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Home , Albizia julibrissin, Catalpa speciosa, Cotinus coggygria, Pinus thunbergii, Prosopis, Prosopis alba

SOUTHERN Our Living Legacy Guide to Trees PUBLISHED BY City of St. George This booklet is meant to assist newcomers and old in cooperation with timers in how to Select, , and Care for trees. City of St. George Some of Southern Utah’s best people and oth- Shade Tree and ers have worked hard to gather this information. This book contains many trees that you will enjoy, all of Beautification Board which can be found at your local nurseries. Please be Keena Tanner sure to Plan Before You Plant! Understand the trees Star Nursery you select so you plant the right tree in the right place. Lynne Scott CONTENTS Parks and Facilities Manager Tree Selection Guide ...... 4 Trees and the Earth ...... 6 Douglas Wulfenstein The Urban Heat Island Effect ...... 7 City Forester Tree Facts ...... 7 Board Members Plan Your Landscaping ...... 8 Robert Whatcott Selecting Trees at the Nursery ...... 10 City Council Rep. Building Your ...... 11 Mark Hodges Planting a New Tree ...... 12 Board President Topping Hurts Trees ...... 13 Steve Nelson Pruning and Fertilizing ...... 14 Carol Hortin Large Trees ...... 16 Kristine Twiggs Guide to Selecting an Arborist ...... 19 John Sorenson Medium Trees ...... 19 John Costanza Memorial Trees...... 22 Keena Tanner Flowering Trees ...... 23 Susan Sorensen Secretary ...... 27 Rick Hefelbower More Tree Facts...... 29 Ex-officio Broadleaf Evergreens...... 30 Palm Trees ...... 31 GRAPHIC DESIGN Palm Tree Planting and Care ...... 32 Tina Cecala Growing ...... 33 DataMax Tree Watering Guidelines ...... 34 How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?...... 36 Photographer Average Monthly Temperatures ...... 40 Brett Jorgenson Planting and Frost Information ...... 40 Books, Tree Care, and Web Sites ...... 41 Dated Photographs Provided by noted Resource Groups and Agencies...... 42 donors How You Can Help...... 43

3 Individual tree descriptions are TTRREEEE SSEELLEECCTTIIOONN GGUUIIDDEE located on page # listed below. Scientific Name Common Name Page # Codes speciosa Western Catalpa 16 V L Eucalyptus microtheca Blue Ghost 16 T Eucalyptus polyanthemos Silver Dollar Gum 16 T Fraxinus oxycarpa ‘Raywood’ Raywood Ash 16 M P Fraxinus velutina Ash 16 M I

S Fraxinus velutina ‘Glabra’ Modesto Ash 16 M I E E Fraxinus velutina ‘Rio Grande’ Fan-Tex Ash 17 R M T

Morus alba Fruitless Mulberry 17

E V

G Pistacia chinensis Chinese Pistache 17 R V L A

L Platanus acerifolia London Plane Sycamore 17 V L Populus candicans Cottonless Cottonwood 18 V P Populus fremontii Western Cottonwood 18 V P Salix babylonica Weeping 18 V P L I Salix matsudana ‘Navajo’ Navajo Globe Willow 18 V P L I Sophora japonica Japanese Pagoda 18 V L Ulmus parvifolia Lace 19 M

Betula pendula European White 19 V P I Fraxinus greggii Littleleaf Ash 20 M DT Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Shademaster’ Shademaster Locust 20 V L Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’ Sunburst Locust 20 V L S

E Koelreuteria bipinnata Chinese Flame 20 M L E

R Melia azedarach ‘Umbraculiformis’ Umbrella 21 T M L

M alba Argentine 21 T DT U I Chilean Mesquite 21 T DT D E Texas Honey Mesquite 21 M

M DT Prosopis glandulosa torreyana Western Honey Mesquite 21 M DT Screwbean Mesquite 21 M DT Arizona Velvet Mesquite 21 T DT Quercus buckleyi Red Rock 22 V

Albizia julibrissin Silk Tree 23 V L Caesalpinia gilliesii Yellow Bird-of-Paradise 23 M DT G Cercis canadensis Eastern Redbud 23 N V P I

R Cercis mexicana Mexican Redbud 23 V E

W Chilopsis linearis Willow 24 M DT L O

L Chitalpa tashkentensis Chitalpa 24 M DT F coggygria Purple Smoke Tree 24 V Lagerstroemia indica Crape Myrtle 24 M

4 WARNING: V M T V PALMS BROADLEAF EVERGREEN C O N I F E R S FLOWERING eyHry oeaeTne ruh oeat PssLtr Iron Liter TenderDroughtTolerantPests Very HardyModerate Quercus ilex Olea europaea Ligustrum japonicum Pinus thunbergii Pinus halepensis Cypressus sempervirens Cupressocyparis leylandii Cedrus atlantica Vitex agnus-castus Pyrus calleryana Pyrus calleryana robusta Trachycarpus fortunei Phoenix canariensis Butia capitata Prunus cerasifera Washingtonia filifera Phoenix dactylifera Chamaerops humilis armata Quercus virginiana Prunus caroliiana Olea europaea Pinus pinea Pinus eldarica Cedrus deodar Robinia ambigua Pyrus calleryana cetfi aeCmo aePg Codes Page # CommonName Scientific Name for coldestwinters. UsuallyhardyinMesquite,NV. Tender; hardymost yearsinSt.George,except rounding area Moderately coldhardy inSt.Georgeandsur- including CedarCity Very coldhardyinallareasofsouthern Utah planted underpowerlines! Trees areNOTrecommendedtobe M ‘Wilson’ ‘Swan Hill’ ‘Glauca’ ‘Cleveland Select’ ‘Aristocrat’ ‘Bradford’ ‘Purple Robe’ ‘Compact’ ‘Krauter vesuvius’ ‘Glauca’ L e T g e isnOie30 Wilson Olive ol a 30 Holly Oak 30 29 28 Japanese Privet Japanese BlackPine 28 Aleppo 27 Italian Cypress 27 26 Leyland Cypress Blue AtlasCedar Chaste Tree 25 25 Cleveland SelectFloweringPear Aristocrat Pear otenLv a 30 Southern LiveOak 30 30 Compact CarolinaCherry 28 Swan HillOlive 28 Stone Pine 27 27 Mondell Pine Arizona Cypress Deodar Cedar 25 25 Purple RobeLocust 25 Bradford Pear Flowering Plum eia a am31 31 31 31 Mexican FanPalm FanPalm 31 Windmill Palm 31 Date Palm 31 Canary IslandDatePalm 31 Mediterranean FanPalm Pindo Palm Mexican BlueFanPalm n d

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• Trees are the longest living organ- • By cooling the air around them, the isms on earth. shade from trees helps cool the • Trees have been called “nature’s air earth’s temperature. In , conditioners,” and “the lungs of absorb moisture from the the earth.” dew and frost of the cool nights • Trees keep our air supply fresh and and release it to cool the air during renew it by absorbing carbon diox- warm days. ide and producing oxygen. Two • Trees improve water quality by mature trees can provide enough slowing and filtering rain water as oxygen for a family of four. One well as protecting aquifiers and tree produces nearly 260 pounds of watersheds. The tree stabilize oxygen each year. In one year, a sin- the soil and prevent erosion. gle tree can absorb as much carbon • Trees provide food and shelter for as is produced by a car driven wildlife. 26,000 miles. If every American • Trees cut down noise pollution by family planted just one tree, more acting as sound barriers. than 1 billion pounds (500,000 • Trees enhance the aesthetics of our tons) of “pollutants” would be environment. Their grandeur, removed from the atmosphere tenacity, and beauty are probably every year. the most enjoyable aspects of trees. • Tree bark and fruit have many med- icinal properties which are still being discovered. • There are about 60 to Beauty 200 million spaces along Wind Block our nation’s city streets where trees could be Cooling (through planted. This translates evaporation) to the potential to & absorb 33 million more Oxygen Fibers tons of carbon dioxide every year, and a savings Bird of $4 billion in energy Sanctuary Wildlife Shade costs! Soil Habitat Improvement (through fallen leaves) Soil Erosion Improvement Protection (through nitro- gen fixation)

