![\"Tall](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/3863142192_bea9f90f09_o-1.jpg\")
The climate of Salt Lake City is a wild roller coaster ride, with weather ranging from scorching summers to freezing winters. That means that if you want your lawn to match the state’s stunning nature, you need to get the right grass type. Let’s go through the five best types of grass seed for your […]
\n","content":"\n
The climate of Salt Lake City is a wild roller coaster ride, with weather ranging from scorching summers to freezing winters. That means that if you want your lawn to match the state’s stunning nature, you need to get the right grass type. Let’s go through the five best types of grass seed for your Utah lawn.
In this article:
\n\n\n\nSalt Lake City climate is arid with high elevations, extreme heat, and extreme cold. Let’s go through grass recommendations for Utah from the local University to help you decide which one is most suitable for your Salt Lake City lawn.
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTurf-type tall fescue is a versatile grass that stays green all year and endures heat and drought and tolerates shade. If you’re looking for an easy-care option that fits Salt Lake City’s unpredictable weather, turf-type tall fescue is a great choice.
\n\n\n\nThis grass can handle foot traffic, and variants with rhizomes even self-repair if damaged. It also resists weeds, diseases, and pests, and doesn’t produce much thatch. Although it used to be coarse grass, most tall fescue varieties are now soft.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches, occasionally rhizomes
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Very high
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: Low to moderate
Mowing height: 3 to 4 inches
Potential for disease: Low
![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fine-Fescue.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nDo you have lots of shade on your lawn? While most grasses don’t like shade, it works just fine for fine fescue. There are different types of fine fescue grasses, such as hard, sheep, Chewings, and creeping red. They handle Salt Lake City’s dry summer conditions, are easy to care for, and are perfect for a yard with lots of trees or hardscapes.
\n\n\n\nHowever, fine fescues don’t do so well on lawns that get too hot or busy. Moreover, they’re susceptible to diseases and are likely to produce thatch frequently.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Depends on the variant; most variants grow in bunches, but creeping red fescue uses rhizomes
Shade tolerance: High
Drought tolerance: High; may go dormant
Foot traffic tolerance: Low
Maintenance needs: Low
Mowing height: 2.5 to 4 inches; the grass is slow-growing, so taller heights may be preferable
Potential for disease: Moderate
![\"Backyard](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Brenda Ryan / Wikilawn
\n\n\n\nKentucky bluegrass is the grass of choice for many homeowners because of its dense, lush appearance. This soft grass withstands foot traffic (especially before the weather gets too warm) and also repairs itself when damaged.
\n\n\n\nHowever, there are some issues with this grass, too; it often struggles with diseases, pests, and thatch buildup. Salt Lake City’s hot summers may also put a strain on the grass, and it’s not a grass that does well in the shade either. For that reason, Kentucky bluegrass is often mixed with it to create a more resilient lawn.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Rhizomes (underground stems)
Shade tolerance: Tolerates partial shade but prefers full sun
Drought tolerance: High; but long periods of drought will lead to dormancy
Foot traffic tolerance: High in colder weather, lower in warmer seasons
Maintenance needs: High
Mowing height: 2.5 to 3.5 inches
Potential for disease: Moderate to high; susceptible to diseases such as necrotic ring spots and rusts
![\"closeup](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Perennial-Ryegrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is another showy grass that needs some extra care to thrive. However, it’s quick to grow and spread and is great at withstanding stressors like foot traffic, diseases, and insects. It’s happiest in full sun, but a little shade is just fine for this grass, too.
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass may struggle during summer when the weather gets hot and dry, but it’s often mixed with other grass types to combine both grasses’ strong qualities. Also, take note that the grass is susceptible to fungal diseases and thatch.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
Spreads by: Bunches
Shade tolerance: Moderate
Drought tolerance: Low to moderate
Foot traffic tolerance: High
Maintenance needs: High
Mowing height: Moderate to high
Potential for disease: High, including brown patch, red thread, and rust
![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_pixnio-4149-2560x1920-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixnio
\n\n\n\nUnlike the grasses mentioned above, buffalograss is a warm-season grass that stays green even during Salt Lake City’s scorching summer temperatures. It’s easy to maintain the grass’s soft, attractive appearance, and it doesn’t need to be watered as much as cool-season grasses.
\n\n\n\nHowever, it’s important to note that because buffalograss is a warm-season grass, it goes dormant when temperatures drop.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
Spreads by: Stolons
Shade tolerance: Low
Drought tolerance: High, but will turn brown during summer if not watered; needs only about a half inch of water per week
Foot traffic tolerance: Moderate
Maintenance needs: Low
Mowing height: Up to you; naturally grows up to 4 to 6 inches tall; never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade per mow
Potential for disease: Low
You can find one more grass type on the University of Utah website, and that is wheatgrass. We’d recommend that you consider one of the above grass types instead, though.
