Large Trees Shipped to Illinois (IL)

Looking for trees for sale in Illinois that can handle winter lows down to -15 degrees and still thrive in your summer heat? Arbor Buddy is a delivery only vendor that ships large, nursery grown landscape trees by freight. We match every tree to your USDA hardiness zone, so you only see picks that survive where you live. Our lineup includes shade trees, flowering ornamentals, evergreens, Japanese maples, and fruit trees all pre screened for Illinois's zone 5b to 7a climate.

Climate and Hardiness Zone Fit in Illinois

Illinois spans USDA hardiness zones 5b to 7a, which means winter lows can bottom out at -15 degrees Fahrenheit in the north and rarely dip below 5 degrees in the south. The coldest band, 5b to 6a, covers about 72 percent of the state's ZIP codes, including most of the Chicago area and central Illinois. The core zone 6b accounts for 17 percent, and the warmest 7a area, roughly 11 percent, hugs the southern counties along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.

For trees for zone 6 in Illinois, you can choose from a wide palette of deciduous shade trees, flowering ornamentals, and cold hardy evergreens. The northern 5b to 6a band rules out borderline species like live oaks and some citrus relatives, but it's perfect for oaks, plums, and maples. The warmer 7a southern tip allows a few extra options like certain fruit trees and more tender Japanese maples, provided they're planted in protected spots.

Heat and humidity pose a bigger challenge than cold for some trees. Species that need dry, desert summers may struggle here, while native and adaptive picks like Chinkapin Oak and Mexican Plum handle both the muggy summers and icy winters without issue. Always check your exact zone when ordering to ensure your tree is matched to your local microclimate.

Shop Trees by Category in Illinois

• Shade Trees: Large canopy trees that cool your home and create a focal point, like Chinkapin Oak and Shumard Oak.
• Flowering & Ornamental: Spring blossoms and fall color in one package, ideal for curb appeal across Illinois zones.
• Evergreen & Privacy: Year round screening with narrow growers that fit suburban lots, even in colder 5b areas.
• Japanese Maples: Delicate laceleaf forms that add year round interest in sheltered, partly shaded spots.
• Fruit Trees: Homegrown peaches, apples, and figs that produce sweet harvests when planted in the right microclimate.
• Shrubs & Hedges: Low maintenance borders and foundation plants that handle Illinois's freeze thaw cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make sure a tree will survive in my area?

We match every tree to your USDA hardiness zone before you even see it in the catalog. For Illinois, that means we only show trees that thrive in zones 5b to 7a, so species like the Chinkapin Oak and Mexican Plum are pre screened. Our 1 Year Alive & Thrive Guarantee covers you if something unexpected happens in the first year.

What trees grow fastest in Illinois?

Shumard Oak and certain hybrid poplars are among the quickest growers for Illinois. The Shumard Oak can add 2 to 3 feet per year once established, making it a smart choice for shade in zone 6 areas where you want results fast.

What size do the trees arrive at?

Your tree ships at a nursery grown landscape size, which means it's large enough to make an immediate visual impact but still small enough to transplant easily. We don't ship tiny saplings; you get a tree that's several years old and ready to establish in your yard.

How are large trees shipped, and what should I expect on delivery?

Large trees travel via freight truck on a pallet, with the root system protected and the top secured. A standard delivery requires someone to be home to accept the shipment. The driver will unload the tree at the curb or as close as the truck can safely reach. Expect to move it to your planting spot yourself or with help.

See What Grows in Your Zone

Your zip code decides which trees will thrive in your Illinois yard. Shade, privacy, flowering, fruit, and accent trees are all available, and each one is backed by our 1 Year Alive & Thrive Guarantee. Browse the trees matched to your hardiness zone and order online from Arbor Buddy today.

How Illinois Compares to Oregon

Oregon sits in zones 6a to 9a, with typical winter lows between -10 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit. That means Oregon's climate stays milder overall, especially along the coast, allowing gardeners there to grow a wider range of evergreens, magnolias, and citrus hardy trees that struggle in Illinois. By contrast, Illinois's colder 5b to 7a range rules out many subtropical species but favors tough native oaks, maples, and cold tolerant fruit trees like the Elberta Peach. The choice of tree shifts from what can handle a humid summer and a deep freeze here to what can thrive in a wetter, warmer winter there. For Illinois buyers, the takeaway is simple: stick with trees proven in zone 6 and below, and you'll get a landscape that lasts through our harshest winters.