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We all know St. George is hot, but temperatures in some of the more developed areas of town can often soar ten degrees above the “official” temperature. Large volumes of con- crete and asphalt are the villains, absorbing heat all day and radiating it all night, keeping overall tempera- Shade Tunnel tures higher by far than they would be on the open desert. Anyone who has lived a while here has experienced the heightened temperatures that come Tree Facts with development (most often enjoyed while stuck in clouds of • The average tree in a metropoli- exhaust at a gridlocked traffic light). tan area survives only about 8 years! • A tree does not reach its most productive stage of carbon stor- age for about 10 years. • It has been shown that workers who view trees on their commute are more productive and experi- Heat Island ence less stress on the job. Studies show that the greenery and scenery of trees sped up This tendency of cities to be hotter recovery and decreased medica- than the surrounding countryside is tion use by patients in hospitals. called the “urban heat island effect,” • Trees increase property values and it is a key factor in making urban by 5 to 20% due to their land- life difficult for living things. Properly scaping value. chosen, planted and cared for, trees • In 50 years, one tree recycles go a long way toward lowering tem- more than $37,000 worth of peratures by shading the ground and water, provides $31,000 worth of cooling through evaporation. Trees erosion control, $62,000 worth of located along streets act as glare and air pollution control, and pro- reflection control. If we were to insist duces $37,000 worth of oxygen. • People who plant trees become on shading streets and parking lots healthier, better looking, richer, with hardy, water conservative trees, and have more friends (well it would get cooler here and be a maybe that’s stretching it a bit!) - more pleasant place to live. plant a tree and find out! 7 PPllaann YYoouurr LLaannddssccaappiinngg Save Energy With Trees

Preliminary Site and Design • To deflect winds, use coniferous Conditions trees. You may be able to design and ori- ent your new house to maximize your Take into consideration the site and homesite’s natural advantages and climatic conditions of your home site. mitigate its disadvantages. Solar heat Whether you are building a new passing through windows and being home or live in an existing home, absorbed through the roof is the study the conditions and use trees and major reason for air conditioner use. plant material to benefit your living Shading is the most cost-effective way environment and enhance its beauty. to reduce solar heat gain and reduce air-conditioning costs. The following Planning and Design guidelines are suggested: After you have considered the exist- • Note exposure to sun, wind, and ing site and climatic conditions, cre- water. ate a plan for your homesite showing • Identify locations of fences, adja- these conditions. Show existing walls, cent buildings, and trees. utilities, driveways, patios and all fea- • Study wind patterns, shadows, and tures pertinent to your homesite. seasonal changes to site. Place arrows on the plan showing pre- • Note window locations and try to vailing winds, sun orientation, and shade while protecting views. desirable views. After noting existing • Use trees to create sum- conditions on the plan, place circles mer shade and allow winter representing trees to facilitate the site warmth. conditions. Locate trees to provide

Deciduous trees shield the home during summer, while allowing sunlight to shine through and warm the home during winter months. Trees also prevent glare off hard surfaces from reflecting into windows. (Diagrams from “ for Dry Climates” by Mary Rose Duffield and Warren Jones.) 8 Your own yard has areas with different climatic conditions, called microclimates. Variables in sunlight, temperature, humidity and wind make each home landscape different. Understanding your microcli- mates will help ensure success with your landscape plants. For example, cold-tender, sun-loving plants will perish if located in cool, shaded areas. Plants not adapted to high temperatures will die when exposed to the intense reflected heat from a south or west wall. (Diagram and information from “Plants for Dry Climates” by Mary Rose Duffield and Warren Jones.) shade, screen wind, and so forth. • Know the water requirements of the After determining locations, select tree before determining location. for those locations that best • In groupings, create diversity of serve the need. species to provide year-round inter- est and interesting composition. When selecting trees for the land- scape, consider the following: The Oasis Concept • Know the mature size of the tree Oasis landscaping is based on a relative to the given space. concept of zones, with the highest • Know the shape characteristics of water-using plants (including turf) the tree – i.e., low branching, closest to the house, medium-use multi-trunked, etc. plants next, with the toughest and • Give adequate clearance to roof most water-efficient plants ringing eaves, utilities above and below the outside of the lot. Consider the ground, walkways and driveways. following: • Consider color, density, shape, shade • Turf takes up to 30% of the land- pattern, as well as flowering charac- scape, and is placed in the most teristics, and litter production. visible, usable area.

9 • Courtyards, patios, and entries, are accentuated with more exotic and colorful plants. • Trees and are located to give shade, deflect wind, and provide interest in the landscape. • Water-wise and native plants are used in the remaining landscape to fill in the yard. • Either rock or bark mulch should be used to preserve soil moisture.

The goal of oasis landscaping is conservation in the landscape. The to give the most visual and environ- seven xeriscape principles were devel- mental pleasure to the homeowner, oped. They are: using water wisely to create a living 1. planning and design desert oasis and adding to the value 2. soil analysis of the home. 3. appropriate plant selections 4. practical turf areas Xeriscape Planning 5. efficient irrigation The word xeriscape is derived 6. use of mulches from the greek word “xeros” which 7. appropriate maintenance means dry. The concept and princi- ples of xeriscaping were created in the Xeriscape does not mean gravel early 1980s by a consortium of water and cactus nor is it a “lawn-less” managers and green industry profes- landscape. It’s simply the application sionals in the Denver area. The intro- of the above principles related to cre- duction of the xeriscape concept was ating an aesthetically pleasing and specifically for popularizing water water efficient landscape.

Selecting Trees at the Nursery After you’ve decided which tree is best suited to your yard, needs and tastes, your next task is to choose among the various individual trees at your local nursery. When choosing a tree in a nursery, look for the following: • Trunk free of gouges or missing bark; • Symmetrical, well branched head that takes up close to a third of the height of the tree; • A good ball with no exposed roots or major roots coming out of the drain holes; • Tree should not rock in bucket. Getting the most for your money demands attention and care, but the long- term result is a healthy, happy tree, shade, and a better environment.

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Desert are not very “plant One thing is for sure, you will friendly!” You need only to observe not go wrong by adding organic mat- the natural vegetation to realize that ter. Typically our soils contain less very little will grow here without seri- than one percent. Good plant growth ous modifications to the soil and cli- is achieved when there is at least five mate. The most obvious obstacle is percent. There are many sources the lack of moisture, which can be where organic matter can be helped with irrigation. The next obtained. Nurseries and garden cen- obstacle is the poor soils which are ters carry items such as peat, cow much more difficult to correct. manure, “Paydirt” and other amend- High pH, high salts, and low ments designed to improve soil. If organic matter characterize soils in you plan to do a large area all at once, the southern part of Utah. The high it may be more economical to contact pH is derived from the breakdown of a local source such as a farm, the fair minerals that comprise our parent grounds or the county landfill. First- soil materials. As rock weathers from time applications should consist of 2- freezing, thawing and erosion, soil is 3 inches applied to the top and slowly formed over many years. For worked 4-6 inches into the soil. In example, if you live near a sandstone successive years, apply 1-2 inches. cliff, your soil is going to be high in Even established lawns benefit from sand. Salts are also a natural compo- organic matter. After aeration, apply nent of the minerals that make up 1/2 to 1 inch and rake or sweep into our soils. Low rainfall allows the salts the aeration holes. Organic matter to accumulate over time. They often will improve water uptake and allow go unnoticed in areas of the country salts to be released from soil particles with higher rainfall because there is and be washed through the soil pro- sufficient moisture to dilute them file more easily. Over a number of and even wash most of them away. years, as the organic matter breaks Before you begin planting, it is down, pH will improve. Nutrients wise to check your soil conditions by needed for plant growth, and devel- running a soil test. Information on opment will slowly become more soil testing can be obtained from the available. Utah State University Extension Suggestions: Office located at 197 E. Tabernacle. 1.Test your soil. By knowing your soil conditions 2.With recommendations in hand, before you begin planting, you can determine what needs to be added. add anything that may be lacking. 3. Choose trees and landscape plants This way, there will not be any sur- that are suited to your soil conditions. prises if something is way out of line 4.Use water responsibly by that may prevent you from growing installing an efficient irrigation sys- certain types of plants. tem, and water as needed.

