Best Trees To Plant In Washington

Washington’s rainy western side and dry eastern side require different tree species for each region. Finding the best trees to plant in washington means matching your local climate, soil, and space. Whether you live near Seattle or Spokane, the right tree will thrive with less work.

This guide covers top choices for both sides of the Cascades. You will learn which trees handle wet winters, dry summers, and everything in between.

Washington has two main growing zones. West of the mountains gets lots of rain and mild temps. East of the mountains is drier and colder in winter. The best trees fit your specific area.

Here are the top picks for each region. These trees are hardy, low-maintainance, and beautiful.

Western Washington Tree Choices

Western Washington has acidic soil and heavy rainfall. Trees here need to tolerate wet feet and some shade. Many native species do very well.

Pacific Madrone

This evergreen tree has peeling red bark and glossy leaves. It grows well on slopes and in well-drained soil. It handles drought once established. Madrone is a slow grower but very long-lived.

Height: 30 to 80 feet
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Well-drained, acidic
Water: Low once mature

Western Red Cedar

A classic native conifer. It loves moist, rainy areas. Its soft, aromatic foliage makes great privacy screens. It grows fast and stays green all year.

Height: 50 to 70 feet
Sun: Part shade to full sun
Soil: Moist, well-drained
Water: Regular in dry spells

Vine Maple

A small, multi-stemmed tree perfect for understory planting. It has brilliant fall color. It tolerates shade and wet soil. Great for small yards or woodland gardens.

Height: 15 to 25 feet
Sun: Part shade
Soil: Moist, rich
Water: Regular

Red Alder

This fast-growing native fixes nitrogen in the soil. It thrives in disturbed areas and along streams. It provides quick shade but has a shorter lifespan.

Height: 40 to 80 feet
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Moist, any type
Water: High

Dogwood (Pacific)

Pacific dogwood has showy white flowers in spring. It grows naturally in forest understories. It needs protection from harsh sun. It is sensitive to root rot.

Height: 20 to 40 feet
Sun: Part shade
Soil: Well-drained, acidic
Water: Moderate

Eastern Washington Tree Choices

Eastern Washington is drier and colder. Summers are hot, winters are cold. Trees here need drought tolerance and cold hardiness. Many are deciduous or hardy pines.

Ponderosa Pine

This iconic pine grows across the east side. It has long needles and orange-brown bark. It handles dry conditions and poor soil. It is very wind-resistant.

Height: 60 to 100 feet
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, sandy
Water: Low

Quaking Aspen

Aspen groves are common in eastern Washington. They spread by roots and form clumps. Their leaves tremble in the wind. They need some moisture but handle cold.

Height: 30 to 50 feet
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Moist, loamy
Water: Moderate

Rocky Mountain Juniper

This evergreen is very drought-tolerant. It has blue-green berries and scaly leaves. It grows slowly but lives a long time. Great for rocky or poor soil.

Height: 20 to 40 feet
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, dry
Water: Very low

Bur Oak

A tough oak from the Great Plains. It handles cold, heat, and drought. Its acorns feed wildlife. It has a broad, spreading canopy.

Height: 50 to 80 feet
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Deep, well-drained
Water: Low

Honey Locust

This tree has delicate leaves that cast light shade. It is very adaptable to different soils. It has thorns on some varieties, but thornless types are available. It grows fast.

Height: 30 to 70 feet
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Any well-drained
Water: Low to moderate

How To Choose The Right Tree For Your Yard

Picking the best trees to plant in washington means thinking about your specific site. Not all trees work in all places. Follow these steps to make a good choice.

Check your hardiness zone. Western Washington is mostly zone 8. Eastern Washington is zone 5 to 7. Pick trees rated for your zone.
Test your soil. Wet side soil is acidic. Dry side soil is often alkaline. Some trees need specific pH levels.
Measure your space. Look at overhead wires, buildings, and other trees. Know the mature height and spread.
Consider sun exposure. Full sun means 6+ hours. Part shade means 3-6 hours. Shade means less than 3 hours.
Think about water. If you cannot water much, pick drought-tolerant trees. If you have a wet spot, pick moisture-loving trees.

