The best trees for Washington state will depend on the specific needs and conditions of the site, such as soil type, moisture levels, and sunlight exposure. Washington state is home to a diverse range of tree species, including coniferous and deciduous trees.
Some popular trees for Washington state include Douglas fir, western red cedar, bigleaf maple, and red maple. These trees are well-suited to the climate and soil conditions of the state and can provide a range of benefits, including shade, ornamental value, and habitat for wildlife.
It is important to carefully consider each tree species’ specific needs and choose a tree that is well-suited to the intended location.
Let’s dive into our review!
Review: 7 Best Trees For Washington State of 2023 Reviewed
1.Douglas fir Tree (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a coniferous tree among the endless list of trees native to Washington state to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, including the state of Washington. It grows well in the moist, temperate climate of the region. It is well adapted to the area’s frequent rainfall and cool temperatures, like those of Washington State.
One of the main advantages of Douglas fir as a tree species is its fast growth rate. It can grow up to 3 feet per year, making it a popular choice for timber production and reforestation efforts. Douglas fir is also known for its strong, durable wood, often used in construction and manufacturing.
However, Douglas fir has some potential drawbacks as well. It is prone to several pests and diseases, including Douglas fir bark beetles, which can cause significant damage to the tree when grown in Washington State. In addition, Douglas fir is susceptible to wind damage, particularly in Washington State areas with high winds or storms.
Overall, the Douglas fir is a valuable tree species in Washington due to its fast growth rate, strong wood, and versatility in various applications. However, it is important to carefully consider its potential vulnerabilities to pests and diseases and its susceptibility to wind damage when deciding whether to plant or use Douglas fir in a particular location.
- Strong tee
- valuable tree species
- Fast growth rate
- Requires less maintenance
- Native to Washington state
- Durable wood
- versatility in a variety of applications
- susceptible to wind damage
- prone to Douglas fir bark beetles
2.Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) Tree
Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) is a coniferous tree native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America, including the state of Washington. It grows well in the moist, temperate climate of the region and is well adapted to the area’s frequent rainfall and cool temperatures.
One of the main advantages of Western red cedar as a tree species is its long lifespan. It can live for hundreds of years and is known for its durability and resistance to decay. Western red cedar is also prized for its attractive appearance, with fragrant, flat foliage and reddish-brown bark that peels in thin layers.
However, Western red cedar has some potential drawbacks as well. It is prone to several pests and diseases, including cedar bark beetles and root rot, which can cause significant damage to the tree. In addition, Western red cedar can be susceptible to wind damage, particularly in areas with high winds or storms.
Overall, Western red cedar is a valuable tree species in Washington due to its long lifespan, attractive appearance, and durability. However, it is important to carefully consider its potential vulnerabilities to pests and diseases and its susceptibility to wind damage when deciding whether to plant or use Western red cedar in a particular location.
- the wood of western red cedar trees is strong and durable. It is resistant to rot and decay and is of fair
- use in outdoor structures such as fences and decks.
- The wood of western red cedar trees has a high thermal insulation value
- Western red cedar trees are native to North America
- good choice for gardens and landscaping that feature native plants.
- roots of western red cedar trees help to anchor soil and prevent erosion
- good choice for slopes and other areas prone to erosion.
- These trees can grow very large, making them unsuitable for smaller gardens or landscaping spaces.
- Potential for damage to foundations
3.Maple Tree/ Bigleaf Maple, Red Maple, And Sugar Maple Trees
Maple trees are a type of deciduous tree that is known for their beautiful foliage and attractive bark. There are various maple trees, including bigleaf, red maple, and sugar maple.
Red maple (Acer rubrum) is a popular tree for landscapes and is native to the eastern United States. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach heights of up to 100 feet. Red maple is known for its attractive red flowers, leaves, and bark, which turn bright red in the fall. It is relatively disease-resistant but can be prone to pests such as aphids and scale insects. Red maple grows best in well-draining, moist soil and prefers partial shade. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is another popular maple tree native to the eastern United States. It is a large tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall and is known for its beautiful foliage, which turns bright orange and yellow in the fall. Sugar maple is relatively disease-resistant but can be prone to pests such as aphids and scale insects. It grows best in well-draining, moist soil and prefers partial shade. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
In general, maple trees need well-draining, moist soil and prefer partial shade. They also require regular watering and fertilization to thrive. The best-growth soil for maple trees is rich, loamy soil that is high in organic matter. Maple trees can be grown at a wide range of altitudes and in areas with a wide range of rainfall levels, but they prefer a moderate amount of moisture.