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• Dig your hole at least twice as wide ed soil, tamping lightly as you go. and several inches deeper than the Bring filled soil level even with the root ball of the tree. top of the root ball. If you are • Reserve the displaced soil, remov- using slow-release fertilizer tablets, ing rocks. add them at this time. • Fill the hole with water. If it drains • Build a 4-inch high ring of soil up within two hours, proceed. If not, around the tree, about 1-1/2 feet dig a chimney tunnel at the base of from the trunk. Fill with water or the hole to break through to a root stimulator. Let settle, add more porous level. additional soil to compensate. Do • Mix your reserved soil with a not mound soil up above the level planting mix or mulch at a rate of of the root ball, or you will kill 2 parts native soil to 1 part amend- your tree. Tie tree to stakes as ment. Set aside a portion of the necessary. reserved native top soil to build a raised ring for deep watering. Soil sulfur mixed in at this time helps neutralize alkaline soils. • Place enough amended soil in the bottom of the hole so that when the rootball is single straight set on it, the top is trunk to 7’ height about 1/2 inch above the surrounding sur- no branches face level. below 5’ slack wire through • Set the root ball rubber hose (Use nail in post to keep from and also any 2” x 2” hardwood sliding downward.) stakes you will be stakes (Use three stakes in a triangle in using to support very windy spots.) remove transit the tree. Fill the trunk guard hole with amend- 3” to 5” mulch of bark or 1 1/2” to 2 1/2” chips caliper

keep mulch away from root collar

wider hole if soil is compacted remove burlap or fold good native down wire basket soil or topsoil rootball on undis- turbed soil 12 TTooppppiinngg HHuurrttss TTrreeeess

more vulnerable to other secondary harmful effects such as disease and Topping is defined as the removal insect infestations. Each stub or of a tree’s -bearing crown. heading cut made to top a tree can be Topping cuts are usually indiscrimi- an invitation to disease and insects to nate and are not made at specific enter the tree to decay or feed on the junctures. A tree’s natural defense sys- tree’s internal tissues. tem does not have the ability to close wounds that are the result of topping. Topping trees is very harmful and disfiguring. Topping disrupts the TREES CANNOT normal biology of trees, due to the fact that trees feed themselves BE UNTOPPED through photosynthesis. (The leaves are the “food factories” of a tree.) When trees are defoliated as in top- Most trees have the ability to ping, the survival of the tree depends close wounds if cuts are made at spe- on the amount of food energy stored cific junctures. The average home in the remaining trunk and limb tis- owner, given the right information, sue and the underground root sys- can make correct cuts on their own tem. Some tree species have more of landscape trees. However; the safest an ability to survive this harmful and best way to ensure proper tree practice than others, however; all care is to hire an educated and expe- trees suffer irreversible damage fol- rienced arborist. An educated and lowing total tree topping. Topped experienced arborist can advise as to trees can experience several years of the extent of pruning necessary. The declining health and eventual death. St. George Shade Tree and Some argue that because a tree Beatification Board as well as the re-grows the removed foliage follow- Utah State University Extension ing topping, that the tree was not Service recommend hiring an harmed. Others believe that because arborist that has been certified by the the canopy is replaced so fast, that International Society of topping actually adds vigor and is Arboriculture (ISA). This certifica- beneficial to the tree. What is not tion insures the homeowner that the totally understood is that the tree is arborist has been educated to under- replacing its canopy just to survive, stand the biology of trees and the and expending the energy to replace tree’s responses to pruning. An its canopy puts the tree into a sur- arborist must have a City license and vival stress mode. A stressed tree is (Continued on next page.) 13 be insured to perform tree mainte- / A-300 standard], be adhered to nance within St. George City. Other when pruning is necessary. For more cities may have similar ordinances. information and/or free ISA The Shade Tree and Beautification Publications, contact St. George City Board and Utah State University Parks Division Office, located at 390 Extension recommend that pruning North 3050 East, 435-634-5869. guidelines as defined in publications Protecting the urban forest will by the ISA and the American benefit all of us that live within the National Standards Institute, [ANSI community. PPrruunniinngg aanndd FFeerrttiilliizziinngg

Pruning inches further out than the first cut. Remove the following: Cut until the branch breaks free. The • Dead or dying portions of the tree third and final cut is made by the • Rubbing branches trunk, just outside the branch collar or • Narrow-angled branches from the branch bark ridge, to remove the rest main trunk of the branch. • Crowding branches - remove NEVER less desired branch • Sprouts and suckers TOP • Portions of tree interfering with TREES road, house, sidewalks, etc.

Branches that are removed 4. should be cut just outside of the swollen area near the trunk of the 5. tree. This is called the branch col- lar. The idea for good pruning is 3. to cut as close to the trunk as pos- 2. sible without taking off the branch collar.

When removing large limbs, 1. THREE cuts are necessary to avoid tearing the bark. The first 6. cut should be made on the under- side of the branch, 1 to 1 1/2 feet from the trunk. Cut only 1/3 of A Tree With Typical Pruning Problems the way through on this cut. The 1.Stub 4.Rubbing branches second cut should be made on the 2.Watersprout 5.Narrow crotch top of the branch, one to two 3.Closely parallel branches 6.Sucker 14 Helpful Hints variety of other problems that affect root • NEVER TOP TREES health and element uptake. Because • Most trees can be pruned year round. nitrogen is the element most likely to • Once limbs are removed, be deficient in trees, fertilizer specifica- they will not grow back in that spot. tions usually focus on this element. • Young trees should not be pruned The elements phosphorous (P), until one year after planting. potassium (K), and sulfur (S) also are • Never remove more than 1/4 of a tree. required in relatively large quantities. • It is better to leave a tree alone than These elements often are present in the to top or improperly prune it. soil in adequate amounts for trees and • Flowering trees should be pruned large shrubs. The secondary nutrients after they are done flowering. include (Mg) and • Fruit trees should be pruned after the (Ca), which are required in moderate leaves fall off in winter. quantities. Although these elements are called secondary, severe deficiencies can result in loss of the plant. Magnesium Fertilizing deficiency is a serious problem in palms. Trees require certain elements, Other elements, known as known as macronutrients, in relatively micronutrients, are required in lesser large quantities. The most important quantities. Although these elements are of these is nitrogen (N). Nitrogen is a not required in large amounts, a defi- constituent of proteins and chloro- ciency of any one can have profound phyll, and is critical to photosynthesis effects on the health of the tree. For and other plant processes. example, iron chlorosis is a condition Much of the nitrogen in soil is lost that results when a tree is not absorbing due to leaching or to volatilization (the sufficient quantities of iron, usually return of nitrogen to the atmosphere in due to high soil pH. Young leaves are its gaseous state). The removal of leaf small and chlorotic (yellow), often with litter and other natural sources of green veins, while older leaves tend to nitrogen can disrupt the cycling of be darker green. Iron deficiency can nitrogen in the soil. Annual raking and eventually kill a tree. Like iron, man- leaf removal typically takes 1-3 pounds of ganese and may at times be defi- nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. out of the cycle. cient in a tree. Nitrogen deficiency shows up as The goal of fertilization is to sup- slow growth, small leaves, and yellow- ply nutrients that have been deter- ing (chlorosis) of the leaves, especially mined to be deficient in your trees or older leaves. On nitrogen-deficient shrubs. Trees with satisfactory growth plants, sometimes the newer, develop- and not showing problems of nutrient ing leaves appear greener than the older deficiency may not require fertilization. ones because nitrogen is somewhat Contact your local nursery or arborist mobile in plants, allowing it to be for help in determining the need for, directed toward new growth. However, and type of fertilizer required for your these symptoms may also be due to a landscape plants. 15 LLaarrggee TTrreeeess Blue Ghost T Eucalyptus microtheca Large eucalyptus grows rapidly to ±40 feet. A superior dry area accent or border. Stands up to strong wind. Full sun, good drainage and deep, infrequent water when established.

Western Catalpa V L Catalpa speciosa Large accent tree to ±40 x 30 feet has clusters of white flowers in spring followed by long, bean-like pods. Unusual landscape accent in many settings. Full sun, amended soil with good drainage and moderate water. Protect from strong winds. Raywood Ash M P Fraxinus oxycarpa ‘Raywood’ Compact, round-headed tree, grows rapidly to ±30 x 25 feet. Fine-leafed foliage turns purple red in fall. Excellent accent in many landscapes. Full sun, amended soil with moderate water in growing season. Good drainage is a must. Arizona Ash M I Fraxinus velutina Vigorous, well-adapted variety grows rapidly to ±40 x 30 feet. Yellow foliage in fall. Excellent shade tree for our climate. Full sun, amended soil, good drainage and deep, infrequent water when established. Fan-Tex Ash M I Fraxinus velutina ‘Rio Grande’ Silver Dollar Gum T Extremely tough tree to ±30 x 30 feet, has Eucalyptus polyanthemos thicker leaves and more open habit than Popular eucalyptus grows rapidly to ±30 feet. Used other ash varieties. Especially useful for as dry landscape accent. Full sun, good drainage shade in hot desert climates and poor soils. and deep, infrequent water when established. Best with full sun, good drainage and deep, infrequent water when established. 16 Chinese Pistache V L Pistacia chinensis Modesto Ash M Sturdy, slow-growing shade tree to 40 x 35 Fraxinus velutina ‘Glabra’ feet has interesting bark and multi-colored Vigorous forms of Arizona Ash to ±30 x 30 fall foliage. Excellent accent, specimen or feet has a formal head with yellow foliage in fall. street tree. Adapts well to poor soils but Excellent shade tree in a variety of land- needs good drainage. Best in full sun with scapes. Full sun, amended soil, good deep, infrequent water when established. drainage and moderate water. May scorch in strong, hot winds, but recovers nicely.

