The Best Trees for Homeowners in Pennsylvania
If you’re a Pennsylvania homeowner considering planting a tree in your backyard, you’re making a wise investment. Trees can increase property value, provide shade and privacy, attract wildlife, and even reduce energy bills. But with Pennsylvania's diverse climate and soils, choosing the right tree is key. This guide explores the best trees to plant in Pennsylvania yards, taking into account the state’s USDA Hardiness Zones (4b–7a), typical soil types, and homeowner goals.
Whether you're in the wooded hills of the Poconos or the fertile valleys near Lancaster, these tree recommendations will help you make the right choice for your landscape.
Overview of the Best Types of Trees
If you're short on time or want a recommendation based on your overall goals, here are our top picks for trees:
- ⭐ Fastest Growing Tree: Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)—Can grow over 2 feet per year; excellent for quick privacy or windbreaks.
- ⭐ Best Tree for Shade: Red Maple (Acer rubrum)—Broad canopy, fast-growing, and great fall color make this a go-to for summer shade.
- ⭐ Best Tree for Privacy: Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)—Dense, evergreen foliage provides year-round screening and sound buffering.
- ⭐ Most Drought-Tolerant Tree: White Oak (Quercus alba)—Once established, it handles dry conditions exceptionally well—ideal for low-maintenance yards.
- ⭐ Best Ornamental Tree: Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)—Stunning spring blooms and compact size make this a showstopper for front yards or small spaces.
- ⭐ Best Tree for Wildlife: White Oak (Quercus alba)—Supports the most insect and bird life of any PA-native tree.
- ⭐ Best Tree for Wet Areas: River Birch (Betula nigra)—Thrives in soggy soil where many other trees would fail; perfect for low-lying backyards.
- ⭐ Best Edible Tree: Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)—Produces tasty berries in early summer, loved by humans and birds alike.
- ⭐ Best Tree for Fall Color: Red Maple (Acer rubrum)—Vibrant reds and oranges light up any Pennsylvania autumn.
- ⭐ Best Low-Maintenance Tree: American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)—Pest-resistant, slow-growing, and requires minimal pruning—ideal for hands-off homeowners.
The Best Trees in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s climate and soil conditions support a variety of trees that are both beautiful and practical for homeowners. Whether you're looking for shade, color, or low-maintenance options, these tree choices are well-suited for thriving across the state.
1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- Purpose: Ornamental, Pollinator Attractor
- Soil & Drainage: Adaptable to various soils; prefers well-drained sites
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established
- Growth Rate: Moderate (12–18 inches/year)
- Height & Spread: 20–30 ft tall, 25–35 ft spread
- Flowers: Stunning pink-purple blooms in early spring
- Maintenance: Low; prune after flowering if needed
Why It's Great for PA: Eastern Redbud is native to the eastern U.S. and thrives in PA’s climate. Its early spring flowers are among the first to bloom, feeding pollinators emerging from winter. It’s a compact tree—ideal for small yards—and handles urban conditions well.
2. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- Purpose: Shade, Fall Color
- Soil & Drainage: Prefers moist, slightly acidic soil; tolerates wet and dry conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Moderate to high; thrives in moist environments
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (13–24 inches/year)
- Height & Spread: 40–70 ft tall, 30–50 ft spread
- Flowers: Small red flowers in early spring
- Maintenance: Moderate; may require limb thinning
Why It's Great for PA: Known for its brilliant red fall foliage, the Red Maple is one of the most common native trees in Pennsylvania. Its adaptability makes it suitable for nearly every part of the state, and it provides great shade for patios or lawns.
3. American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)
- Purpose: Ornamental, Privacy, Wildlife Habitat
- Soil & Drainage: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay
- Sunlight: Full sun to full shade
- Water: Moderate
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (8–12 inches/year)
- Height & Spread: 20–35 ft tall, 20–30 ft spread
- Flowers: Small, inconspicuous catkins in spring
- Maintenance: Low; very durable and pest-resistant
Why It's Great for PA: Also called “musclewood” for its sinewy trunk, the American Hornbeam is perfect for naturalistic or shady landscapes. Its dense foliage provides privacy and shelter for birds, and it transitions beautifully through the seasons with yellow-orange fall color.
4. White Oak (Quercus alba)
- Purpose: Shade, Wildlife Habitat, Long-Term Value
- Soil & Drainage: Deep, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (12–18 inches/year, slow when young)
- Height & Spread: 50–80 ft tall, 50–80 ft spread
- Flowers: Inconspicuous spring catkins
- Maintenance: Low once established; allow space to grow
Why It's Great for PA: A keystone species in Pennsylvania's forests, White Oak supports over 500 species of caterpillars—great for bird lovers. It’s a majestic tree that adds legacy and beauty to any large yard, and its acorns feed deer, squirrels, and turkeys.
5. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
- Purpose: Ornamental, Edible Fruit, Wildlife Habitat
- Soil & Drainage: Moist, well-drained soils
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Moderate
- Growth Rate: Moderate (12–24 inches/year)
- Height & Spread: 15–25 ft tall, 15–20 ft spread
- Flowers: White flowers in early spring
- Maintenance: Low; prune to maintain form
Why It's Great for PA: Serviceberries are multi-season trees that flower early, bear edible berries in June, and turn brilliant orange-red in fall. Native to PA, they’re a favorite for birds and pollinators. Great for smaller yards and native landscaping.
6. River Birch (Betula nigra)
- Purpose: Shade, Ornamental Bark, Erosion Control
- Soil & Drainage: Thrives in moist or poorly drained soils
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: High; ideal for wet spots
- Growth Rate: Fast (24–36 inches/year)
- Height & Spread: 40–70 ft tall, 30–60 ft spread
- Flowers: Catkins in spring
- Maintenance: Moderate; shed twigs and bark
Why It's Great for PA: With its peeling, salmon-colored bark and fast growth, River Birch is one of the few birches resistant to the bronze birch borer. It’s great for areas near creeks or low spots with standing water.
7. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
- Purpose: Shade, Wildlife Habitat, Long-Term Shade Tree
- Soil & Drainage: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Water: Moderate
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (18–24 inches/year)
- Height & Spread: 60–75 ft tall, 45 ft spread
- Flowers: Inconspicuous in spring
- Maintenance: Low; sturdy structure
Why It's Great for PA: A classic shade tree with strong wood and fast growth, Red Oak is more tolerant of urban pollution than other oaks. It’s a valuable wildlife tree and turns deep red in the fall.
8. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
- Purpose: Privacy Screen, Windbreak, Wildlife Shelter
- Soil & Drainage: Sandy, well-drained soils; dislikes heavy clay
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Water: Moderate
- Growth Rate: Fast – 24–36 inches/year
- Height & Spread: 50–80 ft tall, 20–40 ft spread
- Flowers: Inconspicuous cones
- Maintenance: Low; some needle drop is normal
Why It's Great for PA: The state tree of Pennsylvania, Eastern White Pine grows quickly and forms an attractive, soft-textured privacy screen. It’s great for sheltering birds and buffering wind in rural or suburban settings.
Final Tips for Tree Selection in PA
Planting a tree in your Pennsylvania yard is a long-term investment, so it pays to get it right from the start. Here are the key things to consider:
- Purpose: Know what you want your tree to do—provide shade, privacy, flowers, fruit, wildlife habitat, or ornamental value. Your goals will help narrow down the best species.
- Soil Test First: Pennsylvania soils range from sandy in the east to clay-heavy in the west. Do a simple soil test before planting.
- Right Tree, Right Place: Always consider the mature size of a tree. Avoid planting large species too close to houses, driveways, or utility lines.
- Native is Best: Native trees generally require less maintenance, support local ecosystems, and thrive in PA’s climate.
- Deer Resistance: In many parts of PA, deer browsing is a major issue. Consider protective tree guard fencing or deer-resistant species where needed.
- Maintenance Needs: Some trees require regular pruning or leaf cleanup, while others are low-maintenance. Choose a tree that matches your desired level of upkeep.
- When to Plant: The best times to plant in PA are early spring (March–May) and early fall (September–October) for optimal root establishment.
With a little planning, your new tree can thrive for decades—adding beauty, function, and value to your home. To learn more about our state's towering giants, check out our blog on PA's tallest and oldest trees.
Choosing the Best Type of Tree For Your Yard
Whether you're looking for shade, flowers, fall color, privacy, or wildlife value, Pennsylvania offers a rich variety of tree options for homeowners. By considering your yard’s unique conditions—sunlight, soil, space, and purpose—you can choose a tree that won’t just survive, but thrive for decades to come.
When you're ready to plant, it's a great idea to consult with a local nursery, tree care company, or your Penn State Extension office for region-specific advice—and always call 811 before you dig to avoid underground utility lines.
Need expert help? Lawn RX offers professional Tree & Shrub Care services tailored to Pennsylvania landscapes. From planting guidance to ongoing health care, Lawn RX can help ensure your trees grow strong, healthy, and beautiful year after year.