- can live for up to 1,000 years,
- have a fast growth rate
- can reach heights of up to 200 feet.
- A long-lasting addition to any landscape.
- adaptable to a wide range of soil types and
- the wood of western red cedar trees has a pleasant aroma
- Prone to wind damage
- pollen produced by western red cedar trees causes Allergic reactions
4.Pine trees
Pine: Pine trees, including the ponderosa pine and sugar pine, are well-suited to the climate of Washington state.Pine trees are evergreen trees known for their distinctive needles and cone-shaped fruit. There are several species of pine trees, each with unique characteristics.
They have moderate to low fertilizer requirements and can tolerate drought conditions. However, they can be prone to pests such as bark beetles and pine aphids and diseases such as pine wilt and pine blisters.
They prefer well-draining soil and regular watering and can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Pines resist many pests and diseases but can be susceptible to pine wilt and root collar rot.
Pine trees grow well in well-drained soils and tolerate various soil pH levels. They are adaptable to a variety of growing conditions and can be grown in a variety of climates. Choosing a pine tree that is well-suited for the specific growing conditions in your area, including the climate and soil type, is important.
- Pine trees are evergreen
- Retain their foliage year-round.
- Provides visual interest in the landscape
- Pine trees are adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions,
- Adaptable to different soil types, pH levels, and climates.
- pine trees are fast-growing
- provide quick privacy or wind protection.
- Pine trees can be prone to pests such as bark beetles and pine aphids\
- Prone to diseases such as pine wilt and pine blisters
5.White Spruce And Blue Spruce Trees
Spruce: Several species of spruce trees, including white and blue spruce, can be grown in Washington state. These trees prefer well-draining soil and regular watering and can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Spruces are resistant to many pests and diseases but can be susceptible to spruce budworm and gall adelgid.
White spruce is a medium to large tree that grows to a height of 50-80 feet with a pyramidal shape. It has a straight trunk and branches that are widely spaced, giving it an open and airy appearance. The leaves are short, stiff, and bluish-green. White spruce is commonly found in northern North America, including in Washington state. It is adaptable to various soil types and prefers moist, well-draining soil.
Blue spruce is a large tree that grows to a height of 50-100 feet with a conical shape. It has a straight trunk and densely packed branches, giving it a more formal appearance. The leaves are stiff and blue-gray, giving the tree its common name.
Blue spruce is native to the Rocky Mountains in the United States and is also found in Washington state. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Both white and blue spruce requires minimal fertilization, as they are adapted to growing in nutrient-poor soils. However, if the soil is particularly deficient in nutrients, a balanced fertilizer may be beneficial for promoting healthy growth
- can live for hundreds of years.
- require minimal pruning
- have low fertilizer requirements
- easy to care for
- have a distinctive appearance
- a popular choice for landscaping.
- can be used in a variety of settings
- grow very tall
- may require pruning to maintain their size and shape.
6.Sycamore Large/ Broad Leaves /Distinctive Bark Trees
Sycamore trees (Platanus spp.) are deciduous trees native to North America and Europe. They are known for their large, broad leaves and distinctive bark, rough and mottled with light and dark patches.
Regarding the growth zone, sycamore trees are suitable for planting in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4-9, which includes most of Washington state. They are tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and can be grown in various environments.
Sycamore trees are adapted to growing in moist, well-draining soils and can tolerate partial shade. They are relatively drought-tolerant once established and do not require heavy fertilization. However, a balanced fertilizer may promote healthy growth in nutrient-poor soils.
Diseases affecting sycamore trees include verticillium wilt, sycamore anthracnose, and leaf spots. Proper care and maintenance, such as watering and pruning, can help prevent these diseases.
Sycamore: The sycamore tree is well-suited to the climate of Washington state and is known for its large, broad leaves and distinctive bark. It prefers well-draining soil and regular watering and can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Sycamores are prone to diseases such as verticillium wilt and anthracnose and pests such as scale insects and borers.
- are often less expensive
- sustainable resources.
