Ahead of Arbor Day, City continues major tree-planting effort

Eagle Mountain City is continuing its efforts to expand the urban forest this spring, with 100 new trees set to be planted across 11 locations.

The initiative, led by City Forester Alec Boydston, builds on work already completed in neighborhoods and parks throughout the city just in time for Arbor Day, which falls on April 25.

“We’re doing this because we recognize the importance of having that urban canopy and maintaining everything we do out here,” Boydston said. “We’re a new city that has recognized a big need. We’re going to be building upon it, but also do it right.”

So far this spring, trees have been planted in several neighborhood parks and public spaces. These include four trees in the Hidden Valley area along Pony Express Parkway, 10 new trees at the city cemetery, and nine around the splash pad at Nolen Park. Additional plantings have occurred in the children’s circle at Saddleback Park and the pocket park in Liberty Farms.

Tree planting efforts will soon be underway in Woodhaven and the Silverlake parks, as well as along Ranches Parkway near State Route 73.

By the end of the season, Boydston estimates 100 new trees will be in the ground, with more scheduled for the fall in areas such as The Ranches, Lone Tree, City Center and Brandon Park.

“This is our community and these are our neighborhoods. We live here, play here, walk here, and we want people to go outside and appreciate the outdoors,” Boydston said. “We want to give them somewhere to do that and provide those opportunities.”

The Eagle Mountain City Council formally recognized Arbor Day at its first meeting in April. Eagle Mountain maintains a Tree City USA designation.

First observed in Nebraska in 1872, Arbor Day is now celebrated in all 50 states and emphasizes the importance of trees in our environment, from improving air quality to providing shade and beautifying public spaces.

“Part of Arbor Day is building a sense of understanding around urban forestry and what it brings to our city and the benefits that come along with that,” Boydston explained. “It needs to be brought into the community so they can understand what they get out of it.”

Beyond the number of trees, Boydston is focused on diversifying the types being planted.

The City is exploring a range of species to find what works best in different microclimates within Eagle Mountain.

“Everywhere in our city is so different, so what works in Lone Tree might not work in The Ranches or Silverlake,” he said. “We’re trying to break the mold on what people expect. I wanted to bring in unique trees, and part of that challenge is finding where these trees are going to work.”

While some areas will receive more traditional, proven tree types, Boydston is open to experimenting in other locations. His team is revisiting the City’s tree planting guide and considering updates to tailor it by neighborhood.

“We do what we do because we care,” he said. “It’s been fun trying to find what’s going to work and where. Even in my own neighborhood, I see rows of the same tree, and if one gets a disease, it spreads. Diversifying the urban canopy helps us prevent that and improves overall soil and plant health.”

In addition to public plantings, Boydston encourages residents to think carefully about which trees they choose for their own yards. His team hopes to make more resources available in the future to help residents select tree species that will thrive.

“We can bring in our contacts and knowledge so we can help folks plant trees on their property,” he said. “We’re not just planting trees — we’re planting a future for Eagle Mountain.”