Cottonwood Heights has been recognizing residents and businesses dedicated to beautifying their community for almost as long as they’ve been a city. (It’s the last month of Cottonwood Heights celebrating the 20th year as a city.) 

“These are properties that exhibit waterwise conservation efforts, beauty and landscaping that is appealing to our entire community,” Mayor Mike Weichers said.

Homes incorporated sustainable gardens are often on the radar of the city council for the annual Landscape Awards. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Heights)

Every year, an open call for nominations is posted in late summer. Residents are asked to nominate their neighbors who add character to the community with their beautiful, and sustainable, landscapes. Nominations are then categorized by district so each city councilmember can go out and judge the landscapes. That means, each winner is hand-selected by their local city councilmember. 

The 2025 Cottonwood Heights Landscape Awards are: 

1918 E. Siesta Drive wins the Landscape Award for District 1. 

“I loved that they used flowers that are blooming,” said Councilmember Matthew Holton. “They’ve obviously put a ton of effort into it. It’s a beautiful area.”

The winning property of the Landscape Award in District 2 is 2118 Stream View Drive.

Judges for the annual Landscape Awards often look for innovative ways to incorporate native plants. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Heights)

“The complementary architecture of the house, use of native plants, and thoughtful design really enhances the character of the neighborhood,” said Councilmember Suzanne Hyland. 

District 3’s Landscape Award goes to 2560 E. Cavalier Drive. 

“I look for the waterwise thing. I also look for folks much smarter than I getting native plants into the property,” Shawn Newell said. “It caught my eye for the way it has the mountain desert view.”

8803 Alpen Way wins the Landscape Award for District 4. 

“It looked great a couple of months ago,” joked the Kuspersons, who are the homeowners. “A lot of things died. There were a lot more wildflowers.”

Mayor Mike Weichers ultimately decided on White Dental as the 2025 business winner for the Landscape Awards partly because of the landscape’s clean lines. (Photo courtesy of Cottonwood Heights)

“The homeowner has thoughtfully landscaped for both beauty and utilitarian purposes,” said Councilmember Ellen Birrell. “The selection for this award takes into account the drip watering, mixed use of wood and rock mulch, and sprawling ivy that holds water in the soil and reduces water consumption.”

Lastly, White Peak Dental along 7110 S. Highland Drive won the Landscape Award for the business property. 

“This made me think of the work of a dentist who has to manicure and keep things so neat,” Weichers said. “We are so grateful they are in the city.” 

All of the property owners for the 2025 Landscape Awards won a Home Depot gift card and a yard sign to display within their landscaping area. 

The annual awards were presented by the Cottonwood Heights City Council and Community Development staff during the city council meeting on Oct. 21.