City branches out with major tree-planting effort

Eagle Mountain City is taking a significant step toward expanding its urban canopy with a major tree-planting initiative set to begin this spring.

City Forester Alec Boydston is leading the effort, which will introduce trees at 10 locations across the community in 2025, with planting scheduled to begin in the near future.

“We’re waiting for the official start of spring, but I’m hoping to get started as soon as next week depending on the weather,” said Boydston. “We’ll plant through the end of May, then again in mid-August.”

Among the first sites to receive new trees is the area near the Maverik and car wash at Ranches Parkway and State Route 73, where 19 trees are set to be planted. Boydston confirmed that the ground has already been prepped for proper planting. In addition, all City parks will see new trees added on a park-by-park basis.

Eagle Mountain has set aside dollars specifically for tree planting, recognizing the long-term benefits trees provide.

“By planting more trees, we can beautify the area,” says Boydston. “Once established, it’s going to help with air quality, the environment, and there are a host of other benefits,” Boydston explained.

Selecting the right tree species is a key part of the plan. Different areas of the city require different tree varieties due to variations in soil and climate conditions. Boydston emphasized the need for native, hardy and water-wise trees that can thrive in Eagle Mountain’s environment.

Suitable species include elm, box elder, oak and certain evergreen trees.

“We have to shy away from things people would normally pick up at the Home Depot,” Boydston said. “It’s just about finding what works in the right area. We’re fighting soil conditions, the elements, construction growth, and old planting practices, and we need to correct those moving forward.”

A crucial aspect of the initiative is moving away from a mono-planting system, where the same species is planted repeatedly in a single area.

Boydston is working with homebuilders to ensure greater tree diversity, which helps prevent the spread of diseases and improves soil health.

“Even in my own neighborhood, you can see rows of the same trees,” he said. “If one tree gets sick with a common disease or fungus, it can quickly spread down the entire street. By diversifying the canopy, we get better soil and ground quality, and we stop the spread of diseases by isolating them.”

Boydston also identified key areas of interest for new plantings, including the Eagle Monument, though logistical challenges such as the lack of irrigation must be addressed before trees can be successfully maintained there.

While much of the City’s focus is on public spaces, homeowners are also encouraged to care for their own trees. Boydston noted that this year’s dry winter has led to moisture-related stress, which has not benefitted trees in the area.

Looking ahead, Boydston envisions a future where Eagle Mountain boasts a diverse and expansive tree canopy.

“The hope is that a lot of these new trees, I’m never going to see the full effect of,” he said. “But our children and their children will be able to see the impact that these trees will have. Once we move toward maintenance and less focus on planting, there will be a large, broad canopy pretty much everywhere you go in Eagle Mountain.”