Planting trees in your yard provides a lot of benefits. Trees provide shade and privacy and can even improve your property value. However, not every tree can thrive in every environment.
The best trees to plant in Washington state will be trees that can endure and grow in the climate of the Pacific Northwest. Washington has moderate summers, but it also has long, wet falls that extend into cool winters. That’s why many of the most common trees in Washington state are evergreen trees that thrive in the natural conditions around Puget Sound.
Tree ecosystems — and the best trees for the Pacific Northwest climate — aren’t always common knowledge. However, that’s where we come in. The Seattle tree care experts at Pacific Arboriculture have made trees our lives. So, we put together a list of recommendations for the best trees to plant in Seattle and Tacoma.
What are the Best Trees to Plant in Washington State?
Based on the climate and popularity, the following are our recommendations for the best trees to plant in Seattle, Tacoma, and across Washington.
Coniferous Trees
Coniferous or evergreen trees are among the most common trees in Washington state. They can endure the cool temperatures of Puget Sound winters and thrive naturally. Planting evergreen species that already thrive in the natural environment will make caring and maintaining your trees easier.
You have several types of evergreens to choose from:
Fir Trees
Fir trees grow naturally across the Pacific Northwest. They look great and are easy to care for. Fir trees can get quite large, so plant your trees away from overhead or underground utility lines.
Our Recommendations For The Best Fir Trees To Plant In Washington State
- Douglas Fir
- Grand Fir
Cypress Trees
Cypress trees can grow quickly to create a hedge of spires. They provide some privacy and exist in several colors. Be sure to plant your cypress trees with good drainage to avoid the risk of root rot.
Our Recommendations For The Best Cypress Trees To Plant In Washington State
- Leyland Cypress
- Thuja Giant Cypress
- Bald Cypress
Western Hemlock
Western Hemlock is the state tree of Washington. Naturally, it’s one of the most common trees in Seattle and Tacoma. Western Hemlock grows well in the sun or shade. Much like the fir trees, these can get big. Avoid power lines.
Western Red Cedar
The Western Red Cedar grows easily in Washington’s wet climate. They also look beautiful and smell nice. Watch out, though: these attractive trees can entice critters to live in them.
Deciduous Trees
While the conifers are a bit more common in the Northwest, you can also plant some hardy deciduous trees that have proven they can handle the wet, cool environment.
Maple Trees
Some maple trees grow well in Washington State. They grow fast and look gorgeous in spring, summer, and fall. Be aware that maple trees have shallow roots, which can potentially damage sidewalks as the tree matures.
Our Recommendations For The Best Maple Trees To Plant In Washington State
- Autumn Blaze Maple
- Audobon Silver Maple
- Norway Maple
- Red Maple
- Japanese Maple
Oak Trees
Oak trees come in several colors. They generally grow slowly, but some can grow to 100 feet tall and live up to 300 years. They can also grow quite broad. Plant your oaks at least 15 feet away from any structures.
Our Recommendations For The Best Oak Trees To Plant In Washington State
- Oregon White Oak
- Shumard Oak
- Southern Live Oak
- Hungarian Oak
- Italian Oak
Beech Trees
Beech trees can reach up to 100 feet tall and grow beautiful multi-colored foliage. However, some beeches can drop lots of fruit, creating messes, attracting animals, and sprouting new beech trees.
Our Recommendations For The Best Beech Trees To Plant In Washington State
- American Beeches
- European Beeches
The Best Time to Plant Trees in Washington State
Now that you know which trees to plant, let’s address the best time to plant trees in Washington state.
While many people think of springtime as the best time to plant trees, with Washington’s long, wet falls, planting in late summer can help create stronger trees. Young trees need lots of water. Puget Sound falls that stretch into December provide that. The young trees can use the rainy fall season to establish a robust root system before winter and also before their first bloom or summer heat.
The Best Time To Plant Fruit Trees In Washington
The prime time for planting apple trees in Washington state, or other fruit trees for that matter, is within two different windows on the calendar.
The first window is in the spring, around March or April. This window works as long as the summer isn’t too dry. (Alternatively, you can nurse your young fruit tree through its first summer with lots of water.)
The second window is in the late summer or early fall. The fall rains help the new tree establish its root system before winter.
Plant the Best Trees for Washington’s Climate with Pacific Arboriculture
Don’t be too quick to plant your new tree alone. If you plan to grow your tree near the street, you may need to apply for a permit from the Department of Transportation first.
Before digging a hole to plant a tree, you must contact the city to mark any buried utility lines. Plant your tree at least several feet away from the marked lines.
While that may seem like a lot of hassle, the potential safety concerns those procedures were designed to address can be severe. If you prefer not to deal with that hassle, contact the professionals at Pacific Arboriculture. We can handle all your permits for you. We also offer residential tree services to help you maintain your trees as they mature.
Pacific Arboriculture can help you with all of your tree care needs, from identifying and removing existing trees on your property to planting and caring for new ones. Get a quote today!