Pennsylvania homeowners face a peculiar tension: you want a mature landscape before the kids graduate, but most trees take a generation to cast real shade or form a privacy screen. The state’s mix of humid summers, cold winters, and variable soil from the Piedmont to the Allegheny Plateau demands species that can push 2–4 feet of vertical growth per year without sacrificing hardiness. That narrows the field to a handful of proven performers.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I study nursery production data, USDA zone maps, and aggregated owner feedback from thousands of real PA plantings to separate the vigorous growers from the overhyped sticks that sulk in your yard.
The goal of this guide is to help you find the best fast growing trees in pa for privacy, shade, or fall color, with hardiness zone ratings and mature dimensions that actually work in Pennsylvania’s climate.
How To Choose The Best Fast Growing Trees In PA
Pennsylvania spans USDA zones 5a through 7b, with colder pockets in the northern tier and warmer conditions near Philadelphia and the southeast. A tree that thrives in Pittsburgh may struggle in the Poconos, so matching the zone rating to your county is step one. After that, three specs define a successful planting: mature height and spread, growth rate per year, and moisture tolerance relative to your soil’s drainage.
USDA Zone Hardiness Is Non‑Negotiable
Every tree carries a zone range. If the low end of that range is higher than your local winter low, the tree will suffer frost dieback or fail entirely. For most of PA, a range that starts at zone 3, 4, or 5 is safe. Trees rated only for zones 6–9 belong in the southeastern corner at best. Ignoring this single spec is the most common reason a tree turns into a dead stick by March.
Mature Size Determines Fit
A tree that reaches 60 feet tall with a 20‑foot spread will overwhelm a tight suburban lot. Conversely, a 14‑foot arborvitae won’t shade a two‑story house. Measure your planting area: allow at least half the mature spread as clearance from structures, driveways, and property lines. Fast‑growing species often have aggressive root systems, so avoid planting large deciduous trees within 10 feet of foundations or sewer lines.
Growth Rate Claims vs. Reality
“Fast growing” in nursery catalogs usually means 2–3 feet per year under ideal conditions. Real‑world rates depend on sun exposure, consistent moisture during the first two growing seasons, and soil fertility. A tree planted in heavy clay with poor drainage will grow slower than the label claims. Prioritize species with documented drought tolerance once established, as PA summers can deliver dry spells that stall juvenile trees.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja Green Giant (5-Pack) | Evergreen | Fast privacy screen | 3 ft/year growth rate | Amazon |
| Green Promise Farms Emerald Green Arborvitae | Evergreen | Cold hardy privacy hedge | 18–20 ft mature height | Amazon |
| Autumn Blaze Maple | Deciduous | Fast shade + fall color | 40–50 ft mature height | Amazon |
| American Red Maple | Deciduous | Large shade tree for zones 3–9 | 60 ft mature height | Amazon |
| Thuja Green Giant (10-pack) | Evergreen | Budget hedge in bulk | 3 ft/year growth rate | Amazon |
| Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae | Evergreen | Compact, narrow privacy hedge | 14 ft mature height | Amazon |
| Weeping Willow | Deciduous | Wet area shade tree | 45 ft mature height | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 1 Gallon 5-Pack
The Thuja Green Giant is widely considered the gold standard for fast privacy screens, and this 5‑pack gives you a head start with five well‑rooted 1‑gallon specimens. These evergreens can push 3 feet of height per year once established, quickly forming the dense, pyramidal barrier that blocks wind and nosy neighbors alike. At full maturity they reach 60 feet tall and 20 feet wide, though you can prune them to a more manageable height.
For Pennsylvania, the zone 5–9 range covers all but the coldest northern valleys, and the foliage emits a classic Christmas‑tree scent when brushed. The trees arrive bare‑root in their nursery pots and should go into the ground in spring or early fall. They prefer full sun and regular watering during the first year, after which they become notably low‑maintenance.
Owners consistently report strong growth in their second season, with many seeing 2–3 feet of upward progress per year. The 5‑pack is priced attractively per tree, making it a mid‑range investment that outperforms cheaper single‑plant options. The only real caution is spacing — plant at least 6 feet apart for air circulation and optimal width.
What works
- Fast 3‑ft/year vertical growth builds privacy quickly
- Dense foliage with pleasant evergreen scent
- Adaptable to most PA soils once established
What doesn’t
- Can reach 60 ft tall; needs regular pruning to stay short
- Requires consistent watering in the first year
2. Green Promise Farms Emerald Green Arborvitae #3 Container
If you live in the colder northern tier of PA — zones 3 through 5 — this Emerald Green Arborvitae from Green Promise Farms is your best insurance against winter injury. It arrives in a substantial 3‑gallon container, giving it a more developed root system than standard 1‑gallon offerings. The mature height of 18–20 feet with a 5–6 foot spread makes it ideal for narrow side yards or foundation plantings where a full‑sized Thuja Green Giant would be overkill.
