Planting a tree shouldn’t feel like a decades-long commitment before you see any payoff. The best easy to grow trees deliver fast establishment, vibrant foliage, and reliable structure without demanding constant intervention — making them ideal for new homeowners, busy families, and anyone who wants a greener yard without a second job as an arborist.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years comparing nursery stock specifications, studying USDA hardiness data sets, and analyzing aggregated owner feedback to find the trees that actually thrive when planted by the average gardener.
This guide breaks down the top picks by growth rate, mature size, and maintenance load so you can confidently choose the best easy to grow trees for your specific landscape goals.
How To Choose The Best Easy To Grow Trees
Not every tree labeled “easy” lives up to that promise. The difference often comes down to matching the species to your local climate and the specific micro conditions of your planting site. Here are the three factors that matter most for a stress-free experience.
Mature Size and Space Planning
A tree that reaches fifty feet tall and twenty feet wide looks magnificent in an open field but becomes a constant battle against foundations, power lines, and sidewalks in a standard suburban lot. Always check the expected mature height and spread before buying. If you have limited space, look for compact cultivars or species that respond well to annual pruning without losing their natural shape.
Growth Rate vs. Long-Term Durability
Fast growth is a major selling point, but ultra-fast growers like hybrid willows can have brittle wood that breaks in storms or aggressive root systems that invade drainage pipes. The sweet spot for most homeowners is a moderately fast grower — three to four feet per year — that also develops sturdy branching and deep roots. Species like the Autumn Blaze Maple and Thuja Green Giant strike this balance well.
Climate and Soil Adaptability
The most hassle-free trees are those that tolerate a wide range of soil pH, moisture levels, and temperature extremes. Check the USDA hardiness zone rating and compare it against your region. Also pay attention to the moisture needs listed on the nursery tag. Trees labeled “moderate watering” once established are far easier to maintain than those requiring constant irrigation through dry spells.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja Green Giant 2ft 8-Pack | Evergreen | Fast privacy screen | Mature height 60 ft | Amazon |
| 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae | Evergreen | Bulk privacy planting | Growth up to 3 ft/yr | Amazon |
| Autumn Blaze Maple | Shade Tree | Fall color impact | Height 40-50 ft | Amazon |
| American Red Maple | Shade Tree | Quick shade and color | Started at 3 ft tall | Amazon |
| 24 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Cuttings | Fast Grower | Erosion control | Cutting size 10 in | Amazon |
| Jane Magnolia | Flowering | Spring blooms | Height 10-15 ft | Amazon |
| Olive Tree Arbequina 4-Pack | Fruit | Edible harvest | Height up to 20 ft | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
7. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft 8-Pack
This Thuja Green Giant 8-pack arrives at two feet tall and is already well-rooted in its nursery pots, giving you a substantial head start versus bareroot or seedling options. The dense, pyramidal evergreen habit provides instant privacy when planted six to seven feet apart, and the foliage releases a pleasant Christmas-tree scent when brushed or pruned.
Perfect Plants includes their specially blended starter fertilizer in the package, which is a thoughtful touch that helps the trees establish quickly after transplanting. With a mature potential of sixty feet tall and twenty feet wide, these are best suited for larger properties where you can let them reach full size, though they tolerate pruning to maintain a lower height.
Once established — typically after one growing season with regular watering — the Thuja Green Giant requires very little intervention. It thrives in zones five through nine, adapting to clay, loam, and sandy soils as long as drainage is adequate. For homeowners who want a living fence that fills in fast and stays green year-round, this pack is the most reliable option available.
What works
- Substantial two-foot starter size gets results faster
- Natural pyramidal shape requires almost no pruning
- Adaptable to a wide range of soil types and climates
What doesn’t
- Large mature size can overwhelm small suburban lots
- Heavy shipment weight of 25 pounds makes handling awkward
5. 10 Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 7-10 Inches Tall
This ten-pack of Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae comes as small potted starters between seven and ten inches tall, which keeps the upfront cost low but still gives you a living plant with an established root ball rather than a dormant cutting. At three feet of growth per year under optimal conditions, these will reach privacy-screen height faster than most other evergreen options.