Fruitless Mulberry V London Plane Sycamore V L Morus alba Platanus acerifolia Easy to grow, this tough, vigorous tree to Classic shade tree to ±50 x 40 feet has - ±40 x 30 feet has large, deeply cut, dark like leaves and attractive bark. Very adapt- green leaves. Gives excellent shade in many able. Good street or yard tree in varied land- settings. Water deeply during growing sea- scapes. Best with full sun, amended soil, son to prevent surface roots. Do not top this good drainage and moderate water. tree.

V Very Hardy M ModerateT Tender DT Drought Tolerant P PestsL Liter I Iron 17 Western Cottonwood V P Navajo Globe Willow V P L I Populus fremontii Salix matsudana ‘Navajo’ Southwest native distinguished from others Fast growing tree to ±50 x 40 feet is named by broad crown and thicker leaves. Grows for its globe-like shape. Best true willow vari- quickly to ±50 x 40 feet. Has clear yellow fall ety for our climate. Full sun, amended soil, color. Great shade tree for large areas, not good drainage and regular water. This one for small yards. Full sun, good drainage and has a large root system, give plenty of room. deep, infrequent water when established.

Cottonless Cottonwood V P Populus candicans Fast-growing, ±50 x 40 feet tree gives excel- lent shade in large landscape areas. Not for small yards. Full sun, good drainage, and deep, infrequent water when established.

Japanese Pagoda V L Sophora japonica Tough adaptable shade tree grows moderate- ly to 40 x 40 feet with yellow flowers in clus- ters in spring. Full sun, good drainage and Weeping Willow V P L I deep, infrequent water when established. Salix babylonica Tree with weeping branches grows quickly to ±40 x 40 feet. This one has a large root The goal of planting deciduous trees is system so give it plenty of room. Short lived to gain maximum shade and cooling in in our climate. Give full sun, good drainage, the summer, and to allow winter sun in regular feeding and lots of water. Allow to to passively heat in the winter. branch low to shade trunk. 18 Guide to Selecting an Arborist • Hire an arborist that is certi- fied through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). • A certified arborist should physically do, or directly oversee the tree work. • Hire an arborist who is city licensed to prune trees. • Hire an arborist that is insured and bonded. Lacebark Elm M • Don’t hire someone that pro- Ulmus parvifolia motes tree topping. Tough tree with small, dark leaves and • Beware of a tree contractor attractive bark grows rapidly to ±40 x 40 that solicits door-to-door. feet. Gives good shade in a variety of land- • Ask for and check references. scapes. Full sun, amended soil, good drainage and moderate to infrequent water • Contact your local City when established. Stake well and prune for Forester for further informa- wind protection. tion. MMeeddiiuumm TTrreeeess

European White Birch V P I Betula pendula Accent tree to 30 x 15 feet is best in cooler areas of the southwest. Acclaimed for its snowy white bark which adds landscape interest year round. Full sun, rich soil with good drainage.

V Very Hardy M ModerateT Tender DT Drought Tolerant P PestsL Liter I Iron 19 Sunburst Locust V L Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Sunburst’ Unusual variety characterized by golden yel- Littleleaf Ash M DT low new growth. Leaves darken with age. Fraxinus greggii Good accent in traditional landscapes. Full Large or small tree to 15 feet tall and sun, amended soil, good drainage and regu- 10 feet wide. Drought tolerant when estab- lar water. lished. Protect from reflected afternoon sun. Give amended, well-drained soil, deep, infrequent water.

Chinese Flame M L Koelreuteria bipinnata Shademaster Locust V L Spreading tree to 30-40 feet has flowers in Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Shademaster’ spring followed by multicolored cap- Fast growing variety reaches 30 x 20 feet. sules in fall. Full sun, amended soil, good Excellent shade tree in many settings. Full drainage and deep, infrequent water when sun, amended soil, good drainage and deep, established. infrequent water when established.

V Very Hardy M ModerateT Tender DT Drought Tolerant P PestsL Liter I Iron 20 Texas Honey Mesquite M DT Prosopis glandulosa glandulosa Tough, thorny tree to 25 x 30 feet. No prob- lem with heat, wind, cold, or drought. Has fragrant yellow flowers in spring.

Western Honey Mesquite M DT Prosopis glandulosa torreyana Mojave native mesquite to 20 x 25 feet. No problem with heat, wind, cold, or drought. Texas Umbrella M L Has fragrant, fuzzy yellow flowers in spring. Melia azedarach ‘Umbraculiformis’ Screwbean Mesquite M DT Tough, umbrella-shaped tree to 30 feet gives Prosopis pubescens dense shade in the hottest, driest climates. Fragrant purple flowers in spring followed Smaller southwestern native grows moder- by berry-like fruit. Best in full sun, any soil ately to ±10 feet. Named from coiled seed with deep, infrequent water when established. pods. Superb accent or specimen in any dry Prune to shape and open canopy as needed. area. Hard to get; if you see one, buy it! Best without pruning. Mesquite Trees Upright tree with weeping habit. Often multi-trunked with large spreading crown. Some varieties may have thorns. Full sun, well-drained soil, deep, infrequent water when established.

Argentine Mesquite T DT Most vigorous variety for landscape use. Grows rapidly to ±30 x 20 feet. Will take lots of water, but deep, infrequent watering makes strongest trees. Prune regularly to open canopy and prevent wind damage.

Chilean Mesquite T DT Prosopis chilensis Arizona Velvet Mesquite T DT This complex hybrid of many species is the Prosopis velutina most frequently used landscape variety. Fine, velvety hairs cover young growth of Grows rapidly to ±20 feet; young trees may this versatile tree. Grows moderately to ±15 have thorns. Prune to open canopy and pre- x 15 feet with fragrant yellow flowers in vent wind damage. summer. Desert accent or patio shade tree. Prune for and control.

21 Red Rock Oak V Quercus buckleyi New desert-adapted variety to 25 feet has large leaves shaped like traditional oak, but tougher and wind-resistant. New leaves are rich burgundy red, turning deep green. Full sun, amended soil, good drainage, and deep, infrequent water when established.

V Very Hardy M ModerateT Tender DT Drought Tolerant P PestsL Liter I Iron

MEMORIAL TREES Planting a tree in memory of someone you loved is a time-honored practice. The City of St. George Parks, as well as other local parks departments, have established programs for memorial tree planting. Call your local department for details.

1992 2004

Living Christmas Trees were planted by the Bluff Street Fountain by several local volunteers. Lorin Richards (shown above, planting the first live Christmas Tree), is one of those many volunteers. He was also a key figure in the City of St. George, Mayor’s Shade Tree Board. The photo to the right is the same corner on Bluff Street as it looks today.

22 FFlloowweerriinngg TTrreeeess

Silk Tree V L julibrissin Grows rapidly to ±40 x 40 feet with fluffy, fragrant pink flowers in summer. Excellent choice for our climate. Full sun, amended Eastern Redbud V P soil, good drainage, and deep, infrequent Cercis canadensis water when established. Eastern variety to 25 feet is most apt to take tree form. Has pink flowers on bare branch- es followed by heart-shaped leaves in spring. Best with morning sun, amended soil, good drainage, and moderate water. Good accent or patio tree. Protect from hot sun and winds.

Yellow Bird-of-Paradise M DT Caesalpinia gilliesii This tough, versatile plant reaches ±10 feet with clusters of yellow, red-centered flow- ers. Great accent or specimen. Full sun, Mexican Redbud V amended soil, deep, infrequent water when Cercis mexicana established. Superb flowering shrub to 10 x 10 feet cov- ered with pink blooms in spring. Great drought resistant accent. Best when protect- ed from reflected afternoon sun. Likes amended, well-drained soil, deep, infrequent water when established. 23 Purple Smoke Tree V Cotinus coggygria Unusual large shrubor tree to 20 x 20 feet has clusters of purple flowers in spring and bright orange-red foliage in fall. Great for M DT L desert areas. Full sun, tolerates poor soil, Desert Willow good drainage, and deep, infrequent water is Chilopsis linearis best. Hybrid variety to 25 x 20 feet with reddish purple, orchid-like blooms all summer. A hardy addition to any desert garden. Full sun, well-drained soil, deep, infrequent water when established. Remove seed pods for more blooms. Prune as needed for form and control.