The rich emerald foliage stays vibrant through Pennsylvania winters, providing year‑round screening and structure. It tolerates both partial shade and full sun, though 6 hours of direct light yields the densest growth. Planting immediately upon arrival (weather permitting) is straightforward since the root ball is intact and stable.
Owners consistently praise its vigor in the second year, with many reporting 12–18 inches of new growth annually. At a mid‑range price point, the 3‑gallon size delivers more immediate landscape impact than smaller pots. The only trade‑off is that its upright, narrow form is less forgiving of spacing errors — 5 feet apart is the minimum for a seamless hedge.
What works
- Zone 3 hardiness handles PA’s coldest winters
- Larger 3‑gallon root ball establishes faster
- Narrow 5–6 ft spread fits tight spaces
What doesn’t
- Slower 1‑ft/year growth vs. Green Giant
- Not ideal for wide, informal screens
3. The Maple Autumn Blaze Tree 1 Gallon
For homeowners who want fast shade plus a spectacular autumn display, the Autumn Blaze Maple is the pick. This hybrid cross of red and silver maples combines the brilliant orange‑red fall color of the former with the rapid growth of the latter. In PA’s zone 3–8 climate, it can add 2–3 feet per year and reach 40–50 feet tall with a symmetrical, rounded canopy that shades a large portion of the yard by the fifth season.
The tree is drought‑tolerant once established and thrives in acidic, well‑drained soil — common in many parts of eastern and central PA. It arrives as a bare‑root 1‑gallon sapling and should be planted in full sun for the most intense fall color. The transition from green to bright orange and red is reliably vivid even in years with variable autumn weather.
Owners highlight the absence of seed pods and the strong central leader that reduces the need for corrective pruning. At a budget‑friendly price for a single sapling, the Autumn Blaze offers excellent long‑term value for shade and beauty. The main drawback is that its large mature spread (30–40 feet) requires ample space away from buildings and overhead power lines.
What works
- Fast 2–3 ft/year growth for quick shade
- Vibrant orange‑red fall foliage reliably every year
- Drought tolerant once established
What doesn’t
- Large mature width needs 30 ft of clearance
- Prefers acidic soil; may need amendment in alkaline areas
4. American Red Maple Shade Tree 3 Feet Tall by DAS Farms
The American Red Maple from DAS Farms ships as a 3‑foot bare‑root tree, giving PA buyers a head start over smaller saplings. This species naturally tops out around 60 feet with a broad, spreading canopy, making it one of the largest fast‑growing options for properties with plenty of room. It handles zones 3 through 9, so even the coldest PA counties are safe.
The tree thrives in full sun and adapts to a wide range of soil types, including the clay common in much of the state. Its fall color is a reliable mix of red and orange, though the intensity varies slightly by genetics. The included planting instructions are clear, and DAS Farms offers a 30‑day transplant guarantee if you follow their guidelines.
The biggest advantage is the 3‑foot starting height, which reduces the vulnerable juvenile stage. Owners appreciate that it’s a true native species that supports local wildlife. The catch is its ultimate size — you need a large yard with no overhead obstructions. At a mid‑range price for a taller starter, it competes well with smaller maples.
What works
- Shipped at 3 ft for a strong start
- Native species with red fall color
- Broad zone range covers all PA counties
What doesn’t
- Massive mature size unsuitable for small lots
- Bare‑root tree requires careful planting and watering
5. Thuja Green Giant Arborvitae 10-Pack (7–10 in. Tall)
If you need to establish a long privacy hedge on a budget, this 10‑pack of small Thuja Green Giants is the most cost‑effective route. Each tree arrives at 7–10 inches tall in its pot, giving you a full row of fast‑growing evergreens that can hit 3 feet of vertical growth per year. The manufacturer claims a mature height of 40 feet and a width of 15 feet, though you’ll prune them to keep a hedge at 8–12 feet.
The zone rating of 5–9 means these thrive in the warmer half of PA but may need winter protection in zone 4 northern areas. Spacing them 6–7 feet apart creates a dense screen within 3–4 years. The included warranty is limited to 5 days, so inspect the trees immediately upon arrival and contact the seller if any arrive damaged.
