11 of the Easiest Trees to Grow, According to Experts

Crepe myrtle tree — Credit:
Getty Images

Trees are the focal point of any landscape, whether you grow a statement flowering tree in your front yard or plant a hedge row out back. But if the thought of growing a tree is intimidating to you, we recommend starting with a low-maintenance variety. Many tree species can thrive in a variety of soils and light conditions. Ahead, a horticulturist and arborist share the easiest trees to grow in your landscape, so you can spend less time fussing over it and more time admiring its beauty.

Damon Abdi of the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University's AgCenter
Mark Canney, certified arborist with the Arbor Day Foundation

01 of 11

Eastern Redbud

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) thrives with minimal intervention on your part. "They’re adaptable to various soil types, including those prone to dry conditions," says Mark Canney, a certified arborist with the Arbor Day Foundation. "One of the most beautiful native flowering trees, redbud's early spring blooms feature vibrant magenta flowers that emerge before the foliage, providing a strong visual contrast against the tree’s gray branches." It's relatively short compared to other tree varieties, so it's perfect for urban spaces or natural gardens.

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 15 to 25 feet tall x 15 to 20 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; alkaline, well-drained soil

02 of 11

River Birch

River birch (Betula nigra) is a popular tree due to its ability to thrive in diverse soil types. "Known for its quick growth and exfoliating bark, it continues to be used by homeowners dealing with soil compaction issues as well as in urban projects seeking trees for green infrastructure and stormwater management," says Canney. In spring, it forms brown catkins.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 35 to 50 feet tall x 35 to 40 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, slightly acidic soil

03 of 11

Northern Catalpa

Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) grows quickly and thrives in parks, lawns, and riparian zones (land along rivers, streams, lakes, and other bodies of water). "It's most obvious in the spring due to its large, tropical-looking flowers giving off a sweet fragrance," says Canney. "Long slender seed pods appear in the fall and persist through the winter, giving it the nickname the cigar tree."

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 40 to 65 feet tall x 20 to 35 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; fertile, loamy, medium to wet soil

04 of 11

Tulip Tree

The tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a fast grower that establishes easily, making it a perfect low-maintenance option. "It stands tall with a distinctive upright form," says Canney. "Its name comes from its tulip-shaped flowers, and both these blooms and its unique leaves make it popular in landscapes." The tulip tree attracts pollinators, including bees, hummingbirds, and swallowtail butterflies.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 60 to 75 feet tall x 30 to 40 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; rich, well-drained soil

05 of 11

Baldcypress

Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) is easy to grow thanks to its ability to thrive in a variety of soil and moisture conditions. "It can grow in swamps to highlands and is able to tolerate standing water or periods of drought," says Canney. "Offering an upright and conical shaped crown, its feathery foliage offers a good contrast of texture in the landscape." This evergreen tree drops its needles in fall and gives way to new vibrant green ones in spring.

Zones: 4 to 9
Size: 40 to 60 feet tall x 25 to 40 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun; wet and clay soil

06 of 11

Eastern White Pine

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is a fast grower that tolerates a wide range of climates. "It is known for its stately size and soft needles, providing both aesthetic and practical contributions to the landscape," says Canney. "The open canopy allows sunlight to reach understory plants, making it a good companion when creating a layered planting scheme." It also has value as a windbreak plant because of its rounded, pyramidal form.

Zones: 3 to 8
Size: 40 to 60 feet tall x 20 to 40 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; acidic, medium moisture, well-drained soil

07 of 11

Green Giant Arborvitae

giant green arborvitae — Getty / freemixer

Green giant arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata 'Green Giant') is a fast-growing tree that thrives in numerous conditions. Due to its evergreen foliage, it's often grown as a dense hedge or privacy screen in the landscape, says Damon Abdi of the Hammond Research Station at Louisiana State University's AgCenter.

Zones: 5 to 8
Size: 40 to 60 feet tall x 12 to 18 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; tolerates a wide range, but avoid soils with a lot of salinity

08 of 11

Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia Sweetbay — danishc / Getty Images

Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) can be grown in containers from cuttings and transplanted outdoors once the threat of frost has passed. In spring and summer, it puts on a beautiful display of white flowers, says Abdi. "The silvery undersides of the leaves create an appealing look when the wind blows," he adds.

Zones: 5 to 10
Size: 10 to 35 feet tall x 10 to 35 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; moist, acidic soil with organic matter

09 of 11

Red Maple

Red maple (Acer rubrum) tolerates a wide range of soils, making it easy to grow in various landscapes. Its vibrant red leaves and small red flowers offer beautiful color throughout fall and winter, says Abdi.

Zones: 2 to 9
Size: 40 to 120 feet tall x 30 to 50 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; tolerates a wide range of soils

10 of 11

Crabapple

Crabapple trees (Malus) are easy to grow thanks to their ability to thrive in a range of soil types. That said, it's best to avoid planting this tree in poorly drained areas. "Crabapple is a small flowering tree with tons of varieties, providing a range of flower options," says Abdi. It's often grown in midwestern and northeastern suburbs as a small, manageable feature tree.

Zones: 4 to 8
Size: 8 to 20 feet tall x 15 to 25 feet wide
Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil

11 of 11

Crape Myrtle

Like crabapples, crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia) are small flowering trees available in various varieties and flower colors. The exfoliating bark adds interest to the landscape during winter when the tree loses its leaves. While it can thrive in a range of growing conditions, avoid planting this tree in areas prone to crape myrtle bark scale.