Crape Myrtle M Chitalpa M DT Lagerstroemia indica Chitalpa tashkentensis Trees to 15 x 12 feet are favorites for their Unusual hybrid cross between the native bright summer blooms in colors like pink, Desert Willow and the Eastern Catalpa. white, red and lavender. Full to part sun, Clusters of large, fragrant, pink flowers all amended soil with good drainage, moderate summer. Full sun, well-drained soil, deep, water, and regular feeding in growing season. infrequent water when established. Striking Prune back in January to increase flowers. specimen for dry or transitional areas.

V Very Hardy M ModerateT Tender DT Drought Tolerant P PestsL Liter I Iron 24 Summer

Fall Flowering Plum V P Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter vesuvius’ Decorative tree to 18 x 12 feet is darkest of fruitless, flowering plums. Has pink flowers in March, followed by deep burgundy-pur- ple leaves which hold color throughout the season. Super landscape accent. Full sun, amended soil, good drainage, and moderate water. Cleveland Select Flowering Pear V Pyrus calleryana ‘Cleveland Select’ P I Spring Dense, cone-shaped variety to 30 feet has abundant white flowers in spring and purple to reddish-orange fall foliage. Likes sun, amended soil, good drainage and moderate water.

Aristocrat Pear V P I Pyrus calleryana ‘Aristocrat’ Ornamental, pyramid shaped variety to 25 feet has clusters of white flowers in spring and pretty red foliage in fall. Likes sun, amended soil, good drainage, and moderate water. Purple Robe Locust V Bradford Pear V P I Robinia ambigua ‘Purple Robe’ Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’ Shapely tree to 40 x 30 feet has clusters of Strongly branched tree to ± 30 x 30 feet has purple flowers in late spring. Great landscape clusters of white flowers in spring and pretty specimen. Adapts well to hot, dry climates. red foliage in fall. Likes sun, amended soil, Likes amended soil and good drainage, deep, good drainage, and moderate water. infrequent water when established. 25 Chaste Tree M DT Vitex agnus-castus Deciduous shrub or tree to ±15 x 15 feet covered with spikes of lavender- blue flowers summer through fall. Full sun, well-drained soil, moderate to infrequent water. Adapts to nearly any situation. Prune to suite – hedge, shrub or tree.

V Very Hardy M ModerateT Tender DT Drought Tolerant P PestsL Liter I Iron

Indian camp in 1900 located between Tabernacle St. & First South and Third and Fourth East in St. George, Utah. Photo from Lynne Clark Collection, donor: Howard Starr.

Notice the lack of trees in the photo above. Then at right, notice the obvious canopy of trees located in the valley. Within as little as 10 years, the locals made a drastic change in the look and feel of the St. George area by planting many trees.

St. George from Loaf hill. Photo from Lynne Clark Collection, donor: Orpha Morris; circa: early 1910s. 26 CCoonniiffeerrss

Blue Atlas Cedar V Leyland Cypress M Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’ Cupressocyparis leylandii Slow growing conifer to ±50 x 30 feet is an Attractive evergreen to ±30 x 20 feet with soft excellent tree for our climate. It is a majestic gray-green foliage. Good screen or accent. landscape accent. Give full to part sun and Takes full sun. Give amended, well-drained well-drained soil. Wash foliage monthly to soil, deep, infrequent water when established. keep it looking sharp.

Arizona Cypress M Cupressus arizonica Fast-growing evergreen tree to 40 x 20 feet. Deodar Cedar V I Good for windbreaks or screens. Needs full Cedrus deodar sun, well-drained soil, little fertilizer. Very Attractive weeping cedar grows moderately drought tolerant when established. Takes to ±50 x 30 feet. Water deeply and infre- deep, infrequent water. Keep tree area clean, quently. watch for spider mites. 27 Italian Cypress M P Aleppo Pine M Cypressus sempervirens ‘glauca’ Pinus halepensis Dense, narrow evergreen grows rapidly to Tough, well-adapted desert pine grows ±50 x 5 feet. Excellent accent tree. Full sun, rapidly to ±50 x 40 feet with a round top. good drainage, deep, infrequent water when Thrives in desert heat, drought, and wind. established. Don’t crowd row planting. Wash Lighter color. Deep, infrequent water. Use foliage monthly to control spider mites. iron to improve color if needed.

Mondell Pine M DT Stone Pine M Pinus eldarica Pinus pinea Superb desert pine with rapid growth to ±50 Rounded pine grows moderately to ±40 feet. x 20 feet. Thrives in heat, drought, wind and Takes heat and drought when established. poor soil. Water deeply and infrequently. Water deeply and infrequently. Use iron to improve color if needed.

V Very Hardy M ModerateT Tender DT Drought Tolerant P PestsL Liter I Iron 28 Japanese Black Pine V Pinus thunbergii Decorative, slow-growing tree to ±20 feet. Unusual, free-form landscape accent. Does best in full to part sun, amended soil with good drainage and moderate water. Prune carefully to maintain form.

MORE TREE FACTS World’s Biggest Oldest Southern Utah Tree The Big Tree Sequoia called General Sherman, in Bristlecone pine - Pinus aristata California. Deforestation Rate World’s Oldest Based on figures for the tropics for 1989, the aver- Bristlecone in the White Mountains, CA/NV; age rate is 9,272,727 acres per year, equivalent to over 4500 years old. almost 40 square miles each day, or over 17.5 acres per minute. Fastest Growing Very likely the Leadtree from the tropics, capable Average Cooling of growing up to 24 feet in a year. A 50 year-old tree cools as much in 24 hours as 5 tons of air conditioning running 20 hours. Utah’s State Tree Blue - Picea pungens Estimated Value A 50 year-old tree in an urban setting is valued at Utah’s Largest approximately $57,000. This reflects environmental A Fremont cottonwood - Populus fremontii - locat- value only, not esthetic. ed on the BYU campus. The tree is 427 inches in circumference, 136 inches diameter and 101 feet Source for non-local data: American Forests tall with a 90 foot spread.

With no air conditioning, early set- tlers were making the most of their trees. View of St. George taken from the top of the temple. Donors: USHL and Juanita Brooks.

29 BBrrooaaddlleeaaff EEvveerrggrreeeennss

Compact Carolina Cherry M Prunus caroli- iana ‘Compact’ Denser variety to ±10 x 10 ft. makes a good formal accent. Best with after- noon shade, rich, well- Japanese Privet M drained soil and moderate summer water. Ligustrum lucidum Leave natural or prune to shape. Use chelat- Excellent round-headed patio or landscape ed iron to combat chlorosis and don’t over tree to ±20 x 10 feet. Takes full to part sun, water. amended soil with good drainage and deep, infrequent water when established.

Holly Oak Quercus ilex M DT Neat, formal variety grows moderately to ±40 x 30 feet and blends well with any landscape. Swan Hill Olive T DT Best with full sun, amended soil, good drainage Wilson Olive T and deep, infrequent water when established. Olea europaea Prune for form & control. Virtually pest free. Essentially fruitless and mostly pollenless variety to ±20 x 20 feet makes an excellent Southern Live Oak M DT traditional or dry landscape accent or street Quercus virginiana tree. Good performer in heat, wind and poor Sturdy, adaptable tree grows moderately to ±40 soil. Give deep, infrequent water when feet. Has broad, spreading crown. Prefers established. amended soil, good drainage, and deep, infre- quent water. Good accent in many landscapes. 30 PPaallmm TTrreeeess

Water palms deeply and infrequently when established unless otherwise noted. Fertilizing needs vary; check with your local arborist or nursery. Mexican Blue Fan Palm T Slow growing palm to 20-30 feet. Takes drought, heat and wind.

Pindo Palm Butia capitata T Slow growing, upright, single trunk, graceful palm to 10-15 feet. Does well in containers or landscape. Full sun or light shade. Graceful arching fronds are silvery-green color. Mediterranean Fan Palm Chamaerops humilis M Slow growing, clumping palm to ±15 x 10 feet. Multi- trunked base is attractive as specimen or accent plant. Drought and wind resistant. Great for containers or dry landscapes. Canary Island Date Palm Phoenix canariensis T Slow growing palm to ±40 feet. Also known as Pineapple Palm. Dark, spiny fronds form atop a thick trunk. Will take poor soil and drought. A variety of this palm is the Date Palm Phoenix dactylifera.