The key to success with these smaller starters is planting them in full sun with consistent moisture during the first summer. Spacing them six to seven feet apart allows the canopies to merge into a solid barrier within three to four years. They are rated for zones five through nine and tolerate partial shade, though growth slows noticeably with less direct light.
One important note — the manufacturer warranty covers only five days after delivery, and replacement shipping is your responsibility. Inspect the plants immediately upon arrival and contact the seller within the window if any look damaged. For the price per tree, this is the most economical way to establish a long evergreen hedge.
What works
- Extremely low cost per tree for bulk planting
- Fast growth rate of up to three feet annually
- Hardy across a wide zone range
What doesn’t
- Very small starter size requires patience
- Short five-day warranty window and buyer pays return shipping
3. Autumn Blaze Maple, 1 Gal
The Autumn Blaze Maple is widely regarded as one of the best hybrid shade trees for homeowners who want brilliant fall foliage without waiting a decade. This one-gallon nursery pot delivers a young tree that will establish quickly and push several feet of new growth per year once planted in full sun and well-draining soil.
At maturity, expect a height of forty to fifty feet with a symmetrical, rounded canopy that provides excellent summer shade. The leaves transition from deep green to vibrant orange and red in autumn, creating the kind of landscape impact that draws compliments from neighbors. It is rated for USDA zones three through eight, making it one of the most cold-hardy options on this list.
Be aware that due to agricultural regulations, this tree cannot ship to California, Arizona, Alaska, or Hawaii. It prefers slightly acidic soil and benefits from balanced slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring. Once established after two to three years, it demonstrates good drought tolerance and requires only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.
What works
- Spectacular orange-red fall color every year
- Fast growth rate for a hardwood shade tree
- Excellent cold hardiness down to zone three
What doesn’t
- Cannot ship to CA, AZ, AK, or HI
- Prefers acidic soil which may need amendment in alkaline regions
6. American Red Maple Shade Tree, 3 Feet Tall
The American Red Maple shipped from DAS Farms arrives at a full three feet tall, giving you the largest starter size of any tree in this lineup. This head start translates directly into faster shade coverage and earlier establishment compared to smaller nursery pots or bare-root whips.
American Red Maples are among the most adaptable native trees in North America, thriving in wet or dry conditions and tolerating both acidic and neutral soils. They produce a rounded crown that provides dense summer shade and reliable red-orange fall color. Their root system is less aggressive than silver maples, making them safer near driveways and foundations.
Because this is a live tree shipped in its soil, inspect it promptly on arrival and water it deeply every few days for the first growing season. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress competing weeds. This is a solid choice for anyone who wants a classic shade tree with proven adaptability and minimal fuss.
What works
- Large three-foot starter accelerates shade production
- Widely adaptable to wet or dry soil conditions
- Classic form and reliable fall color
What doesn’t
- Less information available about specific nursery practices
- Requires consistent watering first season to establish
4. 24 Jumbo Hybrid Willow Cuttings, 10 Inches
These hybrid willow cuttings are the fastest-growing option on the list — individual stems can put on six to eight feet of new growth in a single season under ideal conditions. The cuttings are roughly ten inches long with a root-stock diameter of five-eighths to one inch, providing thick, energy-rich material that roots aggressively once placed in moist soil.
The intended use here is rapid establishment for privacy hedges, windbreaks, and erosion control along ditches or property lines. Because willows thrive in wet soil, they are particularly effective for stabilizing banks or low-lying areas where other trees struggle. The jumbo size of these cuttings maximizes first-year production, helping you achieve a visual screen faster.
There are two trade-offs to know before ordering. First, hybrid willows have brittle wood that can break in heavy snow or high winds. Second, their root systems are vigorous and can invade sewer lines or septic drain fields if planted too close. Keep them at least thirty feet from underground utilities and structures for a trouble-free experience.
