Tree Selection
Grand Junction has a unique tree growing environment. Pioneers who settled in the area which is bounded by the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers had to contend with semi-desert conditions, extremely low humidity, alkaline soils with low organic matter content and poor water infiltration. Native shrubs compatible with the growing conditions in the valley bottom and foothills area include rabbitbrush, greasewood, Utah serviceberry, big sagebrush, four-wing saltbrush, skunkbrush, and snakeweed. Native trees found in the low-lying canyons included Utah juniper, pinyon pine, and singleleaf ash. Rio Grande cottonwood grew in the river corridors with an understory of shrubs.
To be successful as a tree owner in Grand Junction, follow these three rules of thumb: Right Tree, Right Place, Right Reason.
RIGHT TREE: According to the United States Plant Hardiness Zone Map produced and maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) (https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/), Grand Junction has a Plant Hardiness rating of 7. That means that the average minimum winter temperature range is from 0 – 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, trees that can tolerate those low winter temperatures can be planted here.
Most nursery catalogs include the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone rating in their plant descriptions and tags. You also have to take into consideration what the soil type is like where the tree will be planted. If you have concerns about the saltiness of your soil, the local Tri-River Area County Extension office can test it for free (https://tra.extension.colostate.edu/gardening-hort/about-gardening/). For a more indepth soil test, visit Ward Labs website to learn the collection steps and how to submit your soil for testing (https://www.wardlab.com/submit-a-sample/soil-health-analysis/) These types of soil tests can determine soil type, amount of organic matter content, the alkalinity/acidity level, and more. In general, Grand Junction soils are high in clay, low in organic matter, and have alkaline conditions.
Purchasing the right tree is the cheapest part of tree ownership. Starting with the right tree based on your location is part of the success story.
RIGHT PLACE: Trees come in various shapes and sizes. Measure the area where the tree will be planted to determine what the growing space will be like. Trees start small but will grow to their predetermined genetic potential if given the right growing circumstances (this is normally found on the information tag on the plant).
Answer these questions: Is there enough vertical space and horizontal space for the tree as it grows into maturity? Are there any obstructions like overhead power lines, buried utilities, or structures that will impede growth? Select a tree with it’s final mature size in mind and can fit in the area you are planting it in.
RIGHT REASON: What are your expectations for the tree? Is it shade, attracts wildlife, screens you from neighbors or roads, aesthetics, or food. There are trees that will fulfill some or all your expectations. When selecting your tree species, you need to determine what those goals are for your tree.
There are plenty of local informational sources for helping you select the right tree.