\n\n\n\nWhy? Wheatgrass is a good fit for wildflower meadows and prairies, but it’s not ideal for homeowners. It forms a thin stand, grows too tall to plant around pathways, can’t really be mowed, and goes dormant in summer. With such a relatively high variety of other grasses available in the region, you should choose one that is more practical for your lawn.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss stands up well to high temperatures and handles Salt Lake City’s summers with no issues.
If you want an easy-care grass that looks great, you can choose between fine fescue, tall fescue, or a mix. If you prefer a warm-season grass, buffalograss stays lovely with relatively little maintenance, too.
If you want a year-round green lawn, turf-type tall fescue is most likely to meet your expectations.
Turf-type tall fescue and perennial ryegrass both handle a lot of foot traffic. If damage occurs turf-type tall fescue will even repair itself if you get a variety of rhizomes.
Alternately, you can also get Kentucky bluegrass; this grass repairs itself as well, but take note that it’s more susceptible to damage in warm weather.
Picking the right grass type is essential for a healthy lawn in Salt Lake City, but that’s not all. You should also water your lawn deeply and infrequently, mow it regularly to the appropriate height, and make sure that you complete regular maintenance jobs.
\n\n\n\nSo much work can be overwhelming, so if you need a hand, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of WikiLawn’s lawn care pros.
\n\n\n\nMain Image Credit: Doug Kerr / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"The Best Grass Seed for Salt Lake City","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/1789c/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg","srcSet":"/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/107df/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 320w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/293e9/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 500w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/f2cbb/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 800w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/1789c/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 960w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/c26c2/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/1dd6e/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/67b76/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 320w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/8df11/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 500w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/98a65/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 800w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/1dd6e/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 960w,\n/static/be980c2b607486e875089548bd62107f/3cc96/lawn-in-salt-lake-city.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The Best Grass Seed for Salt Lake City | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Growing a beautiful lawn in one of the driest states in the nation isn’t impossible if you start with the right grass and then give it the care it needs"}}},{"node":{"id":"9f629a98-4af7-53e3-be48-1645e902e8a0","slug":"best-drought-tolerant-plants-utah","path":"/lawn-care/ut/best-drought-tolerant-plants-utah/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"65f3de7c-13d9-573a-b422-7e8ea533aaa7","name":"Utah","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ut/"}],"date":"May 17th, 2023","excerpt":"With only 13 inches of precipitation a year, Utah is the second driest state in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful yard, provided you start with these nine drought-tolerant landscaping plants. That doesn’t mean you can set them and forget them. All yards require some level of care, but you […]
\n","content":"\nWith only 13 inches of precipitation a year, Utah is the second driest state in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful yard, provided you start with these nine drought-tolerant landscaping plants.
\n\n\n\nThat doesn’t mean you can set them and forget them. All yards require some level of care, but you can cut down on your time, effort, and expense with plants that don’t require a lot of water to survive. Let’s take a look at some of the best drought-tolerant plants for Utah.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\nAll plants listed here are native to Utah. But what are native plants? They are called “native” because they have been growing in a particular region for years and are well-adapted to that region’s climate and soil conditions.
\n\n\n\nHere are the advantages of native plants over non-natives.
![\"Apache](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apache-Plume.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApache plume looks distinctive with white, five-petaled flowers and fluffy pink seed heads. It blooms from late spring to mid-fall and attracts bees and butterflies in full bloom. Water newly planted Apache plume at least once a week. Once established, you can water it once a month.
\n\n\n\nApache plume grows best in soil with good drainage. It’s a low-maintenance shrub that can grow up to 8 feet. It can also resist deer.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Rabbitbrush](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rabbitbrush-Blooming.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRabbitbrush looks attractive with its fine-textured, gray-green foliage. It blooms from late summer to mid-fall, producing showy golden yellow flowers. Bees and butterflies love them. Once established, rabbitbrush requires little to no watering.
\n\n\n\nRabbitbrush grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage. This shrub is toxic to humans and pets. So, if you have children and pets playing around in your yard, it’s best to avoid this shrub or plant it elsewhere, maybe on the exterior.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 7 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Gray-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"White](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/White-Sage-Salvia-apiana-California.jpg\")
Photo Credit: HLWolfe / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhite sage grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage. It looks distinctive with clusters of white flowers. This shrub blooms from spring to summer and attracts carpenter bees. White sage has many medicinal benefits.