Also consider how the tree will look in each season. Some trees have great fall color. Others have winter bark or spring flowers.

Mistakes To Avoid When Planting

Many people plant trees too deep. This is a common error. The root flare should be at or above ground level. Burying the trunk can kill the tree.

Another mistake is choosing a tree that gets too big for the space. A giant oak near a house can cause damage. Always check the mature size.

Do not forget to water new trees regularly. Even drought-tolerant trees need water for the first two years. A deep soak once a week is best.

Native Trees Vs. Non-Native Trees

Native trees are adapted to Washington’s climate. They support local wildlife like birds and insects. They often need less water and fertilizer.

Non-native trees can also work well. Some are very hardy and pest-resistant. But they may not support as much local biodiversity.

For the best trees to plant in washington, a mix of natives and well-adapted non-natives is fine. Just avoid invasive species like English ivy or butterfly bush.

Top Native Trees For Wildlife

Red-flowering currant (shrub, but great for hummingbirds)
Serviceberry (berries for birds)
Douglas fir (seeds for small mammals)
Black cottonwood (catkins for bees)
Oregon white oak (acorns for many animals)

Planting And Care Tips For Washington Trees

Planting at the right time is important. In western Washington, fall is best. In eastern Washington, early spring works well. Avoid planting in frozen ground or hot summer.

How To Plant A Tree Step By Step

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Make it the same depth.
Remove the tree from the container. Gently loosen roots if they are circling.
Place the tree in the hole. The root flare should be level with the ground.
Backfill with native soil. Do not add amendments unless soil is very poor.
Water deeply to settle the soil. Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base.
Stake only if needed. Remove stakes after one year.

Watering Guidelines

New trees need consistent moisture. Water deeply once a week during dry periods. In western Washington, you may not need to water much in winter.

In eastern Washington, summer watering is critical. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation. Water slowly so it soaks in deep.

After two years, most trees are established. Then you can water less often. Deep, infrequent watering is better than light, frequent watering.

Pruning Tips

Prune dead or damaged branches anytime. For major pruning, do it in late winter when trees are dormant. This reduces stress and disease risk.

Do not prune more than 25% of the canopy in one year. Over-pruning weakens the tree. Focus on removing crossing branches and suckers.

For young trees, shape them early. Remove low branches if you want a clear trunk. But leave some lower branches for a few years to help the trunk grow strong.

Common Tree Problems In Washington

Even the best trees to plant in washington can have issues. Here are some common problems and solutions.

Root Rot

Too much water can cause root rot. This is common in western Washington. Plant trees in well-drained soil. Avoid over-watering. Choose resistant species like western red cedar.

Drought Stress

In eastern Washington, drought is a bigger issue. Leaves may wilt or turn brown. Water deeply during dry spells. Mulch helps retain moisture.

Pests

Aphids, scale, and caterpillars can attack trees. Most healthy trees can handle minor infestations. Use insecticidal soap if needed. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.

Winter Damage

Cold snaps can harm trees in eastern Washington. Choose hardy species. Wrap young trees with burlap if needed. Avoid pruning in late fall.

Small Trees For Small Spaces

Not everyone has a big yard. Small trees are great for urban lots. They provide shade and beauty without overwhelming the space.

Best Small Trees For Western Washington

Japanese maple (many varieties, slow-growing)
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
Mountain hemlock (slow-growing conifer)

Best Small Trees For Eastern Washington

Golden currant (shrub-like, small tree)
Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
Hawthorn (Crataegus species)
Amur maple (Acer ginnala)
Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia, but check local regulations)

Fast-Growing Trees For Quick Shade

If you want shade fast, choose fast-growing trees. They grow 2-3 feet per year. But they often have shorter lifespans.