- add beauty, Aesthetic value, and visual interest to the landscape
- Can be specimen trees
- budget-friendly option for landscaping.
- Used as windbreaks
- Provide natural privacy screens.
- Can turn out to be a nuisance in landscaped areas2
- not be suitable for all planting locations
7.Walnut/ Black Walnut/ English Walnut Trees(Juglans spp.)
Walnut trees (Juglans spp.) are deciduous trees native to North America and Europe. There are several species of walnuts, including black walnut (Juglans nigra) and English walnut (Juglans regia).
Black walnut is a large tree that can grow to a height of 50-80 feet with a broad, rounded canopy. It has a straight trunk and branches that are widely spaced, giving it an open and airy appearance. The leaves are pinnately compound and dark green.
Black walnut is native to North America and is commonly found in the eastern United States. It prefers moist, well-draining soils and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
English walnut is a medium to large tree that grows to a height of 50-100 feet with a rounded canopy. It has a straight trunk and branches that are widely spaced, giving it an open and airy appearance. The leaves are pinnately compound and dark green. English walnut is native to Europe and is commonly grown in the United States for their edible nuts. It prefers well-draining soils and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Both black walnut and English walnut trees require minimal fertilization, as they are adapted to growing in Washington State nutrient-poor soils. However, a balanced fertilizer may promote healthy growth in Washington State soil, particularly nutrient deficiencies.
Diseases affecting walnut trees include walnut blight, blackline, and leaf spot. Proper care and maintenance, such as watering and pruning, can help prevent these diseases in Washington State.
Walnut: Several walnut trees, including the black walnut and English walnut, can be grown in Washington state. These trees prefer well-draining soil in Washington State and regular watering and can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Walnuts are resistant to many pests and diseases but can be susceptible to walnut blight and twig beetle.
- It can provide a sense of tranquility and serenity
- Improve ornamental value
- Spices up serenity sense
- Boost intrinsic property value
- Disease and pest resistant
- Drought compatible
- Has quality and secure root system
- Requires less maintenance
- may cause damage to sidewalks, driveways, and other hardscapes.
- Prone to walnut twig beetle.
8.Bigleaf maple trees (Acer macrophyllum)
Bigleaf maple trees (Acer macrophyllum) are native to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, including Washington state. They are known for their large, broad leaves and can grow up to 100 feet tall.
Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) is a deciduous tree native to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, including Washington state. It is known for its large, palmate leaves, which can be up to a foot wide and are typically green on top and pale on the bottom.
Bigleaf maple is a medium to large tree that grows to a height of 50-80 feet with a broad, rounded canopy. It has a straight trunk and branches that are widely spaced, giving it an open and airy appearance.
Bigleaf maple prefers moist, well-draining soils and full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It is adapted to growing in various soil types and is tolerant to drought once established. They prefer moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels.
It does not require heavy fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer may be beneficial for promoting healthy growth in soil that is particularly deficient in nutrients. Diseases affecting bigleaf maple include verticillium wilt, maple tar spot, and leaf spots. Proper care and maintenance, such as watering and pruning, can help prevent these diseases.
- Disease resistant
- Fast growth rate
- Less maintenance cost
- Requires less labor
- Pet friendly
- Does not cause damage to a house
- No toxic chemicals
- Improves land value
- roots can be aggressive
- can be a fire hazard
9.Red maple trees (Acer rubrum)
Wondering what trees are native to Washington state? Red maple trees (Acer rubrum) are also native to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, including Washington state. They are known for their red flowers, leaves, and twigs and can grow up to 100 feet tall.
Regarding the growth zone, red maple is suitable for planting in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3-9, which includes most of Washington state. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and can be grown in various environments.
Red maple is a medium to large tree that grows to a height of 50-80 feet with a rounded canopy. It has a straight trunk and branches that are widely spaced, giving it an open and airy appearance. The leaves are palmate and dark green, turning red in the fall.
Red maple prefers moist, well-draining soils and full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It is adapted to growing in various soil types and tolerates drought once established. It does not require heavy fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer may be beneficial for promoting healthy growth in soil that is particularly deficient in nutrients.
Diseases affecting red maple include verticillium wilt, maple tar spot, and leaf spots. Proper care and maintenance, such as watering and pruning, can help prevent these diseases.
They prefer moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels. They do not have high fertilizer requirements and can tolerate drought conditions.
