The trees of the Pacific Northwest define Seattle as much as the Space Needle or Pike Place Market. Our towering natives create the lush canopy that gives our region its distinctive character and natural beauty.

Best of all, these magnificent trees aren’t limited to parks and forests. You can bring the same stunning greenery to your own yard, boosting your property value while creating a slice of PNW paradise outside your window.

Key Takeaways:

• Native trees in Seattle generally require less maintenance and water than non-native species, saving homeowners time and money on long-term care.
• Strategic placement of native trees can reduce cooling costs in summer, heating costs in winter, all while increasing property values through natural shade and curb appeal.
• Different native species suit different yard sizes, from towering Western red cedars for privacy to compact vine maples perfect for small spaces.

Why Go Native in Seattle?

Native trees have thrived in the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years, long before cities and neighborhoods existed. They’re perfectly adapted to our unique climate, which means

they generally need less maintenance and care than trees brought in from other regions, all while providing more benefits for local property owners.

Native trees are the best choice for our area due to:

• Lower Maintenance Costs: Native trees need less water, fertilizer, and pruning since they’re adapted to local growing conditions (though it’s still best to water during times of drought).
• Natural Storm Protection: Deep, sturdy root systems prevent storm damage and soil erosion on slopes.
• Energy Savings: Plant in the right spots to reduce summer cooling costs and winter heating costs.
• Wildlife Support: Native trees provide food and shelter for local birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects for a thriving ecosystem.
• Disease Resistance: Built in defenses against local pests and diseases mean fewer problems and treatments.
• Curb Appeal: Mature native trees can boost curb appeal and increase home values.

With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why more Seattle homeowners are choosing native trees for their yards, rather than the typical trees available at big box stores. Let’s look at some of the best options for your yard.

Deciduous Shade Trees

The right shade tree can transform your yard while slashing energy costs during our ever-warmer summers. Here are five native deciduous trees that provide excellent shade coverage:

Big Leaf Maple: King of Seattle Shade Trees

This Northwest native is one of the largest deciduous trees in the area, growing up to 100 feet tall. Its massive leaves create dense shade perfect for cooling homes and yards in summer, while letting the occasional ray of sunlight through in winter. Big leaf maples also put on an amazing fall color show, turning bright gold and orange.

Black Cottonwood: Fast Growing Shade

Looking for (relatively) quick shade? Black cottonwood grows faster than most native trees, reaching heights of 80 feet or more. Its large, shimmering leaves create cooling shade and a pleasant rustling sound in summer breezes. However, these trees are best planted away from buildings due to its size and vigorous root system.

Pacific dogwood in bloom.

Pacific Dogwood: Beauty and Shade Combined

A smaller option at 40 feet tall, Pacific dogwood offers both shade and stunning spring flowers. Large white blooms cover the tree in spring, followed by dense foliage that provides moderate shade. Fall brings clusters of red berries that attract birds and beautiful reddish-purple leaves. With a smaller mature height, these trees do well planted a little closer to the home, or to shade a driveway.

Red Alder: Pioneer Species

This adaptable tree grows well in tough spots where other trees struggle. Red alders reach 60 feet tall and provide filtered shade. Their roots actually improve soil quality by fixing nitrogen, making them great choices for restoring disturbed sites.

Oregon Ash: Tough and Reliable

Growing to 75 feet tall, Oregon ash handles wet winter soils and summer drought like a champ. Its compound leaves create dappled shade that’s perfect for understory plants while still blocking enough sun to help cool your home.

Seattle’s Native Evergreen Trees

Want year-round privacy, wind protection, and much-needed color during our gray winters? Native evergreens are the workhorses of Seattle landscapes, providing constant screening and shelter while needing minimal care once established. These are also some of the most iconic native trees in our area.

Western Red Cedar: Nature’s Privacy Screen

Our region’s most popular evergreen grows tall and dense, reaching heights over 100 feet. Its drooping branches create a natural privacy screen from ground level up. Western red cedars prefer moist soil but can handle some drought once established. Their roots are less aggressive than many large trees, making them safer to plant in average suburban lots.

Photo of a Douglas fir | courtesy of Jona Villa, Bugwood.org

Douglas Fir: Seattle’s Heritage Tree

These iconic Northwest giants can soar past 200 feet in nature but usually stay around 100 feet in urban settings. Douglas firs have strong wood that stands up to storms and provides excellent wind protection. Their tall, straight trunks with high canopies make them ideal for larger properties where height isn’t an issue.