Fast-Growing Trees For Western Washington

Red alder (native, grows 3-5 feet per year)
Hybrid poplar (very fast, but weak wood)
Willow (likes wet areas, grows fast)
Bigleaf maple (native, fast for a maple)

Fast-Growing Trees For Eastern Washington

Honey locust (thornless varieties)
Silver maple (fast but messy)
Green ash (hardy, but emerald ash borer is a risk)
Cottonwood (native, very fast, needs space)

Fast-growing trees need more pruning and care. They are good for temporary shade. Consider planting a slower-growing, long-lived tree too.

Evergreen Trees For Year-Round Privacy

Evergreens keep their leaves all year. They make great privacy screens. They also block wind and noise.

Evergreen Trees For Western Washington

Western red cedar (native, great screen)
Douglas fir (tall, stately)
Arborvitae (Emerald Green variety)
Pacific yew (slow, shade-tolerant)

Evergreen Trees For Eastern Washington

Ponderosa pine (open canopy, not dense)
Rocky Mountain juniper (dense, drought-tolerant)
Colorado blue spruce (beautiful color)
Scotch pine (hardy, fast-growing)

For a dense screen, plant trees 6-10 feet apart. They will fill in over time. Water them well the first few years.

Fruit Trees That Grow Well In Washington

Washington is famous for apples. But many fruit trees grow well here. Choose varieties that match your region.

Fruit Trees For Western Washington

Apple (many varieties, need chill hours)
Pear (Bartlett, Anjou)
Plum (Italian, Methley)
Cherry (Bing, Rainier)
Fig (hardy varieties like Brown Turkey)

Fruit Trees For Eastern Washington

Apple (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith)
Peach (Frost, Redhaven)
Apricot (Tilton, Moorpark)
Cherry (Bing, Lambert)
Pear (Bosc, Comice)

Fruit trees need full sun and good air flow. They also need regular pruning. Protect blossoms from late frosts in eastern Washington.

Where To Buy Trees In Washington

Local nurseries are the best source. They carry trees suited to your area. Big box stores may sell trees that are not ideal.

Look for nurseries that specialize in native plants. They can give expert advice. Online nurseries are also an option, but shipping can be costly.

Some good options include:

WSU Extension plant sales (spring and fall)
Local conservation districts (often sell native trees cheap)
Independent garden centers
Farmers markets (sometimes have tree vendors)

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Easiest Tree To Grow In Washington?

For western Washington, western red cedar is very easy. It grows in wet soil and shade. For eastern Washington, ponderosa pine is low-maintenance. It handles drought and poor soil.

Can I Plant A Tree In Summer In Washington?

It is possible but not ideal. Summer heat stresses new trees. If you must plant in summer, water very carefully. Provide shade if possible. Fall or spring is better.

What Trees Should I Avoid Planting In Washington?

Avoid invasive species like English holly, butterfly bush, and Norway maple. Also avoid trees with weak wood like silver maple near buildings. Check with your local extension office for a list.

How Far From A House Should I Plant A Tree?

For small trees (under 30 feet), plant at least 10 feet away. For medium trees (30-50 feet), plant 15-20 feet away. For large trees (over 50 feet), plant 25-30 feet away. This prevents root and branch damage.

Do I Need To Fertilize New Trees In Washington?

Usually no. Most Washington soils have enough nutrients. Over-fertilizing can harm trees. If your soil is very poor, use a slow-release organic fertilizer. Test your soil first.

Final Thoughts On Choosing Trees

Washington is a great place to grow trees. The climate supports a wide range of species. The key is matching the tree to your specific location.

Remember to consider sun, soil, water, and space. Native trees are often the safest choice. But many non-natives also thrive here.

Take your time when selecting. A tree is a long-term investment. The right tree will provide beauty, shade, and habitat for decades.

Whether you live in rainy Seattle or sunny Spokane, there are plenty of options. Use this guide to find the best trees to plant in washington for your yard. Happy planting.