\n\n\n\nWhite sage features aromatic greenish silver leaves. This shrub grows up to 5 feet, but the floppy appearance of mature flower shoots makes it appear shorter than it actually is.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Greenish silver
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Turpentine](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Turpentine-Bush.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTurpentine bush blooms from late summer to fall, producing bright yellow flowers. The sticky, needle-like leaves have a turpentine aroma. Turpentine bush grows best in full sun and can also handle partial shade.
\n\n\n\nThe turpentine bush prefers well-drained soil and requires weekly watering when it is first planted. Once it’s established, however, don’t water the shrub more than once a month, as overwatering can reduce blooming.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Shrub
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Desert](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Desert-Globemallow-Sphaeralcea-Ambigua.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDesert globemallow looks beautiful with five-petaled, reddish-orange flowers. It blooms throughout spring and attracts bees and butterflies in full bloom. Desert globemallow grows best in full sun and prefers sandy soil with good drainage.
\n\n\n\nDesert globemallow features gray-green leaves that are broad and have three lobes. Be careful when touching this plant, as the hair on the leaves can cause eye irritation.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Gray-green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, dry, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Pink](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_5039631314_ddce7f9f0e_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peter O’Connor aka anemoneprojectors / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow looks beautiful with clusters of small white or yellow flowers. The leaves are aromatic and have a fine-textured, feathery appearance. Common yarrow blooms from mid-summer to early fall. Butterflies and bees love it.
\n\n\n\nCommon yarrow grows best in full sun. It prefers sandy, loamy, or clay soil with good drainage. Common yarrow has many medicinal uses too.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 3 feet tall and just as wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, loamy, clay, well-drained
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic to humans. Toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\n![\"Fireweed\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Fireweed.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Borealomas / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFireweed can be a gorgeous addition to your Utah yard. It features pinkish-purple colors and requires little to no watering once established. Plant fireweed in a place with abundant sunlight, as it needs 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
\n\n\n\nFireweed prefers sandy soil with good drainage. One note of caution: This herb is toxic to both humans and pets.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 2 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Dark green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Goldenrod\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Goldenrod.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth! / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGoldenrod grows best in full sun and can withstand partial shade. It grows in sandy, rocky, and clay soils with good drainage. The leaves are smooth with slightly jagged edges.
\n\n\n\nGoldenrod blooms from summer to fall, producing clusters of bright yellow flowers that bees and butterflies love. Remove the dried flowers to keep goldenrod in bloom for much longer. Once the blooming period ends, goldenrod will look like an ordinary plant with medium-green foliage.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Herb
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun to partial shade
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, rocky, clay, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic to humans and pets
\n\n\n\n![\"Eastern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Eastern-Cottonwood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEastern cottonwood is a large, fast-growing tree that produces beautiful flowers during early spring. It grows best in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. This tree can live up to 100 years.
\n\n\n\nEastern cottonwood has weak wood and penetrating roots. If you live in a windy area, it’s best to avoid this large tree as it’s prone to uproot.
\n\n\n\nGrowth habit: Tree
\n\n\n\nMature size: Up to 100 feet tall and 70 feet wide
\n\n\n\nDuration: Perennial
\n\n\n\nFoliage: Green
\n\n\n\nSunlight needs: Full sun
\n\n\n\nSoil preferences: Sandy, well-drained soil
\n\n\n\nWater needs: Low
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Non-toxic
\n\n\n\nUtah has a warm, desert climate. In fact, it’s one of the driest states in the country. All plants listed here are native to Utah and can easily withstand drought.
\n\n\n\nAnalyze your lawn’s soil condition and sun exposure and choose a plant that best suits your lifestyle. Also, don’t forget to consider a plant’s toxicity levels, especially if you have kids and pets playing in your yard.