Want to see some impressive history? Head to Olympic National Park to see the Methuselah Douglas Fir, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, a remnant of Washington’s old growth forests.

Western Hemlock: Shade Tolerant Giant

Perfect for shadier spots where other evergreens struggle, Western hemlocks grow 150 feet or taller with a naturally pyramidal shape. Their fine, feathery needles create dense shade and excellent screening. These trees prefer consistent moisture and protection from harsh afternoon sun, so they work well planted in the shade of existing trees.

Grand Fir: Fragrant and Full

Growing to about 80 feet in landscapes, grand firs have a wonderful citrusy scent and deep green color. Their branches grow in distinct layers, creating a formal appearance perfect for property borders. They handle both sun and partial shade while providing excellent year-round screening.

Sitka Spruce: Coastal Tough

Though massive in the wild, Sitka spruce typically reaches 80 feet in urban settings. Their strong wood and dense branching pattern make them excellent windbreaks, especially in coastal areas where salt spray and strong winds are common. They prefer moist soil but tolerate a range of conditions.

Smaller Trees for Limited Spaces

Not every Seattle yard has room for towering native trees. These compact options pack all the benefits of natives into sizes that work for smaller properties, areas near buildings, or spots under power lines.

Vine Maple: Perfect Under Power Lines

Growing to just 20 feet tall, vine maples are ideal for tight spaces and shaded areas. Their delicate leaves turn brilliant red and orange in fall, while their naturally spreading form creates beautiful year-round structure. These adaptable trees thrive in both sun and shade, making them perfect for those tricky spots in your yard.

Cascara: Wildlife Magnet

A slow growing tree that eventually reaches 30 feet, the cascara provides glossy green leaves that turn golden in fall. Birds love their dark berries, making this an excellent choice for nature lovers. These trees handle both sun and shade while staying naturally compact.

Shore Pine: Tough and Adaptable

This native pine grows slowly to about 25 feet tall in gardens. Shore pines naturally develop interesting shapes and can handle wind, poor soil, and drought once established. Their compact size makes them perfect for smaller yards wanting year-round greenery.

Pacific Crabapple: Four Season Interest

Growing just 20 feet tall, Pacific crabapples offer spring flowers, summer shade, and fall fruit that birds love. Their naturally rounded shape needs little pruning, and they’re tough enough to handle various soil conditions. These trees are excellent choices for front yards where you want multiple seasons of interest without overwhelming the space.

Choosing the Right Native Tree for Your Yard

The most important thing you can do to help your trees thrive and minimize maintenance in the future is to plant the right tree in the right place. Poor placement can lead to constant problems down the road, from unhealthy trees to total tree failure, wasting your time and money.

Here’s what to consider when choosing a tree to plant in your yard:

• Space Requirements: Consider the tree’s mature height and spread, including space for roots that can grow 2-3 times wider than the canopy.
• Soil Conditions: Test your soil drainage and type; some natives prefer wet soils while others need well drained spots.
• Sun Exposure: Match the tree to your available light; not all natives thrive in full sun, and not all sapling will survive when planted in the shade of another tree.
• Existing Structures: Look up and around for power lines, buildings, and other obstacles that might conflict with future growth.
• Purpose: Identify your main goal, whether it’s shade, privacy, wildlife attraction, or seasonal color.

Taking time to choose the right trees will set your new plantings up for decades of success.

FAQs About Native Trees in Seattle

How fast do native trees grow?

Growth rates vary significantly. Big leaf maples and red alders grow quickly, while Pacific dogwoods and shore pines grow more slowly.

When is the best time to plant native trees in Seattle?

Fall is ideal for planting as our rainy season helps establish strong root systems before summer drought.

Do native trees need supplemental water?

While natives are drought tolerant once established, they need regular water for the first 2-3 years, especially during the summer months.

How close can I plant a native tree to my house?

It depends on the species. Small trees, like vine maples, can be as close as 15 feet, while larger trees, like Douglas firs, should be at least 30 feet away.

Invest in Native Trees and Let Seattle Tree Care Support Their Growth

Native trees are a smart choice for Seattle properties, as they can provide decades of benefits while requiring minimal care, so long as they’re planted in the right spot. By choosing the right native tree and planting it with care, you’re making a long-term investment in both your property value, our community, and our local ecosystem.

Seattle Tree Care’s Certified Arborists provide expert pruning and trimming, diagnose and treat diseases, and can improve soil health with targeted fertilization. Whether your treed structural pruning, pest management, or general maintenance, we’re here to support their long-term success. Call us at 206-789-0534 or fill out our online form to request a quote today.