The Best Trees to Plant in the Pacific Northwest

Planting a tree is a long-term investment in your property. A well-chosen tree provides shade, beauty, wildlife habitat, and increased property value for decades. A poorly chosen tree becomes a maintenance headache — or worse, a hazard. Here are our top recommendations for the Pacific Northwest, organized by common homeowner goals.

For Shade and Canopy Coverage

Red Maple (Acer rubrum) — Adaptable to most soil types, provides excellent fall color in shades of red and orange. Grows 40 to 60 feet tall. Select cultivars like 'October Glory' or 'Red Sunset' for the most reliable fall color in our mild climate.

Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana) — Our native oak is a stunning, long-lived shade tree that supports local wildlife. Slow-growing but incredibly durable once established. Best for larger properties where it has room to spread.

For Year-Round Interest

Pacific Madrone (Arbutus menziesii) — An iconic native evergreen broadleaf with beautiful cinnamon-red peeling bark and white spring flowers. Can be challenging to transplant, so plant young or choose a site carefully.

Stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia) — Delivers four-season interest: white camellia-like flowers in summer, outstanding red-orange fall color, and exfoliating bark that provides winter beauty. Prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

For Small Spaces

Vine Maple (Acer circinatum) — Our native small maple is perfect for understory planting or small yards. Multi-stemmed form, excellent fall color, and rarely exceeds 20 feet. Thrives in partial shade.

Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus) — Elegant small tree with pendulous white flowers in late spring. Grows 20 to 30 feet tall with a graceful spreading canopy. Works well as a patio or specimen tree.

For Screening and Privacy

Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) — Our native cedar is an excellent evergreen screen. Fast-growing, tolerant of wet soils, and naturally resistant to rot and insects. Can be maintained as a hedge or allowed to grow to full size.

Planting Tips

Whatever species you choose, fall (October through November) is the best time to plant in the Pacific Northwest. Cooler temperatures reduce transplant stress, and winter rains help establish root systems. Always plant at the correct depth — the root flare should be visible at the soil surface. And mulch with two to three inches of organic material, keeping it away from the trunk.

Need help selecting the right tree for your property? Our certified arborists provide free consultations and can recommend species tailored to your specific site conditions and goals.