Trees to Plant in Utah: 8 Outstanding Trees That will Thrive in Utah

Is your Utah landscape in need of some trees? Are you wondering which trees to plant in utah?

We have a few good recommendations for you. Here are 8 outstanding trees to plant in Utah.


Trees to plant in Utah

Japanese Zelkova

Utah gardeners choose the Japanese Zelkova because it’s tough, dependable and grows well in the native climate. The tree can be pruned and trained as a bonsai, and it naturally assumes a vase shape.

Japanese Zelkova grows in zones 5 to 8 and reaches around 50 feet in height. You’ll want to put it in its ideal condition, which is full sunlight. As for soil it’s very forgiving and can live even in compacted medium.

Tulip Tree

trees to plant in utah

Tulip tree is a vigorous grower and well-suited to the region’s environment. It grows in zones 4 through 9 and can reach up to 70 feet in height.

This species demands at least six hours of direct sunlight and a constantly moist soil to look its best. Meet the requirements and you’ll be treated to a lush foliage, aromatic stems and vibrant, tulip-shaped blooms with green-yellow petals and a tinge of orange near the flower’s base.

Crabapple

If you want a versatile and compact tree in your yard or garden, then crabapples are a must. They assume a rounded and orderly form with very little pruning or maintenance required.

Crabapples grow in zones 4 to 9 and have green foliage, with bronze, red and purple tones depending on the variety. Come spring time the tree grows buds that turn into bright and cheery flowers and eventually, an attractive cherry-like fruit.

Japanese Tree Lilac

Japanese Tree Lilacs are best planted near the house, or specifically a window so its fragrance and flowers come in and delight the senses. However, you should observe a respectable distance and space for its 20-foot spread.

You’ll want to put it where it gets full sunlight throughout the day and with regular watering. Japanese Tree Lilac is great for beginners since it grows on its own once established and is rarely affected by disease and pests.

Mimosa

A beautiful tree to have in your Utah home, with the only downside is that it’s relatively short-lived. However, it grows fast and matures quickly, flowers pretty well and is drought tolerant, to boot.

Mimosas grow up to 20 feet and require full sunlight to reach its maximum potential. The foliage is evergreen with flowers that blossom from January to March. Avoid heavy clay soil and consider growing mimosa in a pot if you want to keep it away from harsh elements.

Dawn Redwood

Dawn Redwood is a deciduous tree and grows up to a hundred feet and a 25 foot spread. It’s majestic stature is a must for Utah landscapes with a huge space to fill.

Growing the tree is easy once you plant it in full sun and water well while it’s young. It assumes a neat, pyramid-like shape and bright green leaves that transform into red brown or orange brown when fall comes around.

Once established you won’t need to do anything else except for occasional watering when the weather gets hot and dry.

Mulberry

The Mulberry is a do-it-all plant that’s resistant to rot and is very durable. They grow quite quickly and aren’t picky about the medium they grow in. You can get ones that are naturalized in North America or those that are native to Utah so you won’t have to do extra care.

Mulberry trees are mid-sized plants and thrive where there’s full sunlight. Some varieties are long-lived, and depending on the species you can look forward to plentiful fruits you or the surrounding animals can eat.

Bald Cypress

A medium-sized tree that can grow up to 60 feet and have a spread of 25 feet in its mature stage, the Bald Cypress grows in zones 4 to 10 and thrives where there’s all-day sunlight.

Bald Cypress is well-adapted to any soil condition, including loamy or the sandy variety. It can take both drought and rainy seasons well and tolerates a humid or wet condition.

The deciduous conifer produces globe-shaped cones, lush green leaves and assumes a pyramid shape that’s pleasing to the eye in a strategic landscape.

You’ll love the shade and spreading canopy it provides on hot summer days.

Related Article: 5 Trees with Fern Like Leaves