Windmill Palm Trachycarpus fortunei M Single trunked palm with fuzzy ‘coconut hair,’ grows slowly to ±20 feet. Very adaptable– does well in afternoon shade. (Shown at right) California Fan Palm Washingtonia filifera T Grows moderately to ±40 feet. Green fronds form wide sprays from crown. Takes heat and drought, but thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Has much thicker trunk than Mexican fan palm – give it some room. Prune fronds only when completely brown. (Shown at top)

Mexican Fan Palm T Very fast growing, taller, more slender-trunked palm to ±80 feet. Hybridizes with California Fan Palm to create palms with both parent traits. Takes poor soil and drought. Prune fronds only when completely brown. (Shown at right)

V Very Hardy M ModerateT Tender DT Drought Tolerant P PestsL Liter I Iron 31 PPaallmm TTrreeee PPllaannttiinngg && CCaarree

Planting amount according to weather and size of Palm trees respond best to all culti- the plant. Less water is required when vation practices during periods of warm the weather cools. Palms tend to do weather when the trees are actively grow- poorly when soils are saturated, with ing. This includes planting. The best nutrient deficiencies becoming more fre- “window of opportunity” is normally quent in wetter soils. considered from April through September. Palms normally respond well Pruning to transplanting during this period and The removal of fronds is dependent become established much quicker with a on the owner. Some prefer the natural higher rate of survival than those plant- look of old fronds developing a “skirt” of ed during winter months. thatch. Others find the thatch creates a Although most palms are tolerant of shaggy, unkempt appearance. In some poor soils, drainage is essential. If hard- areas, insects, mice, and rats may become pan layers or caliche are encountered at a nuisance if skirts are left in place. the site, provisions for drainage are neces- The pruning of palms requires some sary. This may include the creation of a skill and is potentially dangerous. Sharp “chimney” in the bottom of the planting spines, heavy growth, and in some cases hole. Most palms tolerate some change in scary heights make this task out of reach depth at the time of planting, but it is not for many. If you hire out to prune your recommended. The back fill mix is a palms, be sure to check credentials. Make highly debated area. Some say that native sure that the operator has experience in soil is best, while others claim that pure palm pruning, utilizing the proper tech- washed sand is the best medium for niques and equipment for safe trimming. planting. For some, organic matter is also One should never over-prune palm optional. Either way, provide good fronds. The removal of fronds higher drainage and ample water. Remember than the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock position that palms harvested from established is considered unhealthy for the tree as it plantings require the development of a removes the beneficial fronds that pro- completely new root system. Palm fronds tect the bud and provide nutrition for are tied up to protect the young heart the tree. Over-pruning will weaken the bud from desiccation by the sun and tree to insects and disease. Remove the wind. Prop trees correctly to keep from flower spikes prior to fruiting. They are blowing over in high winds. Never nail messy and take nutrition from the tree. anything directly into the trunk. Palms should not be climbed with climber’s spikes or gaffs unless absolutely Watering necessary. The spikes produce wounds Palms respond well to deep watering that never disappear. In fact, repeated on a regular basis. The growth rate may spiking makes climbing unsafe. Often be controlled by the amount of water when a spike enters an old hole, it may provided. Young plants, particularly in kick out causing a potentially fatal fall. sandy soils, may need copious amounts Use high lift equipment whenever avail- of water on a daily basis. Judge the able to maintain palms instead of spikes. 32 GGrroowwiinngg FFrruuiitt

Back yard gardeners seem to have a Pomegranates and Figs passion for growing fruit. Since not every Pomegranates are well adapted to area is suited to fruit growing, here are a the desert. Grown more as a bush than a few tips to help you decide what to grow. tree, they require almost no care and still remain productive. They seem to thrive Apples and Pears in the heat and produce best if given Apples and pears will not perform consistent watering. Figs will also handle well in the valley where summer temper- the desert climate well. They may atures are consistently 100 degrees or achieve tree-like size, but most are main- higher. They require adequate chilling in tained as a large bush or small tree. Both the winter months in order to set fruit pomegranates and figs will not tolerate and need relatively cool temperatures in much cold and may be killed to the the fall to ripen properly. Areas that sup- ground if temperatures dip into single port good apple and pear production digits. include Cedar City, Enterprise, Veyo and New Harmony. To insure adequate Berries , you should always plant Fruits such as raspberries and straw- more than one variety of apple and pear. berries require soils that are high in organic matter and have a slightly acid Peaches and Apricots pH. Most soils in southern Utah will Peaches and apricots prefer consis- take a lot of amending before they are tently warm temperatures and are well suitable. Berry plants will not bear dur- suited to the southern valleys. They are ing periods of high heat. They may per- not adversely affected by the heat and form OK if allowed to set and mature cannot handle extremes in cold, even fruits before temperatures reach the high during the winter, or the buds may be 90s. In general, berries are not adapted damaged. Peaches and apricots will grow to the desert environment. They will do well in St. George, Washington, Santa better in areas where soils are rich and Clara, Hurricane. Peaches and apricots temperatures are cool, provided the are self-fertile and do not need more growing season is long enough. than one variety for pollination. Soils Nearly all fruits, with possibly the Grapes have a long history of excel- exception of pomegranates and figs, are lent production in the St. George area. sensitive to soils with a high pH and Vines live to be many years old and will high salts. You may want to conduct a remain productive if given minimal prun- soil test before planting (see “Building ing. Since buds are somewhat tender, Your Soil” on pg. 11). Fruits will always winter damage may occur if temperatures benefit from the addition of organic drop more than 10 degrees below zero. In matter. Use generously at planting to higher elevations, plant vines on south- encourage root development and help facing slopes where soil and air tempera- provide adequate drainage. tures warm more quickly in the spring. 33 TTrreeee WWaatteerriinngg GGuuiiddeelliinneess

How much water does my tree need? Percent of total Proper irrigation of trees is essen- water absorbed tial for good establishment and future growth. During the first year, watering in and just outside the orig- inal root ball is important to relieve Canopy transplant shock and stimulate the drip line development of new roots. After the first year, it is important to begin to move irrigation out to the edge of the rooting area. The rooting area is usu- ally defined as the space which radi- Most water used by trees and shrubs is ates out from the trunk to some- absorbed outside the canopy drip line. where just outside of the “canopy drip line” (edge of the branches). Most of the water absorbed by the emitters are the most efficient roots will occur in the area just out- method of irrigation. In general, they side of the canopy drip line (see dia- should be placed two feet apart with- gram). Although rooting depth may in the drip line canopy and radiate vary somewhat depending on tree out from the trunk like the spokes of species and soil type, most of the roots a wheel (see diagram at right). are found in the top two feet of soil. Delivery rates of emitters vary begin- ning with one gallon per minute and going up. One gallon per minute is What type of system do I use? adequate for clay soils. Sandy soils Delivery of water within the may require two gallon per minute rooting area may be achieved in a emitters in order to keep up with the number of ways. Sprinklers, bub- faster infiltration rate. Applying blers, and drip emitters are the most water directly to the trunk is harmful common methods of delivery. and will often result in disease prob- Sprinklers tend to spray a portion of lems later on. the water off the target area and lack efficiency. Bubblers can be effective if the water is channeled to stay in the How long should I water? rooting zone. With bubblers, it is Your water run time will be important that the water not be determined by how long it takes the delivered so quickly that much of it water to reach the entire root zone. runs outside the target area. Drip This will take some experimenting. 34 First, run the system for a specified more frequent watering particularly time, then use a probe to check soil during the first summer until they moisture. A metal rod or screwdriver have replaced tiny root hairs lost will insert easily into well-watered from transplanting. Early morning is soil. The depth of watering can be the best time to water, allowing time checked by seeing how far down the for the water to “soak into the soil” probe will go without too much before temperatures rise and evapora- effort. Water the complete root zone tion is high. each time you irrigate. Short water- Providing adequate irrigation ing intervals that do not allow the really begins in the planning stage. water to go down deep will encour- An irrigation system should be age shallow roots. Surface roots will designed to meet the needs of the cause problems later on and can desired plants for establishment and interfere with mowing. especially for the future. In order to do an adequate job, water delivery will have to be increased as the tree How often should I water? gets bigger. It is always beneficial for Once trees are established, a good trees to have their own line or valve rule of thumb is to water one to three where the water can be adjusted times a week in summer (depending specifically for the trees needs rather on your soil) and once a month in than relying on irrigation from the winter. Newly planted trees will need lawn or other landscaped areas.