Buyers consistently report that the trees establish well when planted in spring and watered regularly through the first summer. The 10‑pack reduces the per‑tree cost significantly compared to buying individual larger specimens. The trade‑off is that you’ll wait an extra year for them to reach 3 feet tall compared to buying 1‑gallon plants, but the long‑term result is identical.
What works
- Lowest per‑tree cost for bulk hedge planting
- Fast 3 ft/year growth after establishment
- Space 6–7 ft apart for a quick screen
What doesn’t
- Small 7–10 in. starter size needs patience
- Zone 5 minimum may struggle in northern PA
6. Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae 1 Gallon
For PA homeowners who want a tidy, low‑maintenance privacy hedge that stays compact, the Perfect Plants Emerald Green Arborvitae is an excellent mid‑range choice. It reaches just 14 feet tall and 4 feet wide, making it manageable for smaller properties or tight planting strips. The zone 2–7 rating means it handles even the coldest Pennsylvania winters with ease, staying green year‑round.
This variety is deer‑resistant and drought‑tolerant once established — both important traits for rural and suburban PA plantings. The columnar growth habit requires no pruning to maintain its shape, and it grows well in full sun or partial shade. It arrives in a 1‑gallon nursery pot with established roots, ready for immediate planting.
Owner feedback highlights its reliable color through winter and the lack of pest issues. The growth rate is moderate at 12–18 inches per year, so it won’t create an instant screen like Thuja Green Giant, but the finished hedge is denser and more formal. The modest size and low upkeep make it ideal for foundation plantings or lining a walkway.
What works
- Compact 14 ft height and 4 ft width fits small spaces
- Zone 2 hardiness handles PA’s coldest areas
- Deer resistant and drought tolerant once established
What doesn’t
- Moderate 1‑ft/year growth is slower than Green Giant
- Narrow 4 ft spread unsuitable for wide screens
7. Weeping Willow 2–3 ft Tree Height 1 Gallon
The Weeping Willow is the iconic fast‑growing tree for wet areas — if you have a low‑lying spot with poor drainage in your PA yard, this species will thrive where others sulk. It ships at 2–3 feet tall in a 1‑gallon pot and can put on 3–4 feet of growth per year, quickly forming the graceful, cascading silhouette that defines the species. Mature height reaches 45 feet with a wide spreading canopy.
It prefers moist, well‑drained soil but tolerates clay and sandy conditions. The tree attracts pollinators and provides excellent dappled shade. Hardy in zones 5–9, it suits most of PA except the coldest northern valleys. The seller notes it cannot ship to CA, AZ, AK, or HI, but PA buyers are unaffected.
Owners love the instant impact — a 2‑foot sapling can be 10 feet tall in just three seasons. The weeping form is unmistakable and adds a romantic, park‑like feel to any landscape. The main consideration is its aggressive root system: plant at least 50 feet from foundations, septic systems, and underground pipes. At a budget‑friendly price, it’s the fastest way to establish a majestic shade tree if you have the space.
What works
- Extremely fast 3–4 ft/year growth
- Thrives in wet or poorly drained soil
- Classic graceful form adds instant character
What doesn’t
- Invasive roots require 50 ft clearance from structures
- Drops many leaves and twigs in fall
Hardware & Specs Guide
Growth Rate Per Year
This is the single most important metric for the “fast growing” claim. Look for species advertised at 3 feet per year (Thuja Green Giant) or 2–4 feet per year (Weeping Willow, Autumn Blaze Maple). Keep in mind that these numbers represent ideal conditions — actual growth may be 20–30% slower in poor soil or partial shade. Measure your tree’s actual height at planting and annually to track real performance.
USDA Hardiness Zone Range
PA spans zones 5a to 7b. Northern counties (Erie, Bradford, Tioga) need trees rated to zone 3, 4, or at minimum 5. Southeastern PA (Philadelphia, Chester) can handle zone 6 or 7 trees. Always check the low end of the zone range — if it’s above your local winter low, the tree will not survive. Zone ratings are tested by the USDA and are the most reliable indicator of cold tolerance.
FAQ
Which fast growing tree grows fastest in Pennsylvania?
Can I plant a Weeping Willow near my house in PA?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best fast growing trees in pa winner is the Perfect Plants Thuja Green Giant 5‑Pack because it delivers 3 feet of vertical growth per year, thrives in zones 5–9, and forms a dense evergreen privacy screen that works across most of Pennsylvania. If you want a narrow, cold‑hardy evergreen for tight spaces, grab the Green Promise Farms Emerald Green Arborvitae. And for brilliant fall color with rapid shade, nothing beats the Autumn Blaze Maple.