\n\n\n\nA lush, green, and healthy lawn requires proper maintenance. If you don’t want to spend your weekend doing lawn chores, Wikilawn Utah lawn care pros can help. We can assist you with everything related to lawn care.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Red Butte Garden / Andrey Zharkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n","title":"9 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Utah Landscapes","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1789c/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/107df/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 320w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/293e9/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 500w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/f2cbb/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 800w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1789c/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 960w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/c26c2/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1dd6e/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/67b76/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 320w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/8df11/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 500w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/98a65/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 800w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/1dd6e/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 960w,\n/static/a0f4d2539c15150a5337140ee7c7b270/3cc96/Red-Butte-Garden-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"9 Best Drought-Tolerant Plants for Utah Landscaping","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Drought-tolerant plants are a great way to add color and life to a drab yard, especially when you live somewhere as dry as Utah"}}},{"node":{"id":"43e7c0da-3068-5b54-a08d-5c74304ade47","slug":"firewise-landscaping-utah","path":"/lawn-care/ut/firewise-landscaping-utah/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"Abdul Wadood is a writer and SEO specialist from India. He recently started writing about lawns and enjoys it. In his spare time, he enjoys going on trips.","name":"Abdul Wadood","id":"236127ca-c7a6-50bb-9ab7-dd3e7e3fe6d8","path":"/author/abdul-wadood/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/395f0103c8419fd32e2c021818b78121?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"65f3de7c-13d9-573a-b422-7e8ea533aaa7","name":"Utah","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ut/"}],"date":"May 15th, 2023","excerpt":"Wildfires love dry weather, which is why Utah, with its arid climate, is highly prone to wildfire. In fact, it’s among the most dangerous states for wildfires in the U.S. But you can minimize the damage by adopting these fire-wise landscaping ideas for your Utah home. In this article: 1. Prepare Your Defensible Space Photo […]
\n","content":"\nWildfires love dry weather, which is why Utah, with its arid climate, is highly prone to wildfire. In fact, it’s among the most dangerous states for wildfires in the U.S. But you can minimize the damage by adopting these fire-wise landscaping ideas for your Utah home.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Farmer](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Getting-rid-of-the-dead-wood.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pauline Eccles / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDefensible space is the buffer between your home and the vegetation around it. By keeping this area clear of flammable vegetation and objects, you rob the fire of the fuel it needs to maintain its destructive march.
\n\n\n\nIf your home doesn’t have a defensible space, it most likely won’t survive the fire, and the flames may spread quickly to your neighbor’s property as well. The secondary benefits of defensible space is that it can create a safe zone for firefighters to battle a blaze without endangering their lives.
\n\n\n\nAn effective defensible space consists of three zones:
\n\n\n\nZone 1 (Immediate Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 1 extends up to 5 feet from your home. If you live on a hill, increase the distance by 5 feet or more because fire travels faster uphill.
\n\n\n\nHere is how to prepare this zone.
\n\n\n\nZone 2 (Intermediate Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 2 begins where the first zone ends. It extends from 6 feet up to 30 feet. Here are some guidelines for this zone.
\n\n\n\nZone 3 (Extended Zone)
\n\n\n\nZone 3 extends from 31 feet up to 100 feet or the property line. Here are the guidelines for this zone.
\n\n\n\n![\"Garden](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Metal-Gazebo.jpg\")
Photo Credit: GAlexandrova / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWooden fences and gazebos look great, and many homeowners across the U.S. prefer them. But they are highly flammable and can quickly spread fire. So, wood shouldn’t be your first choice in Utah.
\n\n\n\nMetal and stone structures are a fire-resistant alternative to wood. They look great, are more durable, and require less maintenance.
\n\n\n\n![\"Silvery](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Silvery-Yarrow.jpg\")
Photo Credit: PicturElements / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe term “fire-resistant plants” is a bit of a misnomer. All plants will burn when exposed to fire. However, fire-resistant plants won’t ignite as violently.
\n\n\n\nA fire-resistant plant:
\n\n\n\nHere are some of the most fire-resistant plants for Utah.
\n\n\n\nHere are some tips for growing fire-resistant plants correctly.
\n\n\n\nNote: If you live on a hill, leave more space between plants as fire travels faster uphill.
\n\n\n\n| Slope Size | Tree Distance | Shrub Distance |
| Mild slope (less than 20%) | 10 feet | 2 times the shrub’s height |
| Moderate slope (20% to 40%) | 20 feet | 4 times the shrub’s height |
| Steep slope (greater than 40%) | 30 feet | 6 times the shrub’s height |
![\"image](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/gravel-mulch-1.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Sten Porse / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMulch helps plants conserve water. It can also reduce weed growth. Weeds are highly flammable and can spread fire. But choosing the wrong mulch – meaning mulch that is highly flammable – actually aids the spread of fire.
\n\n\n\nInorganic mulches like gravel, pebbles, and river rocks have great fire resistance. These mulches also look good and require little maintenance.
\n\n\n\nIf you prefer organic mulches, we recommend wood chips as they are the least flammable, according to a study by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. That study indicates that composted wood chips are the least flammable mulches.
\n\n\n\nHere are some mulches to avoid, as they are combustible.
\n\n\n\n![\"Our](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/rsz_concrete_retaining_wall_in_walnut_creek_ca_built_by_retaining_wall_experts.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James Easterday / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHardscapes are man-made features added to a landscape design. They increase the appearance of your lawn and can also slow the spread of fire. Hardscapes include:
\n\n\n\nUse bricks, concrete, and metal for your hardscapes, but not wood. Here’s how hardscapes can help minimize fire spread.
