Top Native Trees and Shrubs for Pennsylvania Landscapes: A Guide to Year-Round Beauty
When it comes to creating a landscape that thrives in Pennsylvania’s unique climate, choosing native trees and shrubs is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Not only are native plants better adapted to local weather and soil conditions, but they also support wildlife, require less maintenance, and add natural beauty to your property year-round.
Here’s our guide to some of the best native plants for Pennsylvania landscapes, perfect for homeowners and businesses across Pittsburgh, Canonsburg, and beyond.
Why Choose Native Trees and Shrubs in Pennsylvania?
Before diving into the list, let’s talk benefits:
Low Maintenance: Native plants are already adapted to Pennsylvania’s seasons, making them easier to care for.
Water Smart: They need less watering and fertilizer compared to non-native species.
Wildlife Support: Provide food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
Seasonal Beauty: Many offer stunning blooms in spring, shade in summer, and colorful foliage in fall.
Best Native Trees for Pennsylvania Landscapes
1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
A showstopper in early spring, the Eastern Redbud brings pink or purple flowers before its leaves emerge. This small, ornamental tree thrives in a variety of soil types and adds instant charm to front yards or garden borders.
2. Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)
A true four-season tree, Serviceberries bloom with white flowers in spring, produce edible summer berries, and finish the year with vibrant orange and red fall foliage. Their versatility makes them a favorite for both residential and commercial landscapes.
3. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Known for its brilliant scarlet fall leaves, the Red Maple is a Pennsylvania classic. It grows quickly, adapts to different soil conditions, and provides excellent shade in the summer months.
4. White Oak (Quercus alba)
Stately and long-lived, the White Oak is perfect if you’re looking for a legacy tree. Its dense canopy offers shade, its acorns feed local wildlife, and its golden fall color is unmatched.
Best Native Shrubs for Pennsylvania Landscapes
1. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
Evergreen, hardy, and versatile. Boxwoods are perfect for hedges, borders, or as stand-alone accents. They keep their color all year and are easy to shape into clean lines for polished curb appeal.
2. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Pennsylvania’s state flower, this evergreen shrub bursts with clusters of pink and white blooms in late spring. Mountain Laurel thrives in partial shade, making it a great choice for woodland edges.
3. Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
A deciduous holly with bright red berries that last well into winter. Winterberry is a fantastic way to add color to your landscape when everything else has gone dormant.
4. Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
This adaptable shrub offers white spring flowers, blue-black summer berries, and red-purple fall foliage. It’s a multi-season performer that works beautifully as a hedge or natural screen.
Designing with Native Trees and Shrubs in Pittsburgh
When designing your landscape, it’s important to mix evergreens, flowering shrubs, and shade trees to create year-round interest. Native plants also pair beautifully with hardscapes like patios, walkways, and retaining walls, helping you achieve both beauty and function.
At Fairfield Landscaping, our team specializes in crafting outdoor spaces that balance curb appeal with long-term sustainability. Whether you’re planting for privacy, shade, or color, we’ll help you choose the right native trees and shrubs for your Pennsylvania landscape.
Ready to Plant This Fall?
Fall is one of the best times to plant trees and shrubs in Pennsylvania. Cooler weather and warm soil conditions allow roots to establish before winter, setting your plants up for success come spring.
📲 Contact Fairfield Landscaping today to schedule your consultation and let our experts design a landscape that thrives in every season.