 1. Blue Spruce
Not only is the Blue Spruce Utah’s state tree, it also brings year-round foliage and color to drab winter months. While other Utah Valley trees are rebuilding energy to burst out in April, the Blue Spruce stands tall and keeps spirits high from November through March.
The Blue Spruce is a beautiful, slow-growing tree that can eventually overtake small yards — so be thoughtful when you dig that hole to plant it.
2. Scrub White Oak
Although this tree is rarely “planted” in Utah Valley (it grows natively along lower mountain slopes), it is an important tree to Wasatch Fronters. This native tree grows in clumps, has fantastic-looking leaves and is often planned around by those building and landscaping homes on bench areas. It’s also a prevailing tree along mountain hiking trails. Drawbacks of this tree is that it reproduces vigorously and can be fire-prone if not thinned.
3. Quaking Aspen
As some Utah Valley residents have discovered, this tree also naturally grows in clumps. Sprouts from the tree’s root system will emerge and begin growing new trees if homeowners do not clip stems before they get too large. Although more comfortable in Utah’s higher elevations, this tree will survive in valleys. This tree will also endure the occasional “Tony loves Tina” etched into its bark.
4. Weeping Willow
The Weeping Willow is easily identified by its sweeping, low branches that droop to create its familiar “falling” canopy. Those suffering from “spring fever” have come to enjoy the Weeping Willow because its leaves appear early in the spring, before almost any other tree. The willow is fast growing (up to 10 feet per year) and provides excellent shade.
5. Norway Maple
This tree has become as common as Cougar fans along the Wasatch Front because of its ability to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions. Many varieties have dark purple and bright green leaves. This tree has gained in popularity mostly because of good summer and fall color.
6. Tulip Poplar
Sometime soon this spring, you’ll leave for work in the morning and notice a handful of flowers on your Tulip Poplar. Then, when you come home that evening, your whole tree will be smothered in thousands of blooms. You’ll have the brightest tree in your neighborhood.
Later, during summer months, your tree will transform into a well formed green shade tree.
Again, in the fall, leaves on your Tulip Poplar will put on a show, turning into a bright yellow shade. Make sure you give this magnificent tree a proper showcase in the front yard.
7. Cleveland Pear
Of all the trees in our “top 10,” this one wins for “best-shaped tree.” Your neighbors will think you secretly prune this tree at night.
The Cleveland Pear takes on a semi-perfect oval shape with leaves filling in any gaps.
This tree is often planted to line roads and entryways. As a bonus, this tree sprouts long-lasting pure white flowers.
8. Boxelder Maple
The Boxelder Maple is not only native to Utah, but it is also a very tough tree that will survive poorer soils and dryer sites. This tree is fast-growing, provides plenty of privacy and gets wide and bushy. It is also sturdy in high winds, which comes in handy for neighborhoods near blustery canyon areas.
9. Common Chokecherry
Attractive flowers and its small size make the Common Chokecherry a popular Utah Valley tree. This tree is known for its purple-red foliage, upright canopy and usually a bird nest (popular with wide-eyed elementary school children).
10. Summers Red Maple
This tree is unique because of its red leaves that last all summer, then turn a golden color that lasts late into fall. The Summers Red special leaf colors will contrast against other trees you might have in your yard with more common green leaves. This tree is fast-growing and extremely adaptable to Utah’s sometimes-harsh climate. In summary, Summers Red Maple is a great looking shade tree throughout the year.
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