\n\n\n\nUtah is hot, and it’s the second driest state in the U.S., making it highly prone to wildfires.
\n\n\n\nIt’s impossible to prevent wildfires from erupting, but you can minimize the damage by creating a defensible space, using metal structures, growing fire-resistant plants, applying fire-resistant mulch, and building hardscapes.
\n\n\n\nWildfires spread rapidly, and a single fire-resistant landscape can’t slow the spread. If you live in a community, involve your neighbors and encourage them to create a fire-resistant landscape too.
\n\n\n\nIf you want some help creating your lawn fire-resistant, Wikilawn Utah lawn care experts can help. We can also help you with regular lawn maintenance.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Devereaux House / Ken Lund / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n","title":"5 Fire-wise Landscaping Ideas for Utah","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/1789c/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg","srcSet":"/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/107df/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 320w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/293e9/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 500w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/f2cbb/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 800w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/1789c/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 960w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/c26c2/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/1dd6e/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/67b76/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 320w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/8df11/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 500w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/98a65/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 800w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/1dd6e/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 960w,\n/static/265f487891c8ff4d0e68a53dfdaadc88/3cc96/Devereaux-House-Salt-Lake-City-Utah.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"5 Firewise Landscaping Ideas for Utah","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Utah's desert climate is highly prone to wildfire, but you can protect your home with a good firewise strategy that includes fire-resistant landscaping"}}},{"node":{"id":"37dc5c64-df1b-5279-9f8b-9bc31b4505f9","slug":"best-trees-for-utah","path":"/lawn-care/ut/best-trees-for-utah/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Judith Gallova","id":"8e48e42f-071a-5523-a889-6dab4c49dd54","path":"/author/judith-gallova/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/537ca09b018493e40c3fb0df17ebacbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"65f3de7c-13d9-573a-b422-7e8ea533aaa7","name":"Utah","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ut/"}],"date":"June 6th, 2023","excerpt":"Whether you want a bit of shade to protect you from Utah’s scorching sun or you want to provide food and habitat for local wildlife, there are many reasons to plant a tree. But with Utah’s unpredictable climate, which likes to fluctuate between hot summers and freezing winters, it’s wise to know the best trees […]
\n","content":"\nWhether you want a bit of shade to protect you from Utah’s scorching sun or you want to provide food and habitat for local wildlife, there are many reasons to plant a tree. But with Utah’s unpredictable climate, which likes to fluctuate between hot summers and freezing winters, it’s wise to know the best trees for your Utah landscape.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Apples](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Apple-Tree.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Famartin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a tree that looks great and produces delicious, nourishing snacks, why not plant an apple tree? There are various apple tree cultivars out there, and most grow better when another variety is planted nearby; so if you feel up to it, plant a couple. Standard apple trees may live for more than 50 years.
\n\n\n\nTake note that they’re also likely to attract birds and a variety of animals to your yard to snack, so consider humane ways to keep them off your apples.
\n\n\n\nApple trees are versatile, don’t need as much care as other fruit trees, and usually grow well in Utah. So if you want to enjoy fresh, organic apples straight from your backyard, planting an apple tree may be a great idea.
\n\n\n\nThe tree doesn’t have serious hazards, but apples’ stems, leaves, and seeds shouldn’t be eaten, as they’re toxic.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Growing conditions: Grows well in well-drained, moist soil, but occasional dryness is fine; its soil texture should be clay, loam, or sand
Sunlight: Either full sun or a little shade, but at least 8 hours of sun per day
Mature size: 15 to 30 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Toxic stems, leaves, and seeds
![\"Blue](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Blue-Spruce.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Qirille / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlue spruce is a stunning, coniferous evergreen tree that may live for over 600 years. Though it’s also commonly called Colorado blue spruce, the tree is also native to the Beehive State; in fact, it’s Utah’s state tree. Because it’s a native, it’s well accustomed to Utah’s climate, easy to care for, and beneficial for wildlife. As one of the most popular evergreens, it will add a touch of beauty and elegance to your landscape.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 7
Growing conditions: Needs normal moisture, but tolerates floods and drought to an extent; adaptable; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.
Sunlight: Should get full sun with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 50 to 75 feet
Leaf retention: Evergreen
Flowering?: No
Potential hazards: None known, but caution is always advised
\n\n\n\n![\"Bur](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Bur-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Justin Meissen from St Paul, United States / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBur oak provides a great deal of shade with its crown, which often becomes wider than the tree’s height. It tolerates a variety of moisture and soil conditions but thrives in full sun. With a lifespan of over 300 years, bur oak may adorn your yard for generations. It’s also great for local wildlife such as butterflies, moths, beetles, treehoppers, and more.