What works
- Extremely fast growth creates a privacy screen in one to two years
- Jumbo cuttings have high survival and rooting success rates
- Excellent for wet areas and erosion-prone slopes
What doesn’t
- Brittle wood prone to storm damage
- Aggressive roots can infiltrate drainage and sewer lines
2. Perfect Plants Jane Magnolia, 1 Gallon
The Jane Magnolia offers the iconic floral display of magnolias in a compact package that reaches only ten to fifteen feet tall at maturity. The one-gallon plant ships with specially blended magnolia food included, which you mix into the soil at planting time to support greener leaves and brighter red-purple blooms.
This cultivar blooms from March through April, producing fragrant, tulip-shaped flowers that appear before the leaves fully emerge. The contrast between the dark green foliage and the vivid blossoms makes this tree a natural focal point in any landscape. It also has dense branching that can be pruned into a flowering hedge when planted six to eight feet apart center-to-center.
Cold hardiness is a standout feature — the Jane Magnolia tolerates winter temperatures that kill other magnolia varieties. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and full sun for maximum bloom production. For gardeners who want a manageable ornamental tree with show-stopping early-spring color, this is the pick.
What works
- Compact size fits small to medium yards
- Exceptional cold hardiness for a magnolia
- Comes with starter magnolia food for early nutrition
What doesn’t
- Blooms are relatively short-lived in spring
- Needs consistent moisture, especially during bloom period
1. Olive Tree Arbequina 4-Pack
The Arbequina olive is famous for its high oil yield and rich, buttery flavor, and this four-pack gives you a full small orchard foundation at a very reasonable per-tree cost. Despite being capable of reaching twenty feet tall, the Arbequina has a naturally compact growth habit that responds well to container growing or heavy pruning for smaller spaces.
These trees are organic and listed as air-purifying plants, adding both aesthetic and functional value. They feature silvery-green foliage that brings a Mediterranean elegance to patios, decks, or in-ground plantings. Arbequinas are self-fertile, so you get fruit even with just one tree, but the four-pack ensures a more abundant harvest for curing or pressing.
The key requirement here is climate — Arbequinas thrive in Mediterranean-like conditions with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. They tolerate a variety of soil types as long as drainage is good. If you live in a region with cold winters, plan to grow them in containers that can be moved to a protected location or a greenhouse during freezing weather.
What works
- Four trees per pack maximizes harvest potential
- Compact growth ideal for containers or small yards
- Self-fertile with organic, air-purifying foliage
What doesn’t
- Not cold-hardy requires winter protection in zone 7 and below
- Needs full sun and excellent drainage to thrive
Hardware & Specs Guide
Mature Height & Spread
Every tree species has a natural growth ceiling that dictates where it can be planted. A 50-foot maple needs at least 30 feet of clearance from structures and overhead wires. Compact varieties like the Jane Magnolia (10-15 ft) or Arbequina olive (up to 20 ft) suit smaller properties better. Always measure your planting zone before selecting a tree — correcting an overlarge tree later is expensive and stressful for the plant.
Growth Rate Per Year
This is the single most tracked metric for easy-to-grow trees. Fast growers like hybrid willows and Thuja Green Giants push 3 to 6 feet annually. Hardwood shade trees like the Autumn Blaze Maple average 2 to 4 feet per year once established. Slower growers, such as many oaks, add less than 1 foot per year — requiring far more patience than the “easy” category typically implies.
FAQ
What does easy to grow actually mean for a tree?
How fast will a privacy screen grow from Thuja Green Giants?
Can I grow an olive tree in a cold climate?
Will hybrid willow roots damage my house foundation?
Why can’t the Autumn Blaze Maple ship to California or Arizona?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best easy to grow trees winner is the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 2ft 8-Pack because it delivers instant privacy, year-round greenery, and negligible maintenance once established. If you want spectacular fall color with moderate growth, grab the Autumn Blaze Maple. And for edible landscaping in warmer zones, nothing beats the Olive Tree Arbequina 4-Pack for combining beauty with a real harvest.