Minimum root zone Canopy size drip line

Soak area

Irrigation emitter Diagram of a single tree point with watering system layout. 35 HHOOWW MMUUCCHH WWAATTEERR DDOOEESS YYOOUURR LLAAWWNN NNEEEEDD?? ET IS YOUR NUMBER tem is run for 15 minutes. Then Evapotranspiration (ET) is a compare the amount of water in the weather-based tool used to estimate containers. If the containers all have daily water loss by plants and the sur- about the same amount of water, the rounding soil, which needs to be system is performing satisfactorily. If replaced by irrigation water. one of the containers has consider- Washington County is a semi-arid ably more or less water than the oth- climate and generally receives about 8 ers, the system is not applying the inches of precipitation each year. Our water evenly. Repairs or adjustments lawns require more than that to are made and the test is repeated to thrive, but they may not need as assure that the irrigation system is much as we give them. applying water uniformly. The homeowner then marks The ET number is part of a good either a 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch depth lawn care system. It will help deter- on the containers, depending upon mine how much water your turf grass historic ET data. Then turn on the needs. water and observe how long it takes ET, or Evapotranspiration, is one to fill the containers to the marks. of the most important things to con- You now know how long the system sider when scheduling run times for should be run each irrigation to apply your irrigation system. An efficient either 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch of water. irrigation scheduling technique is to To prevent runoff from sloped readjust your system run times to ground or from soils that absorb match the actual plant water needs. water slowly, the time required to fill To use the ET number, you’ll the containers to the marks is divided need to know how much water your by three so the water can be applied sprinkler system delivers and your in three, shorter applications. For soil condition. example, in one test it took 15 min- utes to fill the containers to the HOW TO PERFORM A marks. Dividing 15 minutes by 3 SIMPLE WATER AUDIT equals 5 minutes. The irrigation sys- Start the process by setting out at tem would then be run for three 5- least four containers in the area of the minute periods separated by 1-hour yard to be evaluated. These contain- soak periods. This strategy works for ers can be any straight-sided contain- all soil types. er like a soup, orange juice can, or It is preferable to water for a water audit cups. The irrigation sys- longer time every 3-4 days than to

36 water a little bit every day. You Turn on sprinkler about February should train your grass roots to go 15, depending upon warm weather. looking for water rather than the Slowly, deeply and periodically water roots staying near the top always trees, shrubs and flowers during the expecting the easy drink. summer. They need deep, regular watering every 7-10 days. Be sure to Water deeper & less water these plants and your grass in frequently by applying 1 inch the winter, especially if it has been of water every 4 days warm, dry and windy. Pay special attention to south and southwest fac- Remember that healthy grass will ing slopes. “Winter kill” is usually a help defend weeds and insects. result of not enough water during Local ET numbers can be found warm, windy weather. on the Internet @ WWW.DIXIE- GARDNER.ORG CAN SOIL MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Yes! Soils in TIMER CHART Southern Utah Save Water - vary greatly. Reset your sprinkler s timer Desert soils are You can save up to 50% of lawn almost totally irrigation water by following this void of organic graph. Instead of once-a-year set- matter. They are tings, your timer needs to be changed often high in sand or clay, but they according to these standards. generally lack the nutrients plants Days between need for growth and development. Month watering To receive the greatest benefit from the ET program, you should know JAN 15 days something about your soil. You can FEB 7 - 10 days determine the kind of soil you have MAR 7 - 10 days by making this simple test. APRIL 4 - 5 days • Pick up a moist ball (not wet!) of soil and squeeze it. MAY 3 - 4 days • Does it feel smooth or sticky? Can JUNE 3 - 4 days you roll it into a pencil shape? If so, JULY 3 - 4 days it probably contains a considerable AUG 3 - 4 days amount of CLAY. • Is it smooth, slick, somewhat gritty SEPT 5 - 7 days and sticky? Does it form a ball that OCT 7 - 10 days won’t hold together? If so, it’s prob- NOV 10 - 14 days ably a mixture of sand and clay DEC 15 days (sometimes called LOAM). 37 • Or is it loose and gritty, impossible 575 E. Brigham Road, and till to a to form a a ball? This soil is SAND. depth of 6 to 8 inches. This product • For more information on soil test- is a combination of urban green ing: contact the Washington waste and biosolids. Green waste is County/Utah State University ground-up wood, leaves, grass clip- Extension Office, 197 East pings, etc. Biosolids are waste from Tabernacle (County Administration the sewage treatment plant. The two Building), St. George, Utah, 84770. are combined and composted to You can also reach them at (435) make a dark, rich organic amend- 628-5815. ment suitable for improving soil con- ditions. The cost of this compost is Soils take up water at different $30.00 a ton. They will load your rates. Considerable water is wasted by truck and weigh it to determine the applying water too fast (clay) or too cost of your load. long (sand). The soil under an existing lawn can be improved by aeration which In General: makes holes in the surface of your • Clay soils absorb only about 1/4 lawn for air and water to penetrate. inch of water in an hour. Such techniques as plug pulling • Sandy soils absorb as much as 2 require special equipment. You can inches of water in an hour. rent this equipment or have a land- • Clay and sand mixtures absorb an scape contractor do the job for you. amount in between. Here are some suggestions to help What Will Improve Sand and Clay you get the most from the ET Soils? guidelines: Both sand and clay may benefit • Check your sprinkler’s perfor- from short periods of watering. mance. Are there areas that aren’t If you apply water at the ET rate getting watered? Your system may and find that your grass is browning need adjusting. Make sure you are or water is running off, adjust your not watering streets and sidewalks. watering time. You may want to Avoid wasting water by putting it improve your soil condition as well. on non-growing surfaces! Tilling. Mixing with other soils. • Let your grass grow a little longer Spading. Digging. Aerating. When to 3-1/2" and mow only 1/3 of the you are planting a new lawn, break blade length at a time. Then, either up the soil. Add organic material leave your grass clippings on the such as compost, manure or 1-3 lawn or put them in a compost inches of organic fine, well compost- heap. Lawn clippings put an ed material found at the Washington unnecessary burden on landfill County landfill, and the St. George sites. If you leave them on the yard City Green Reuse Center located at or compost them, you get more 38 benefit from the nitrogen you paid • Save time and money spent on for when you bought fertilizer! inefficient lawn care. • Water only in the early morning when you lose less water to evapo- For more information, call: ration. Conservation Coordinator • Don’t water when the wind is René Fleming 674-4432 blowing. email: rsfl[email protected] • Any sprinkler which applies water USU Washington close to the ground in large drops is Extension Office 652-5815 more efficient than one which pro- duces a fine mist and/or shoots Washington County Water Conservancy District 673-4896 water high in the air. • Mulch your planting beds heavily City of St. George, (with organic material such as Parks Maintenance Division 634-5869 wood chips or bark). Not only will this keep weeds at bay, it will keep Look to the following sources for your roots cool and your soil moist- your daily ET numbers: saving your back and your water! Newspaper • And remember - your neighbor- The Spectrum 674-6200 hood may have had more rain than was detected by our ET weather Internet www.dixiegardner.org station.... or less. Watch your lawn for signs of drying. If it doesn’t need water, don’t water it. If it needs water, water it! After all, ET is a guide. ET can help you water efficiently, but it can’t know your own yard like you do. ET is really about efficiency - the wise use of water, time and energy. The ET guidelines can: • Conserve water. • Improve the over- all health and appearance of the lawn. Woodward School. Donor: Archie Wallis. 39 AAvveerraaggee MMoonntthhllyy TTeemmppeerraattuurreess

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec St. George 40 46 53 61 70 79 86 83 75 63 50 41 Hurricane 39 45 51 58 66 76 81 80 72 50 48 40 Orderville 31 36 40 48 57 66 72 71 63 53 41 33 Veyo 36 40 44 51 60 70 76 74 66 56 44 36 New Harmony 32 37 42 49 58 67 74 72 64 54 42 34 Enterprise 26 32 39 46 54 63 70 69 60 49 37 28 Cedar City 30 35 40 48 56 67 74 72 63 52 40 31 Zion Nat'l Park 40 45 50 58 67 78 84 82 75 63 50 41 Mesquite, NV 50 53 59 67 75 83 88 88 79 66 54 46 Kanab 34 40 44 52 60 69 75 73 67 56 44 36

PPllaannttiinngg && FFrroosstt IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn

Frost- Min. Cold USDA Sunset Free Norm Record Hardy Location Elevation Frost Dates Zone Zone Days Temp. Min. Code