\n\n\n\nTake note that all parts of the tree, including acorns, are toxic for you and your pets. However, the acorns are safe to eat for some birds and other wildlife, so you can provide them with food by planting the tree.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Growing conditions: Needs moderate moisture but tolerates drought to an extent; grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
Mature size: 50 to 80 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: No
Potential hazards: Toxic
![\"Hot](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Hot-Wings-Maple.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Le.Loup.Gris / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHot wings maple, also known as Tatarian maple, is a showy tree that will make a fun addition to your Utah yard. Hot wing maple’s fragrant spring blossoms are followed by double samaras (wing trees) that fall from the tree, oftentimes called “spinners” or “helicopters.”
\n\n\n\nAlthough no hot wings actually grow on this tree, it will brighten your yard with its vibrant red foliage and provide some shade during summer barbecues. The tree’s size makes it perfect for smaller landscapes. It may live for over 70 years.
\n\n\n\nThough the tree poses no known hazards, be sure not to confuse your hot wings maple for a red maple or another toxic tree.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Growing conditions: Tolerates various soil conditions and drought
Sunlight: Can grow in either full or partial sun
Mature size: 15 to 20 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: None known, but practice caution; be sure not to confuse your hot wings maple for red maple or another toxic tree
![\"Japanese](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Japanese-Cherry-Blossom-Tree.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Kurt Kaiser / Wikimedia Commons / CC0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJapanese cherry blossom tree, also known as Kanzan tree, features stunning double pink blossoms that bloom in the spring. They also display stunning fall foliage. The tree is shaped like a vase, and once it matures, its crown is often wider than the tree is high. Though it sometimes grows quite tall, it can also be planted as a bonsai tree.
\n\n\n\nAlthough Japanese cherry blossom tree doesn’t tolerate drought as well as some other trees, it can still handle mildly dry conditions. However, if you want the tree to thrive, you should keep its soil moist. This beautiful tree usually lives for between 15 and 25 years, but its numerous benefits make it well worth planting in your yard.
\n\n\n\nTake note that the tree doesn’t bear fruits, and its leaves, stems, and seeds are toxic.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
Growing conditions: Prefers moist conditions but tolerates dry weather to an extent; grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, well-drained, wet and clay soils.
Sunlight: Should grow in full sun, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 30 to 40 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Northern](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Northern-Red-Oak.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Katrin Schneider, korina.info – CC-BY-SA-4.0 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFor a pop of color during the fall months, consider planting the Northern red oak. This beautiful tree grows a dense crown, perfect for providing shade and improving your home’s curb appeal. It usually lives up to 300 years, although some northern red oaks have lived up to as many as 500 years.
\n\n\n\nIt tolerates a variety of conditions, such as compacted soil, pollution, and drought, but prefers moist soil and lots of sunlight. While acorns are toxic for some animals, birds and rodents like to feast on them.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Growing conditions: Prefers moisture, but can handle some drought; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.
Sunlight: should grow in full sun, with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 60 to 75 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: No
Potential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Peach](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Peach-Tree.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Stan Shebs / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you want a tree that bears juicy, delicious fruit, another option is the peach tree. The peach tree thrives in Utah’s hot days and cold nights during the growing season, looks beautiful year-round, and has many available cultivars. It also attracts butterflies, birds, and even squirrels and raccoons. If you don’t want your peaches to be snacked on that much, you can consider a humane way to protect your peach tree.
\n\n\n\nPeach and nectarine trees usually live about 12 years. To keep your peach tree healthy and bearing delicious fruit, make sure to take proper care of it, prune it, and protect it from diseases and insect pests.
\n\n\n\nTake note not to eat the seeds and wilted leaves, as they’re poisonous.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Growing conditions: Grows well in well-drained, moist soil; its soil texture should be clay, loam, or sand.
Sunlight: Should get full sun, with at least 6 hours of sun per day
Mature size: 15 to 25 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
\n\n\n\nPotential hazards: Toxic seeds and wilted leaves
\n\n\n\n![\"Pinyon](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pinyon-Pine.jpg\")
Photo Credit: S. Rae / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAre you looking for year-round green foliage? Pinyon pine is one of the most drought-tolerant evergreens, making it a great fit for Utah’s arid climate. What’s more, the tree yields delicious and healthy pine nuts that can be consumed raw or toasted.
