Tree options

Trees were a key part of the original planning of Harvest Park, including a master plan for trees and a requirement for street trees incorporated in the development agreement. Because our lot sizes tend to be small and our homes are close together, the trees were intentionally selected to be more vertical in form (columnar or vase forms) and not wide spreading trees. Trees were selected to visually connect areas, as well as provide variety throughout the development. Consideration of the appeal of the trees through all seasons was considered, including a mix of spring flowering colors, fall leaf colors, and tree structure and shape when leaves are off in the winter. The tree planning is a unique aspect that adds to the appeal of Harvest Park and Mapleton as a whole. We have contributed to the tree counts that enable Mapleton to receive the Tree City USA award each year.

Street Trees

Street trees area required at the fronts of lots, typically in the common area frontage (7' without sidewalks, 13' on sides with sidewalks). These must average about 30' apart (so they may be somewhat closer where driveways take up large frontage sections of yards). A master plan specifies the type of tree for each street (with different trees at corners/intersections or trail crossings in some cases). Street trees mush conform to the tree plan. If your tree dies, or is removed, it must be replaced in a way that is consistent with the tree plan. The following are the common street trees.

• Green vase zelkova

• Chanticleer flowering pear

• Autumn blaze maple

• Burr oak

• Marshall seedless ash (NOTE: Due to ongoing health issues with leaf curl due to aphids, and possible long-term threat from Emerald ash borers--not in Utah yet, but likely eventually--these are being substituted with Green vase zelkovas or

• Prospector elm

Trail Trees

• • Spring snow crabapple

  • Eastern redbud

  • Forest pansy redbud

  • Dawyck purple beech

Other Accent Tree Options

• • Accent Trees

    • Japanese maple

    • Kwanza flowering cherry

  • Evergreens

    • Columnar Norway spruce

    • Weeping Norway spruce

    • Columnar Blue spruce

Other Tree Considerations (trees to avoid, or trees not allowed)

• • Excessively large or spreading trees: London Plane trees or Sycamore trees are likely to oversize available space in typical lots. These have been tried in parka areas, but also don't do well in our soil here. Willows and other trees that have were wide spreading form also do not fit typically. Other spreading trees, such as Locust and Linden trees also don't typically fit. (Locust trees have also been excluded because they tend to have unappealing branching patterns without leaves). Larger evergreens also often do not fit well. Regular Blue spruce will overgrow many locations.

  • Trees with root spreading problems: Some trees have the potential to create serious problems in lawns because the send out surface roots and suckers. The biggest common problem is with Quaking aspens. A substitute that doesn't have problems with root spreading or suckers is the Columnar Swedish aspen.

  • Fruit trees: Fruit trees can be planted in homeowner maintained yards, but must be planted far enough from property lines that they will not grow into other yards. Fruit trees can create a major mess in lawns and damage lawns over time if fruit falls and is not collected. They also require significant work to maintain their structure and health. Take these factors into consideration when planning the location. Again, these trees must be approved before planting. And because of the maintenance problems they create, they are not allowed in HOA maintained yards.

Adding Trees to your Yard

• Make sure you get approval first. All tree additions must be approved by the HOA Architectural Committee.

  • In HOA maintained ares, additional trees are not encouraged, but can be considered. Any additional trees are the responsibility of homeowners in these sections to maintain and care for, and they are not covered as part of the regular HOA dues.