Foundation plantings are often not needed, but if you choose to plant the area in front of the home, go all the way with both deciduous and evergreen shrubs planted in a pleasing curve with the lower species near the entry. The style of a single shrub planted in the middle of the front lawn went out with the Victorian era, but trees that will shade and frame the house are needed in this climate. Choose a species with an ultimate height to match the house. Cottonwood and aspen are the least desirable because of their high maintenance and heavy water demands. Give the shade trees an island free of turf and planted with flowers and small shrubs.
Tall evergreens belong in every Mountain West landscape.
Our state tree, the blue spruce, is the most difficult to place. Give it a site out at the edge of your property as it attains a height of l00 feet. The pines and junipers will give you the best performance as a wind break or near the tall house. There are no perfect trees. Get to know your trees and the diseases and insects that can beset them.