Before any planning, design, or plant selection, test your soil. 

Knowing your soil's general characteristics can help you plan your approach to your landscape, orchard, vegetable garden,  flower beds, or lawn.

Testing your soil  is easy.  First, pick up a free soil test 'kit' from your county USU Extension office, or download the instructions and forms from http://www.usual.usu.edu

Do you need to add phosphorous to your soil?  Only a soil test can say for sure.  Many homeowners find they can save money by applying a less expensive ammonium sulphate fertilizer rather than the "complete" fertilizers after the soil test results show high levels of phosphorous in their soil. 

 Are leaves on your trees looking pale and yellow, with green veins?  The soil in your area is probably highly alkaline.  Soil with high pH can bind up iron into a form some trees cannot uptake.  Chelated iron is recommended.  When choosing a new landscape tree or shrub, select those that tolerate high pH.