- tolerate drought conditions
- its attractive red flowers
- works with different types of soil in Washington state
- It does not require heavy fertilization
- may be allergic
- Pine trees can shed leaves
10.Sugar maple Washington state native trees (Acer saccharum)
I was wondering what kind of trees grow in Washington state. Sugar maple trees (Acer saccharum) are native to the eastern United States and Canada but can also be found in the Pacific Northwest region, including Washington state. They are known for their beautiful autumn foliage and are often used as a source of maple syrup.
Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States and is also found in Washington state. It is known for its attractive fall foliage and ability to produce maple syrup.
Sugar maple is a medium to large tree that grows to a height of 50-80 feet with a rounded canopy. It has a straight trunk and branches that are widely spaced, giving it an open and airy appearance. The leaves are palmate and dark green, turning yellow, orange, and red in the fall.
Sugar maple prefers moist, well-draining soils and full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. It is adapted to growing in various soil types but prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. Sugar maple does not require heavy fertilization, but a balanced fertilizer may be beneficial for promoting healthy growth in soil, particularly deficient in nutrients.
Diseases affecting sugar maple include verticillium wilt, maple tar spot, and leaf spots. Proper care and maintenance, such as watering and pruning, can help prevent these diseases.
They prefer well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels. They have moderate fertilizer requirements and can tolerate drought conditions. However, they can be prone to pests such as borers and scale and diseases such as verticillium wilt and tar spot.
Sugar maples are best suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 3-8
- Pest and disease resistance
- Rapid growth rate
- It can be used o provide privacy
- Requires minimal care and maintenance
- They are not a heavy feeder
- They are not thirsty trees
- produce a sticky resin
- causes allergic reaction
- Vulnerability to wind damage
11.Coast Live Oak, Valley Oak, And Black Oak Trees
Oak: Several oak trees can be grown in Washington state, including the coast live oak, valley oak, and black oak. These trees prefer well-draining soil and regular watering and can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring.
Coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), valley oak (Quercus lobata), and black oak (Quercus kelloggii) are all species of oak trees that are native to North America. They are deciduous trees known for their attractive appearance and ability to tolerate various soil conditions.
Coast live oak is a medium to large tree that grows to a height of 40-80 feet with a rounded canopy. It has a straight trunk and branches that are widely spaced, giving it an open and airy appearance.
The leaves are evergreen, leathery, and dark green. Coastal live oak is native to the coastal regions of California and is also found in Washington state. It prefers well-draining soils and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Valley oak is a large tree that grows to a height of 80-100 feet with a rounded canopy. It has a straight trunk and branches that are widely spaced, giving it an open and airy appearance. The leaves are deciduous, lobed, and dark green.
Valley oak is native to the Central Valley of California and is also found in Washington. It prefers well-draining soils and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Black oak is a large tree that grows to 80-100 feet with a rounded canopy. It has a straight trunk and branches that are widely spaced, giving it an open and airy appearance. The leaves are deciduous, lobed, and dark green. Black oak is native to the eastern United States and is also found in Washington. It prefers well-draining soils and full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
All three oak species require minimal fertilization, as they are adapted to growing in nutrient-poor soils. However, a balanced fertilizer may be beneficial for promoting healthy growth in soil, particularly deficient in nutrients.
Diseases affecting oak trees include oak wilt, oak anthracnose, and oak leaf blister. Proper care and maintenance, such as watering and pruning, can help prevent these diseases. Oaks are resistant to many pests and diseases but can be susceptible to oak wilt and root fungus.
- has reddish-brown bark
- Dark green foliage
- can thrive in both moist and dry conditions.
- have a distinctive appearance
- a visually appealing addition to any landscape.
- High resistance to pests and diseases
- the low-maintenance choice for landscaping.
- require a consistent supply of water
- less suitable for drought-prone areas.
Let’s Recap
In conclusion, Washington state is home to a diverse range of trees well-suited to its climate and soil conditions. Some of the best trees for the state include the Douglas fir, western red cedar, maple, oak, pine, spruce, sycamore, walnut, and willow.
These trees offer a variety of benefits, such as providing shade, enhancing the beauty of the landscape, and providing habitat for wildlife. It is important to choose the right tree for your specific location and needs and to properly care for it to ensure its long-term health and success.