Tree Characteristics

Cultivar Availability

Cultivar Availability means that selected, genetically pure trees are available with known characteristics. Cultivars often prove to be more desirable than trees grown from seed or collected in the wild.

Search Characteristics

USDA Hardiness Zones

A USDA Hardiness Zone range is given for each tree species. The lowest number indicates the tree's coldest recommended zone. The highest number is an approximate indicator of a tree's tolerance of a hot climate. These zones are broad and general. For more information on hardiness zones, and for a table of hardiness zones in Utah and surrounding counties, go to Hardiness Zones and USNA Hardiness Zone Map. Utah's hardiness zones range from zone 3 in eastern Rich County and eastern Summit County, to zones 5 and 6 in the Salt Lake City area and most of the rest of the state at lower elevations, to zone 7 in Southern Utah and even zone 8 in the Glen Canyon and St. George areas. Planting on sites colder than recommended may work if the site is protected. Species should be planted outside their recommended zones only on a trial basis.

Tree Type

Select Conifer for pines, firs, junipers, ginkgo, and other conifers (gymnosperms).
Select Broadleaf for trees with broad, flat leaves (more or less) (angiosperms).

Utah Native

Native and introduced trees are referred to throughout this database. The term 'native' refers to trees that naturally occurred in the area prior to European settlement. Most of these trees are found in the mountains, or near streams and other water sources at lower elevations. Few native trees are planted in our cultivated landscapes, though many would make good ornamental trees. Trees native to Utah (most also are native to the surrounding states) are noted in the Browser with 'Yes'; non-Utah native trees are denoted by 'No'.

Growth Rate

Growth rate refers to height growth for the first ten years after a tree is planted.
Select Low for < 12-inches/year height growth.
Select Medium for 12- to 24-inches/year height growth.
Select High for > 24-inches/year height growth.

Mature Height

Mature height will vary considerably by cultivar and site and is shown here assuming adequate care.
Select Low for < 20 feet mature height.
Select Medium for 20 to 40 feet mature height.
Select High for > 40 feet mature height

Longevity

The typical life span of a good tree in a suburban neighborhood is 30 to 50 years, while downtown trees may only last 5 to 10 years. People tend to plant fast-growing trees that often have fairly short lives. While some of this is all right, homeowners and communities should also plant trees that might grow slower (though some grow quite fast) but that are longer-lived.
Select Low for less than 25 years typical life span.
Select Medium for 25 to 50 years typical life span.
Select High for more than 50 years typical life span.

Powerline Suitability

Only very short trees should be planted under or directly adjacent to overhead electric lines. Medium height trees should be offset 15 to 20 feet horizontally from electric lines. Large trees should be offset 30 feet. Wider crowned trees like elms or maples should be offset more than narrower crowned trees like spruces or firs. If you suspect that you are planting in an area with underground electric lines or other buried utilities, call Blue Stakes at 1-800-662-4111 to have utilities located and marked. "Yes" in this database means a tree is suitable for planting directly under powerlines. "No" means it is not. However, even a species that gets a "No" may have small-maturing cultivars available.

Crown Shape

Crown shape varies considerably by cultivar and sometimes by site. The common crown shape for a species is shown as follows: Pyramidal, Round, Columnar, Weeping, Broad, Oval, Vase, Layered, Shrubby, and Irregular.

Ornamental Features

Ornamental characteristics are important factors in tree selection even though they usually have little to do with whether a tree can survive and thrive on its site. Ornamental factors to consider include flower and fruit presence and appearance, foliage color and texture, bark characteristics, shade density, fall color, and winter appearance. Some trees have thorns or spines, objectionable odors, a tendency to have basal or root sprouts, or maintenance-related needs that also should be considered. 'Yes' for these features means that a species is noted for a particular ornamental feature; 'No' means it is not, though there may be exceptions depending on cultivar.

Tolerance of Shade

Shade tolerant plants often are best planted in at least partial shade, though many will do well in full sun. Shade intolerant plants usually need full sun to thrive.
Select Low for low shade tolerance.
Select Medium for medium shade tolerance.
Select High for high shade tolerance.

Tolerance of Salt

Generally means tolerance to salt on above ground plant surfaces, though may indicate some tolerance to soil salinity.
Select Low for low tolerance of salt.
Select Medium for medium tolerance of salt.
Select High for high tolerance of salt.

Tolerance of Drought

Indicates the tree's tolerance of low soil moisture, heat and/or low humidity.
Select Low for low tolerance to drought.
Select Medium for medium tolerance to drought.
Select High for high tolerance to drought.

Tolerance of Poor Drainage

Indicates the tree's tolerance to waterlogging, compaction, or otherwise poorly oxygenated soil.
Select Low for low tolerance to poor drainage.
Select Medium for medium tolerance to poor drainage.
Select High for high tolerance to poor drainage.

Tolerance of Alkalinity

Indicates the tree's tolerance of high soil pH or soil alkalinity; soil pH above 6.5 to 7.
Select Low for low tolerance to soil alkalinity.
Select Medium for medium tolerance to soil alkalinity.
Select High for high tolerance to soil alkalinity.

Ease of Transplanting

This describes a tree's relative likelihood of transplanting success. A low ranking indicates a plant that may need extra care at planting and may do better if transplanted while fairly small.
Select Low for low transplanting difficulty.
Select Medium for medium transplanting difficulty.
Select High for high transplanting difficulty.