Choose Tuliptree for a large, moist property where you want a fast native shade tree with strong presence; the tradeoff is size—it needs real space and is a poor fit near houses, wires, patios, or tight lots.
Buy This If
You have room for a very large canopy.
You want fast native shade.
Your soil holds steady moisture.
Skip This If
You need a compact shade tree.
The site dries out hard.
Overhead wires are nearby.
PGNE Report Card
Category
Grade
Why
Landscape Impact
A
Tuliptree becomes a major canopy tree with distinctive leaves and a clean, upright shape when given enough room.
Growth Rate
A
It grows quickly for a long-lived shade tree, especially in steady moisture.
Maintenance
B-
Plan on leaf cleanup, watering during establishment, and careful placement so its mature size does not become a problem.
Deer Resistance
B+
Deer tend to leave this tree alone, though young plants can be browsed or rubbed where pressure is heavy.
Small Space Fit
F
This is not a small-yard tree and should not be squeezed into narrow planting strips or close foundations.
Screening Value
C
It provides summer canopy cover, but it is not dense enough or low-branched enough to use as a privacy screen.
Our Experience
At PGNE, we'd typically recommend Tuliptree only when the planting site is generous and moisture is reliable. If the space is borderline, choose a smaller shade tree now rather than correcting the mistake later.
Plant Facts
Mature Height
60–90 ft
Mature Width
30–50 ft
Hardiness Zones
4a-9b
Spacing
30–40 ft
Sun
Full sun; tolerates part shade
Moisture
Medium moisture; moist, well-drained soil
Growth Habit
Pyramidal to broad conical
Customers Usually Ask
Will I see the flowers?
Sometimes, but the flowers are often high in the canopy, so do not buy it mainly for bloom display.
Is Tuliptree good near a house?
No, give it open space away from roofs, foundations, driveways, and overhead lines.
Does it handle dry soil?
Not well; it performs best where soil stays evenly moist but drains.
Why buy for fall color
See the actual color before you buy it
Foliage, berries and late bloom — all three seasons of interest
Fall planting means roots established before winter
Locally grown for New England conditions
Every plant in our Fall Sale is grown or hardened off right here in New Hampshire, so it's already acclimated to New England winters before it ever leaves our nursery.
We use your zone to recommend plants that survive your winters, and to estimate when your
order ships — we ship each plant when the weather where you live is right for it.
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Joseph Sico
I went up there today from Quincy MA to pick up two Blue Wichita Junipers and they were absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Chris and everybody from Pro Growers of New England!
Wichita Blue Juniper
Aileen Maconi
The plants are beautiful and all 13 were consistent in height and width. And at a fraction of the cost of other garden centers. Having the team that delivered them do the planting was one of the best values I can think of. They did a great job from start to finish and even helped me with my watering system which they didn’t have to do!
Emerald Green Arborvitae
Steve Holsberg
Very nice
Guys installed for me as well
Great job
Steeds Japanese Holly
Carrie Peabody
Huge selection and fast delivery. All plants arrived in great condition.
Pro Growers of New England, Inc
Linda Albert
Great prices and Unbelievable selection of big and small trees, shrubs, and flowering perennials! Nicest folks to work with. And local delivery is awesome! First time purchasing from this company, , and have already told friends, neighbors and family. The owner Chris is professional, knowledgeable, and yet laid back in a most friendly way. Mags in the office will help with any details. My all time BEST garden purchase EVER!
Bought 8-10 ft and all were barely 8 if you count the container. Trees are thin and lots of brown branches and broken branches due you thrown in box truck no wrapping or anything. Hoping they survive and thicken up quick…
I went up there today from Quincy MA to pick up two Blue Wichita Junipers and they were absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Chris and everybody from Pro Growers of New England!