Exploring Utah Trees Most of Utah’s forests are found at elevations between 4,500 and 11,000 feet with precipitation conditions of nearly 40 inches per year. At lower elevations, the Pinyon and Juniper can grow with less than 10” of precipitation per year. Historically, trees in Utah have been an important source of fuel wood, mine timbers, and fence posts. Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife and are also commonly used for soil stabilization along stream banks. The fruit of the Serviceberry and the nuts of the Pinyon Pine have been a source of food by Native Americans and Pioneers.

Coniferous Trees The Pinyon Pine and the Blue Spruce are both conifers, that is they retain their leaves throughout the year and reproduce through the use of cones instead of flowers. Conifers are usually found in mountainous areas.

Deciduous Trees Cottonwoods, Oaks, and Utah Serviceberry are flowering plants that lose their leaves every winter. They grow in Deciduous Forest. This are found in areas with more mild temperatures and higher precipitation.

Willow Trees Willows are different from all the trees listed. They have long, very narrow branches that typically droop over. These trees require a great deal of water and they have very long tap roots that will find sources of water under the ground.

Utah Elevations

Annual Normal Precipitation