soil. Slow-growing but incredibly long-lived and drought-tolerant once established. Makes an excellent specimen tree.

Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)

An underused gem. Tolerates poor soils, drought, and urban pollution. Interesting winter silhouette. Choose male cultivars to avoid seed pods.

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

Extremely tough and adaptable. Handles drought, alkaline soil, and wind. Fast-growing with attractive bark. Western hackberry (C. reticulata) is another excellent choice.

Best Ornamental Trees

Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)

Fragrant white flower clusters in June. Small enough for most yards (20-25 feet). Drought-tolerant once established.

Flowering Crabapple (Malus spp.)

Spectacular spring blooms. Choose disease-resistant varieties like 'Prairifire' or 'Sugar Tyme'. Provides food for birds in winter.

Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)

Brilliant red fall color. Multi-stem or single-trunk form. More alkaline-tolerant than most maples, though may still show some chlorosis.

Best Evergreens for Utah

Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)

Utah's state tree for good reason — it's native to our mountains. Tolerates drought and alkaline soil. Blue-needled cultivars like 'Fat Albert' are particularly striking.

Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra)

Tough and adaptable. Handles urban conditions, drought, and alkaline soil better than most pines. Dense, dark green needles.

Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)

Native to Utah. Extremely drought-tolerant. Many cultivars available in various forms and colors. 'Wichita Blue' and 'Skyrocket' are popular choices.

Trees to Avoid in Utah

Some popular trees struggle in our conditions:

• Silver Maple: Highly susceptible to iron chlorosis; weak wood prone to storm damage
• Pin Oak: Severe chlorosis problems in alkaline soil
• Sweet Gum: Doesn't tolerate alkaline soil or dry conditions
• White Birch: Prefers cool, moist conditions; struggles in Utah heat
• Ash Trees: With emerald ash borer confirmed in Utah, we recommend avoiding new ash plantings

Planting Tips for Success

• Plant in fall or early spring: Gives roots time to establish before summer heat
• Don't amend the soil: Trees need to adapt to your native soil, not amended pockets
• Mulch properly: 2-4 inches of mulch in a wide ring, but keep mulch away from the trunk
• Water deeply: Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep root growth
• Be patient: Trees take years to establish; the first few seasons are critical