Utah has a high-desert climate, making plant selection especially important for long-term success. As the second driest state in the nation, Utah receives an average of just 13 inches of precipitation annually—much of it falling during the winter months when plants are dormant and not actively growing.
Because of these dry conditions, many plants require significant amounts of water to maintain high yields, particularly crops like fruits and vegetables. However, for ornamental landscape plants, resilience and adaptability matter more than production. That’s why choosing the right varieties is essential for a healthy, low-maintenance landscape.
At Big Trees Nursery, we carefully select and stock plants that are specifically suited to thrive in Utah’s unique climate—helping you create a landscape that is both beautiful and water-efficient year-round.
Newly planted trees: Deep-water one to two times per week, soaking 2–4 inches deep to encourage strong roots.
Established trees: Deliver ~1 inch of water per week (roughly 10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter), using soaker hoses or drip lines reaching to the dripline.
Winter irrigation: In dry winters, water once ground remains thawed and temps stay above 40 °F—especially for evergreens—to maintain moisture and prevent desiccation.
Apply a 2–4″ layer of organic mulch (compost, bark chips) extending to the canopy edge—but keep mulch away from the trunk flare.
Mulching conserves moisture, moderates soil temperature, enhances soil structure and protects roots from damage.
Conduct annual inspections, and prune during late winter or early spring to remove dead, crossing, or weak limbs.
Follow ANSI A300 standards—never top trees! Instead, use crown reduction and structural pruning to promote resilience.
For new trees, consider root fertilization or slow-release blends to offset soil compaction or nutrient deficiencies (e.g., iron chlorosis common in Utah).
Established trees generally don’t need regular fertilizer; use soil/testing results to guide applications.
Regularly inspect leaves, bark, and canopy for signs of drought stress (brown edges, wilting), pest damage, or disease.
Avoid frequent light watering, mulch volcanoes, improper staking, and pruning mistakes—they can create major health issues .