\n\n\n\nRemarkably, pinyon pine may live as long as 1,000 years. It’s somewhat oval-shaped when young and becomes more open as it ages. If you want to provide local wildlife with food, you’ll be glad to know that the tree attracts birds and squirrels.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8
Growing conditions: Best not to irrigate once established; should get well-drained soil; can grow on dry, poor, or alkaline soils, but not wet soils; drought-tolerant.
Sunlight: Should get at least 6 hours of sunlight per day
Mature size: 25 to 50 feet
Leaf retention: Evergreen
Flowering: No
Potential hazards: None known for humans or pets, but caution is always advised
![\"Rose](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Rose-of-Sharon.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Eric Kounce TexasRaiser / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRose of Sharon is a perennial plant that yields beautiful blossoms year after year for 20 to 30 years. The blossoms’ colors include white, blue, lavender, pink, and red, and sometimes they’re even combined. Moreover, rose of Sharon is also drought-tolerant and versatile, making it a great addition to your Utah landscape. It also attracts wildlife like butterflies and hummingbirds.
\n\n\n\nTake caution, though; this type of hibiscus is reported to be toxic to pets.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Growing conditions: If in full or partial sun, tolerates various soil temperatures, moisture conditions, and PH, but needs moisture and protection during midday and afternoon sunshine.
Sunlight: Prefers at least 4 hours of sunlight per day; it also needs a little pruning and shaping
Mature size: 8 to 12 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Toxic
\n\n\n\n![\"Star](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Star-Magnolia.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Photo: Myrabella / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe showy star magnolia’s striking, fragrant blossoms stand out in contrast to its dark green leaves, making it a beautiful addition to any landscape. A healthy star magnolia may live for as long as 120 years. It also provides food and shelter for local wildlife.
\n\n\n\nThe tree is easy to maintain and resistant to Utah’s varying temperatures. Although it’s quite versatile, you’re more likely to enjoy more of star magnolia’s magnificent flowers if you plant it in full sun.
\n\n\n\nThe tree is generally seen as non-toxic, but some sources report that it may have some poison characteristics; caution is always advised.
\n\n\n\nUSDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
Growing conditions: Withstands some flooding and drought; grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.
Sunlight: Needs full sun and partial shade with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day; trees exposed to full sun flower better
Mature size: 15 to 20 feet
Leaf retention: Deciduous
Flowering: Yes
Potential hazards: Most sources report that star magnolia has no toxic effects, but a few sources claim they may have some poison characteristics; caution is always advised
Caring for your tree is important to help it thrive in your landscape. As such, you should research the specific needs of your tree, and make sure that you provide it with the right maintenance.
\n\n\n\nHere are a few tips to make your Utah tree thrive:
\n\n\n\nOnce you’ve planted your tree, make sure you give it regular checkups to ensure its health and growth. Be sure to check all parts of the tree and monitor its annual growth.
\n\n\n\nAccording to Salt Lake City Public Lands Department, new trees typically need to be watered 1 to 2 times per week. In summer, you should increase the frequency to 3 to 4 times per week.
According to the University of Maryland, most trees shouldn’t need fertilizer, especially when they’ve become mature. It’s definitely better to avoid fertilizing at planting time because it can stunt growth. You should also certainly not use fertilizer if the tree has recently suffered root damage.
If you want to plant a fruit tree, the apple tree is among the easiest to grow. It’s relatively low maintenance and a great way to start your fruit tree growing journey.
As we’ve discussed, a lot goes into making sure that your fruit tree thrives, but there are some things you can do to make tree care easier. For example, you can choose a low-maintenance tree species that won’t need as much care and attention as other kinds of trees.
\n\n\n\nTo make it easier to care for your whole yard, consider xeriscaping techniques, hardscapes, and planting low-maintenance grass and plants. If you live in Salt Lake City, be sure to check out our Salt Lake City grasses guide. ****
\n\n\n\nHowever, if you’d like some extra help with caring for your Utah yard and trees, be sure to contact one of WikiLawn’s pros in Utah.
