Pennsylvania landscapes are famous across the US for the many lush, beautiful trees lining the streets and dotting the countryside. In PA, you get vibrant fall colors of maple trees and countless varieties of fruit-bearing trees, and the state’s unique climate helps a wide range of interesting and beautiful trees to flourish, giving you plenty of ways to spruce up your property.
With so many amazing options to choose from, picking out a tree or two to complement your home can be a serious challenge. If you can’t decide which type of tree you want to plant in your yard or just want help identifying the trees you already have around your home, our guide to Pennsylvania trees is here to help.
What Are the Most Common Trees in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania forests are very diverse and resilient, and in them, you’ll find a wide variety of native trees that are perfect options for adding natural beauty to their residential or commercial properties.
Here are some of the most common trees found in Pennsylvania.
- Red Maple: Known for their vibrant fall colors and resilience.
- Eastern Hemlock: The state tree of Pennsylvania for a reason, and thrives in shady, moist locations.
- White Oak: Offers long lifespans and exceptional strength, great for adding much-needed shade to any landscape.
- Tulip Poplar: Their eye-catching flowers and fast growth make these trees a favorite for many Pennsylvania homeowners.
- Black Cherry: One of the most common and beautiful fruit-bearing trees that Pennsylvania has to offer.
Fast-Growing Trees in Pennsylvania
One of the biggest problems that homeowners face when planting a new tree is the issue of time. Many of the most common types of trees take multiple decades to reach maturity, and most homeowners simply can’t afford to wait that long just for a bit of extra shade and scenery.
The good news is that while picking a tree based on how quickly it grows does limit your choices quite a bit, there are still plenty of fast-growing trees for Pennsylvania homeowners to choose from. Here are some of the most popular options.
- Hybrid Poplar: Can grow 5 to 8 feet or more per year; its quick growth often leads to weak wood that leaves it prone to storm damage.
- Silver Maple: Fast-growing and great for providing shade, but requires strategic placement due to its wide-reaching root system.
- River Birch: The ideal tree for landscapes with wet soil conditions, especially if you like the unique look offered by its peeling bark.
- Weeping Willow: Provides plenty of shade and distinctive aesthetic appeal, but also requires strategic placement because of its large, aggressive root system.
Fast-growing trees are a great choice for anyone who wants quick results, but it’s smart to remember that there are a few drawbacks to consider. Quick growth means that these trees will require more frequent maintenance and tree pruning, which can make them a more serious investment upfront.
However, as long as you keep up with all the extra tree care, any one of these trees can make a great addition to your home or commercial property.
Invasive Trees in Pennsylvania
In addition to the diverse range of native trees in Pennsylvania, there are also plenty of invasive trees that cause a lot more harm than good.
You should never plant any of these trees in your landscape, and if you think you already have some, it’s a good idea to consider removing and replacing them with something else. Here are some of the most common and harmful invasive trees that Pennsylvania property owners should be aware of.
- Tree of Heaven: Native to China, this invasive tree grows quickly and can be toxic to the plants and animals around them.
- Callery Pear: Another native of East Asia, these trees are beautiful but also grow, spread, and push out native plants extremely quickly. They’re also known for their fishy smell.
- Norway Maple: Native to central and eastern Europe and western Asia, these maples outcompete other native trees with ease.
- Princess Tree: originally from eastern China and the Korean Peninsula, princess trees grow quickly and produce millions of seeds that spread easily by wind.
If you notice any of these trees in your landscape, you should contact a professional tree removal service immediately to make sure that they don’t grow, spread, and continue to harm the many beautiful native plants, trees, and animals around Pennsylvania.
What Fruit Trees Grow in Pennsylvania?
Are you a weekend gardener who loves growing your own fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables?
You’re in luck because Pennsylvania offers the perfect climate for growing a wide variety of fruit-bearing trees. Here are some of the most popular options.
- Apple Trees: One of the most beginner-friendly fruit trees, these trees are hardy, adaptable, and as American as it gets.
- Pear Trees: A bit less resilient than apple trees, pear trees need lots of sun and not overly damp soil.
- Peach Trees: Another great fruit-bearing choice, but they are vulnerable to late spring frosts.
- Cherry Trees: Known for their colorful spring flower blooms, and can produce a wide variety of both sweet and tart cherries depending on the specific type you choose.
- American Persimmon: Highly resistant to disease and produces a unique fruit that’s perfect for making fruit preserves and baked goods in the fall.
One thing to be aware of is that fruit trees can be tricky, and getting them to produce good fruit will require a lot of extra work and care, including soil testing, placement planning, regular pruning, and additional trees for pollination. Still, for many PA homeowners, this is a small price to pay for fresh fruit and unique, natural beauty.
Contact AC Tree Experts Today
Are you looking for a local tree care company that you can trust with your landscape’s most valuable assets? Give us a call at (610) 241-0609.
Our team is always here to answer your tree care questions and will happily tell you more about how we can help you give your landscape’s trees the proper care that they deserve. From simply offering suggestions about what trees to plant in your yard to providing all the essential tree care services you need to keep your trees and the landscape around them safe and healthy, we have your back no matter what.
Don’t trust anyone but the best with your landscape’s trees. Contact AC Tree Experts today!