St. George 2,624 Mar. 26, Nov. 1 8 10 216 27 -11 M Hurricane 3,287 Apr. 12, Oct. 25 7 10, 3A 196 25 -2 M Orderville 5,460 May 21, Oct. 3 5 2A 135 16 -25 V Veyo 4,475 May 2, Oct. 10 6 3A 168 24 -10 V New Harmony 5,310 May 11, Oct. 10 6 2B 151 20 -19 V Enterprise 5,346 June 8, Sept. 14 5 1A 98 11 -34 V Cedar City 5,610 May 19, Oct. 2 5 2A 135 17 -26 V Zion Nat’l Park 4,050 April 15, Nov. 1 7 3A 200 28 -15 V Mesquite, NV 1597 March 28, Nov. 3 8 10 238 49 NA M Kanab 4925 May 4, Oct. 23 7 3A 171 21 NA M

40 BBooookkss,, TTrreeee CCaarree,, aanndd WWeebbssiitteess Western Garden Book Five Minute Tree Care The Complete Encyclopedia of Sunset Editors, paperback, 624 Alex L. Shigo, paperback, 8 pp, Garden pages, Sunset Books Inc, 1995. Shigo & Trees, Assoc., 1992. Kate Bryant, hardcover, 704 pp, www.sunset.com Earth-Friendly Desert Gardening Thunder Bay Press, 2003. Plants for Dry Climates: How to Cathy L. Cromell, paperback, Waterwise Landscaping with Select, Grow and Enjoy Arizona Master Gardeners Inc, Trees, Shrubs & Vines Mary Rose Duffield, Warren D. May 2003. Jim Knopf, paperback, Chamisa Jones, paperback, 216 pp, Collins Tree Guide Books, 1999. 2001. David More, Owen Johnson, Desert Gardening: Fruits & hardcover, Collins, September Web Sites Vegetables 2004. www.harpercollins.com Shade Tree & Beautification George Brookbanks, paper- Landscape Plants for Western Board www.ci.st-george.ut.us back, Perseus Books Group, Regions Utah Community Forest July 1988. www.perseusbooks- Bob Perry, Land Design Pub., Council www.ucfc-isauc.org group.com 318 pp, 1992. Utah State University Desert Gardener's Calendar: The Ortho Problem Solver, extension.usu.edu/cooperative Your Month-by-Month Guide Sixth Edition International Society of George Brookbanks, paper- Michael McKinley, hardcover, back, 159 pp. Univ of Arizona Arboriculture 871 pp, Meredith Books, March www.isa-arbor.com Press, August 1999. 2003. meredith.com uapress.arizona.edu Star Nursery Landscaping to Save Water in www.starnursery.com Desert Landscaping: How to the Desert Start & Maintain a Healthy David G. Harbison, Eric A. Desert Watering Guide - Landscape in the Southwest. Johnson, Museum of New Phoenix www.desertgardens George Brookbanks, paper- Press, 1985. nursery. com/WateringGuideline back, Univ of Arizona Press, Southern Water Sept. 1992. uapress.arizona.edu Southwestern Landscaping that Saves Energy and Water Authority www.snwa.com Gathering the Desert McPherson, E. Gregory and Educational Web Site Gary Paul Nabhan, paperback, Charles Sacamano, 64 pp. Univ. www.treetures.com Univ of Arizona Press, 209 pp, of Arizona, 1989. cals.arizona.edu 1985. uapress.arizona.edu Slow the Flow Southwestern Landscaping www.slowtheflow.org Gardening in Dry Climates with Native Plants Scott Millard, Cedric Crocker, Southwest Trees and Turf Judith Phillips, paperback, 160 www.swtreesandturf.com Paperback, Meredith Books, pp, Museum of October 1989. meredith.com Press, 1987. The Irrigation Association www.ia.org Landscape Planning for Energy Successful Gardening with Conservation Limited Water Gardeners Web Sites Gary O. Robinette, Charles Margaret Tipton Wheatly, 128 pp, www.dixiegardener.org McClenon, 224 pp, 1983. Woodbridge Press Pub. Co; 1978. www.gardenweb.com Tree Basics Taylor's Guide to Water-Saving Tree Information Alex Shigo, Shigo and Trees, Gardening www.treesaregood.com Associates, paperback, 1996. Gordon P. Dewolf, paperback, www.treedictionary.com A New Tree Biology 447 pp, Houghton Mifflin, 1990. www.treeutah.org Alex Shigo, hardcover, 619 pp, www.chesco.com/~treeman/ Water Conservation in Landscape SHIGO Shigo & Trees, Assoc., 1986. Design and Management Modern Arboriculture Gary O. Robinette, hardcover, Xeriscape Information Alex Shigo, hardcover, 424 pp, Thomson Learning, Nov. 1984. www.xeriscape.org Shigo and Trees, 1991. Waterwise Gardening U of A College of Agriculture Tree Pruning: A Worldwide Lauren Springer, paperback, ag.arizona.edu Photo Guide Macmillan General Reference, Urban Forestry Resource Alex Shigo, paperback, 186 pp, January 1994. www.treelink.org Shigo and Trees, 1989. The Complete Encyclopedia of Texas A & M Ext. New Tree Health Trees and Shrubs Office Alex Shigo, paperback, Shigo & Ernie Wasson, hardcover, 928 aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ Trees, Associates, 1989. pp, Thunder Bay Press, 2003. extension/publications.html 41 RReessoouurrccee GGrroouuppss && AAggeenncciieess

WASHINGTON COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT (435) 628-5815 197 E. Tabernacle, St. George, UT 84770 extension.usu.edu/cooperative The local arm of the State Extension Service offers classes and workshops for homeowners and professionals covering many aspects of gardening and home care. Also, it provides a telephone hotline for questions on gardening in Southern Utah. Extension Agent Rick Hefelbower (628- 5815) participates in a number of community education programs and also writes a very useful gardening column for the Wednesday Spectrum. The sponsor of the Master Gardener Program.

UTAH DIVISION OF FORESTRY/SOUTHWESTERN AREA (435) 586-4408 585 N. Main, Cedar City, UT 84720 Primarily geared to the management of State range and forest resources, the Division of Forestry also helps local landowners with conservation and tree-related problems. It is also quite active with education programs in schools for students and teachers, including Project Learning Tree.

UTAH DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE 197 E. Tabernacle, St. George, UT 84770 This broad reaching agency is of most interest to homeowners in two of its functions: insect identification and nursery regulation. You can bring a specimen of any insect (properly con- strained) to the Division to find our what it is. Please call for collection details. They also license and regulate local retail nurseries and consumers have recourse through the Division if they feel they have been defrauded or improperly dealt with.

ST. GEORGE SHADE TREE & BEAUTIFICATION BOARD (435) 634-5869 340 East 200 South, St. George, UT 84770 www.ci.st-george.ut.us An organization to promote appreciation and proper care and maintenance of Southern Utah’s urban and community forests. Provides education opportunities to the community, and is an advisory board to the City’s Forestry Program.

STATE TREE NURSERY (801) 571-0900 Lone Peak Conservation Nursery Fax (801) 571-1468 14650 South Prison Road, Draper, UT 84020 This branch of the Utah Division of Forestry grows native and adapted plants in small sizes for use in conservation and reclamation. Property owners with an acre or more can qualify to buy plant material for these purposes.

WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT (435) 673-4896 136 North 100 East, St. George, UT 84770 www.conservewater.com Xeriscape means dryscape or low water-use landscaping. Xeriscapes are designed through wise planning, plant and construction materials selection, and proper installation to provide beauti- ful water efficient and low maintenance landscape.

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (435) 688-3246 345 E. Riverside Dr., St. George, UT 84770

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ARBORICULTURE (217) 355-9411 P.O. Box GG, Savoy, IL 61874-9902 www.isa-arbor.com Organization that tests and certifies arborists. I.S.A. also serves as a source of information for arborists and tree people.

42 HHooww YYoouu CCaann HHeellpp……

This booklet has presented a large amount of information on many aspects of choosing, planting and caring for trees and has listed resources and agencies that are involved in tree planting and care. How can you help? Here is a checklist of things you can do to make our Southern Utah home a better and greener place to live: • If you own or manage a business, plant a tree there. If you don’t, try to get your employer to plant a tree. • Buy a living Christmas Tree this year. If you don’t have a place to plant it after Christmas, donate it for public planting. • Take time to teach your children about trees, including those in your neighborhood. • Work with your local school to plant a tree on campus. • Volunteer for local tree planting and education projects such as Arbor Day, 4th of July, Armistice Day, Flag Day, etc. • Visit a local botanical garden to educate yourself about gar- dening in Southern Utah. • Get your church, scout groups, or community groups involved in tree planting and education. • Question elected and appointed officials about their attitudes toward trees, open space, parks & environmental protection. Whatever you do, the most important thing to remember is PLANT A TREE!!

With power poles located down the center of the road, trees never interfered with power lines. St. George Boulevard looking west toward “Airport Hill.” Donor: Archie Wallis. 43