by Michael Kuhns, Extension Forestry Specialist
General Considerations: Match tree to the specific planting site. Remember small planting sites (4-6' wide or less) aren't good places for small trees because the crowns get in the way of whatever is surrounding them (sidewalk, street) and never grow high enough to get out of the way. Investigate specific varieties when you order or buy. For example, you shouldn't just order an English oak (Quercus robur) because you might get one that has a narrow, Lombardy poplar-type crown (variety 'Fasigiata') or one that is broad crowned. Don't stick with just this list in all circumstances. There are many other good trees to plant.
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Large Deciduous Trees
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Norway maple (Acer platanoides) -- over-planted
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common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) -- tough tree; American elm-like appearance
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ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) -- yellow fall color; no insect or disease problems; plant males only
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thornless honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis) -- tough street tree; don't overplant
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Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) -- nice leave, bark, and twigs; tough
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bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) -- tough; adaptable
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English oak (Quercus robur) -- many different sizes, shapes, colors available
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silver linden (Tilia tomentosa) -- one of the tougher lindens, also good looking
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Japanese zelkova (Zelkova serrata) -- red to purple fall color
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Small to Medium Deciduous Trees
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hedge maple (Acer campestre) -- good street tree
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canyon/bigtooth maple (Acer grandidentatum) -- Utah native; good fall color
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hawthorns (cockspur Crataegus crusgalli, English C. phaenopyrum, Washington C. laevigata) -- tough; nice fall color, flowers, fruit color
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goldenraintree (Koelreuteria paniculata) -- showy yellow flower clusters
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crabapples (Malus species) -- many species and varieties; plant fruitless varieties (like 'Spring Snow') or those with small, persistent fruit like 'Red Jade' or 'Indian Magic'
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Callery pears (Pyrus calleryana) -- good flowers and fall color; almost fruitless; avoid 'Bradford'; 'Chanticleer' is more cold-hardy
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Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata) -- white flower clusters; tough
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Conifers
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junipers (Juniperus species) -- not exciting, but tough
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European larch (Larix decidua) -- deciduous; needles turn golden yellow and fall off in autumn
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white (Blackhills) spruce (Picea glauca 'Densata') -- better adapted than blue spruce
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Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) -- tough; adaptable; dark green, long needles
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ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) -- Utah native; drought tolerant; very long needles
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Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) -- orange upper bark
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