These Are the Best Shade Trees for Utah Yards
Temperatures in the Salt Lake City area are rising every year, making shade trees more important than ever. Planting the right tree can provide relief from the sun, reduce energy costs, and enhance your landscape. Fortunately, several fast-growing, drought-tolerant trees thrive in Utah’s climate. Here are the best options for creating a cool, shaded yard.
The Best Shade Trees for Utah’s Hot Summers
1. Bald Cypress (Taxodium Distichum)
A staple of southern swamplands, bald cypress trees are surprisingly well-suited for Utah’s dry climate. Their wide canopies provide excellent shade, and they adapt to various soil conditions. Keep in mind that they produce cones, which may require occasional cleanup.
- Sun Preference: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day
- Height: 50–70 feet tall, with a 25-foot spread
- Soil Conditions: Thrives in acidic, loamy, sandy, silty loam, well-drained, and clay soils
- Growth Rate: 1–2 feet per year
2. Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba)
Gingko trees are one of the oldest species still in existence, dating back 270 million years! Their fan-shaped leaves turn a brilliant yellow in the fall, and they tolerate urban pollution and heat, making them ideal for Salt Lake City landscapes.
- Sun Preference: Prefers direct sunlight but tolerates partial shade
- Height: 25–50 feet tall, with a 25–35 foot spread
- Soil Conditions: Grows well in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam, well-drained, wet, and clay soils
- Growth Rate: 1–2 feet per year
3. Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus Dioicus)
If you’re looking for a drought-tolerant tree, the Kentucky coffeetrees is an excellent choice. Its adaptability to different soils and resistance to air pollution make it a great addition to any Utah yard. Plus, it produces small, fragrant flowers in late spring.
- Sun Preference: Requires full sun (6+ hours per day)
- Height: 60–75 feet tall, with a 40–50 foot spread
- Soil Conditions: Thrives in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained, wet, and clay soils
- Growth Rate: Up to 24 inches per year
4. Red Maple (Acer Rubrum)
Red maples offer beauty year-round, with lush green foliage in summer and vibrant red or yellow leaves in fall. These fast-growing trees are highly adaptable and provide ample shade.
- Sun Preference: Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day
- Height: 40–60 feet tall, with a 40-foot spread
- Soil Conditions: Grows well in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam, well-drained, and clay soils
- Growth Rate: 13–24+ inches per year
5. Weeping Willow (Salix Babylonica)
For a dramatic and elegant addition to your yard, consider a weeping willow. Its sweeping branches create a picturesque canopy perfect for relaxation. These trees grow incredibly fast and thrive near water sources.
- Sun Preference: Prefers full sun (at least 4 hours) but tolerates partial shade
- Height: 30–40 feet tall, with a 35-foot spread
- Soil Conditions: Thrives in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils
- Growth Rate: Over 24 inches per year
FAQs About Shade Trees in Utah
Q: What is the fastest-growing shade tree for Utah?
A: Weeping willows grow over 24 inches per year, making them one of the fastest-growing shade trees.
Q: What trees provide the most shade in Utah?
A: Red maple, bald cypress, and Kentucky coffeetree all develop wide, dense canopies, offering excellent shade.
Q: Which shade trees are drought-tolerant?
A: Kentucky coffeetree and bald cypress are among the most drought-tolerant options for Utah yards.
Get Professional Lawn & Tree Care in Salt Lake City
Once you’ve chosen the perfect shade tree for your yard, trust the experts at Fert-A-Lawn to keep it healthy. With over 25 years of experience, our tree and shrub care program provides essential nutrients and pest control to ensure your tree thrives in Utah’s climate.
Call us today at 801-295-3057 or leave us a message online to schedule a consultation.
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Invest in the right shade tree today and enjoy a cooler, more beautiful yard for years to come!