First in a two-part series on underutilized landscape plantings.
Released March 21, 2008
LOGAN, Utah - A close look at local landscapes shows there are a limited number of tree species planted. Common species found include ash, Norway maple, honey locust and flowering pear. A lack of diversity in plantings increases the chances of an insect pest or disease decimating the trees, and it also creates monotony in the landscape. Over the last several years, it has been discovered that many species will grow quite well in our unique climate. The following list highlights those trees.
- Washington hawthorne: This tree has a form that lends itself to patios, park strips and other areas of limited space. It grows to 20 feet high and wide and has decorative spring flowers. It is tolerant of clay soil and develops fruit in the fall that stays on the tree, making little to no mess.
- Common hackberry: This medium-sized shade tree has a fast growth rate. Unlike poplars and willow, hackberries have wood and are disease resistant. The species also grows well in many soil types, including alkaline.
- Bur oak: Oaks are more commonly used in other areas of the nation. However, this particular tree has been grown successfully in many areas of the state for a number of years. It is slower growing, but will eventually reach 50 feet high and wide. Due to this fact, it is best planted in parks or larger yards. Bur oak can be slightly finicky the first year or two it is planted, but is worth the effort.
- White fir: This native evergreen is similar in looks to blue spruce but stays much more narrow in width, making it suitable for use in smaller yards. The needles are also much softer than blue spruce and vary in color from green to steel-gray. It is also very shade tolerant and is readily available from local nurseries.
- Sargent cherry: This is one of the best ornamental cherries for use in Utah’s colder mountain valleys. It has pink spring flowers and produces little to no fruit. It grows to 30 feet tall and 15 to 30 feet wide, depending on the cultivar. An added benefit is that its leaves turn shades of orange and red in the fall.
- American linden: Several different lindens, also called basswoods, are available in local nurseries. All are great for landscape use. The American linden, commonly sold as redmond linden, grows 40 to 50 feet high and wide and is very fragrant in the spring. It is commonly used as a border tree and in formal settings. It is not a messy tree. However, turf can decline under the canopy of linden trees if the trees are not properly pruned.
- Osage orange: This tree is native to the Midwest and has very strong but flexible wood. It was used by early settlers and Native Americans in the construction of bows. The wild form of the tree has thorns and large fruit and should be avoided. The forms found in nurseries usually lack thorns, and several seedless selections have recently been introduced. If you have a place where other trees will not survive, this is the tree to plant, but be sure to purchase thornless/seedless varieties. A variety called white shield is somewhat more common, but may need to be ordered online.
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http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=3415
Contact: Dennis Hinkamp, dennish@ext.usu.edu
