Mountain West region
Tree removal and tree care in Utah
Utah's worst urban tree disaster in recent memory was the September 8, 2020 windstorm, when hurricane-force canyon winds toppled thousands of trees along the Wasatch Front; Salt Lake City alone lost about 1,500 public trees. Dry soil, heavy summer irrigation and east winds are the local recipe for failures. Utilities may trim trees to keep lines clear, and many cities manage park-strip trees.
City guides in Utah
Most Utahns live along the Wasatch Front, from Ogden through Salt Lake City to Provo, where the mountains rise right behind neighborhoods. Strong east winds occasionally pour out of the canyons and across the valley. On September 8, 2020, gusts of hurricane strength knocked down thousands of trees, left many without power for days, and damaged an estimated 3,000 additional public trees in Salt Lake City beyond the 1,500 it lost. Davis County communities north of Salt Lake were hit especially hard.
Utah's urban canopy is mostly planted, irrigated trees in a semi-arid climate. Ash makes up as much as 30 percent of the urban canopy in many Utah communities, which is why the state watches closely for emerald ash borer, already found as close as Oregon. Japanese beetle, an invasive pest of trees and shrubs, triggered a state eradication program in Davis and Salt Lake counties, with populations falling under treatment.
Reviewed and updated
Wind, snow and drought in Utah
Canyon east winds
Rare but violent downslope winds, like September 2020's, topple irrigated shade trees across the Wasatch Front.
Heavy wet snow
Early fall and late spring snow on leafed-out trees breaks limbs.
Drought and irrigation habits
Shallow watering keeps roots shallow; drought stresses non-native shade trees.
Ash-heavy canopies
Ash can be up to 30% of urban canopy, so emerald ash borer would hit hard if it arrives.
Japanese beetle
Under state eradication in Davis and Salt Lake counties.
Utah's ash, maples, elms and evergreens
- Green and white ash
- Very common street and yard trees; emerald ash borer risk
- Norway and silver maple
- Common shade trees; silver maples break in wind and snow
- Siberian elm
- Weak-wooded and invasive; frequent storm failures
- Honeylocust
- Common replacement street tree
- Blue spruce and pines
- Evergreens that catch wind and snow; bark beetles in drought
Wasatch Front, Utah County and southern Utah
- The Wasatch Front (Ogden, Salt Lake, Davis County) took the September 2020 canyon windstorm and gets most of the state's big-tree work.
- Utah County (Provo, Orem) has had Japanese beetle treatment areas and similar irrigated shade-tree canopies.
- St. George and southern Utah are hot and dry, with desert trees, palms and irrigation-dependent landscapes.
Salt Lake City guidance
Salt Lake City's guide covers its park-strip trees, how the city recovered from the 2020 windstorm and replanted more trees than it lost, and what homeowners can do to make irrigated shade trees more wind-firm.
Park-strip trees, the 2020 windstorm and urban forestry.
Utah's seasons for tree work
Utah's emergencies are rare but severe: canyon winds and wet snow. Preventive pruning before spring growth and fall wind season does the most good.
- Spring
- Wet snow on new leaves; good pruning window before summer
- Summer
- Drought stress; watering habits matter
- Fall
- Canyon wind events and early snow
Utah services by risk
After canyon windstorms and wet snow.
For wind-damaged and declining shade trees.
For silver maples and Siberian elms over roofs.
For large ash and maples before the next wind event.
Utah tree rules
- Utah has no statewide permit for removing trees on private residential lots; cities manage public and park-strip trees.
- Utah's Division of Public Utilities explains that customers must allow utilities to trim trees and vegetation as needed to keep lines clear and protect public safety.
- The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food runs Japanese beetle eradication treatments in affected areas.
Sources (checked 2026-10-03)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
Utah tree questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Utah?
Not statewide for private residential trees. Park-strip trees between the sidewalk and street are usually managed by the city; check before removing one.
What happened to Utah's trees in the 2020 windstorm?
On September 8, 2020, hurricane-force canyon winds toppled thousands of trees along the Wasatch Front. Salt Lake City lost about 1,500 public trees and had about 3,000 more damaged.
Is emerald ash borer in Utah?
Utah State University Extension reports it as a serious threat; it has been found as close as Oregon. Ash makes up as much as 30% of urban canopy in many Utah cities, so watch ash for thinning crowns.
Can Rocky Mountain Power trim my trees?
Utah's Division of Public Utilities says customers must allow utilities to trim trees as needed to keep lines clear and protect safety. Contact the utility about trees near lines.
Why did so many irrigated trees blow over?
Frequent, shallow lawn watering keeps tree roots shallow, and big crowns catch wind. Deeper, less frequent watering builds a wider, deeper root system.
When should I prune trees in Utah?
Late winter to early spring for structural work, before leaves come out and before wet spring snow loads new growth.
Need tree help in Utah?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.