\n\n\n\nMain Photo Credit: Capital of Utah / Raman Patel / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
\n","title":"The Best Trees for a Utah Landscape","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/1789c/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.jpg","srcSet":"/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/107df/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.jpg 320w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/293e9/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.jpg 500w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/f2cbb/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.jpg 800w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/1789c/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.jpg 960w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/c26c2/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/1dd6e/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/67b76/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.webp 320w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/8df11/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.webp 500w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/98a65/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.webp 800w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/1dd6e/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.webp 960w,\n/static/4fee2173e5f6eaf6fdd286aa999f3b2f/3cc96/Capital-of-Utah-Salt-Lake-City.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"The 10 Best Trees for a Utah Landscape","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Not every tree will thrive in Utah’s challenging climate, but these 10 will, and they look great as well."}}},{"node":{"id":"d17a6fcf-a5ba-5a16-82b3-5c16154e8f51","slug":"best-grass-seed-utah","path":"/lawn-care/ut/best-grass-seed-utah/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Beck Carter","id":"3b38b422-934a-5aae-81e6-7a8844634ab1","path":"/author/beck-carter/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/faa5e8711d89766a0fe69560b04f52b1?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"65f3de7c-13d9-573a-b422-7e8ea533aaa7","name":"Utah","count":5,"path":"/category/lawn-care/ut/"}],"date":"May 17th, 2023","excerpt":"Utah features a stunning array of mountains, plateaus, natural arches, sand dunes, and basins. Homeowners here will want a lawn that is just as beautiful as their state, and that starts with choosing the best grass seed for Utah. Utah sits primarily in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, meaning cool-season grasses thrive throughout the state. But […]
\n","content":"\nUtah features a stunning array of mountains, plateaus, natural arches, sand dunes, and basins. Homeowners here will want a lawn that is just as beautiful as their state, and that starts with choosing the best grass seed for Utah.
\n\n\n\nUtah sits primarily in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, meaning cool-season grasses thrive throughout the state. But which cool-season grasses? Below, we’ll break down the best grasses for your Utah lawn, including a warm-season grass option for those in southern Utah.
\n\n\n\nIn this article:
\n\n\n\n![\"Backyard](\"http://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kentucky-bluegrass-yard.jpeg\")
Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most widely used turfgrasses in the United States. This grass type is a dense turf that recovers well from stress. Kentucky bluegrass can tolerate cold temperatures as well as moderate shade. This species is susceptible to disease and is often mixed with perennial ryegrass to improve its resilience.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Rhizomes
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 2 ½ inches
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nTall fescue is another common lawn grass here. It is coarse-textured and resistant to weeds and diseases. This grass type is considered low maintenance due to its ability to handle drought and its infrequent mowing needs. Like other cool-season grasses, it does well in cool climates. However, it may not survive extreme winters.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Moderate
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: No higher than 3 inches
\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nFine fescue is actually a collection of four turfgrasses, including creeping red fescue, Chewings fescue, sheep fescue, and hard fescue. This turfgrass is known to be low maintenance compared to more common grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass. Fine fescue typically requires less frequent mowing, watering, and fertilizer.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type, rhizomes (creeping red only)
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 2 to 3 inches
\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rsz_1perennial_rygrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Matt Levin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nPerennial ryegrass is often confused with Kentucky bluegrass due to its similar color, texture, and density. This turfgrass is often used for overseeding to maintain color in the winter. Perennial ryegrass can handle heavy foot traffic although it struggles in the shade.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Cool-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Bunch-type
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Moderate
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\n![\"green](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Buffalograss.jpg\")
]Photo Credit: Matt Lavin / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
\n\n\n\nOur only warm-season grass on this list, buffalograss stays green in summer with much less watering than other grasses. For homeowners in southern Utah, where the USDA hardiness zone is 8a in some areas, this may be a better option. Buffalograss survives drought and cold temperatures, but because it is a warm-season grass, it is dormant in the fall.
\n\n\n\nBuffalograss does not handle shade or high altitude well. Buffalograss is considered low maintenance once established due to infrequent mowing and fertilizing needs. However, growing buffalograss from seeds can be a long process.
\n\n\n\nClassification: Warm-season grass
\n\n\n\nSpreads by: Stolons
\n\n\n\nDrought tolerance: High
\n\n\n\nFoot traffic tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nShade tolerance: Low
\n\n\n\nMaintenance needs: Low
\n\n\n\nRecommended mowing height: 1 to 2 inches
\n\n\n\nTall and fine fescue grasses are great for low-maintenance lawns.
Homeowners with pets will want a grass type with high urine tolerance and a good ability to handle foot (or paw) traffic. On this list, Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass are all pet-friendly options.
Fine fescue grasses are great choices for shady lawn areas.
You can purchase bags of grass seed from your local home improvement store and seed your lawn yourself. If you’d rather not wait too long for the grass to develop, you can purchase sod instead. This will allow you to lay an entire pre-grown lawn that will have established roots in just a few weeks.
\n\n\n\nToo busy heading out to the Great Salt Lake or Bryce Canyon for some summer fun? Have a pro do the work for you and come home to a brand-new lawn. For help with all of your outdoor chores contact Wikilawn’s lawn care professionals for help.
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