Lancaster County’s Guide to Planting Trees: Ensure Your Saplings Thrive This Spring

Thanks to a new grant from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, more trees are being planted across Lancaster. Now is the perfect time to take part and add one to your own yard! But planting a tree isn’t as simple as digging a hole – proper technique is key to helping it thrive. Learn how to give your new tree the best start this spring with expert tips on planting it right.

Key Takeaways:

• Successful spring tree planting in Pennsylvania requires careful consideration of species selection, planting location, soil conditions, and timing (late March through April is ideal).
• The planting hole should be twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep as the root ball; ensure the trunk flare remains visible after planting.
• Before planting, examine and correct any circling roots on container-grown trees, and remove as much wire basket and burlap as possible from balled-and-burlapped trees.
• Most newly planted trees don’t require staking unless they cannot stand straight or are in very windy locations. Remove any stakes as soon as possible to avoid damaging the tree in the long term.
• Newly planted trees need ongoing care, including proper pruning, supplemental watering during drought, fertilization (if needed), and regular monitoring for pests and diseases.

What You Need to Know About Planting a Tree in Spring

Spring is the perfect time to plant a tree in Pennsylvania, as the days begin to lengthen and the temperature rises. Whether you are doing it to celebrate Arbor Day or just because you love them, planting trees has numerous benefits. However, planting them improperly or planting the wrong tree can lead to a tree that doesn’t survive and necessitates removal.

Things to Consider Before You Plant

Before picking out a tree or digging a hole, it’s vital to have a plan. Some of the things to consider include:

• Tree Species: Different trees thrive in different climates. In Southeastern Pennsylvania, we have about 100 different native tree species, with numerous cultivars of each. Ensure whatever tree you pick is attuned to our climate and isn’t in danger of contracting deadly diseases.
• Planting Location: Where you plant is just as important as what you plant. You’ll want to choose a location with the appropriate sunlight each day. The location should also provide adequate room for the tree to grow as it matures. Never plant a tree too close to structures or utility lines.
• Soil Test: A soil test can reveal any nutrient deficiency or pH imbalance in your soil. To give your sapling the best chance to establish and thrive, we recommend correcting any soil problems before planting.
• Timing: Try to plant in the early spring, after the ground thaws but before trees are fully out of their dormancy (typically anywhere from late March through April). Early spring planting lowers stress on the transplanted sapling and gives it time to establish before summer kicks off.

Dig the Right Sized Hole

We recommend planting the tree as soon as you receive your delivery from the nursery. To do so, you’ll need to dig a hole. While it may seem like you can dig any size hole, the process requires the right technique.

We recommend digging by hand rather than using any heavy machinery. Thanks to Lancaster County’s loamy soil, this should not be too difficult. The hole size should be at least twice as wide and as deep as the tree’s root ball.

One of the most common problems during planting is burying the tree too deep, leading to problems like girdling roots that can kill the tree. When you backfill, you should be able to see the trunk flare (the part of the tree where the trunk meets the roots).

Remove the Sapling from the Container and Check for Girdling Roots

Trees typically come from the nursery in two ways: in a container or a combination of burlap and wire. For a container-grown tree that comes in a pot, you’ll need to take it out before planting. But before you put the tree in the hole, inspect the roots.

Container-grown trees are more prone to developing circling roots. These roots will eventually grow to girdle the tree, restricting the flow of water and nutrients to and from the roots. Breaking up the circling roots and cutting any that could become a problem will lower the risk of your tree developing girdling roots.

Place the Tree, Remove Any Bindings, and Fill the Hole

Once you’re ready, grab the tree by the roots and place it into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil. Remove the wire basket and burlap as best you can. The more you remove, the better. Try to get rid of any burlap or wire around the top third of the root ball at the very least.

“Tree planting is often easier with help, especially when it comes to planting. Get the tree as straight up and down as you can, and then ask a friend to examine the tree from multiple angles. You’ll want to ensure the tree is as close to perfectly vertical as possible to avoid it developing a lean later in its life.” – John Brewer, ISA Certified Arborist at Arborist Enterprises

While one person holds the tree steady, another should begin backfilling. Be careful not to damage the roots while you fill in the hole.

Pack the soil around the root ball’s base to assist in stabilizing it in the hole. This will lower the chance of air pockets developing. If you want to be extra careful about air pockets, you can water the soil as you backfill.

To Stake or Not to Stake the Tree

Once you’ve filled the hole, the only thing left to do is to choose whether or not to stake your tree. Most trees do not need stakes, as they can

support themselves. However, if your sapling fails to stand straight up or you live in a particularly windy area, stakes may benefit the early part of the tree’s life.

While stakes help balance the tree, they can also impede its development. A tightly staked trunk won’t be able to reach the necessary girth it needs for maturity. If your tree requires stakes, inspect them often to determine when to remove them as soon as possible. Once a tree can stand under its own power, it no longer needs stakes.

Tips to Care for Your Newly Planted Tree

Once you have your tree in the ground, the hard work isn’t over. Trees face challenges growing in yards that they don’t have to deal with in forests. To ensure your trees have the best chance to establish themselves and thrive, we recommend taking the following steps in the first few years:

• Prune young trees to encourage better structure.
• Provide supplemental water anytime there is a drought to encourage better root growth.
• Fertilize your tree a year after you planted it if a soil test reveals a nutrient deficiency.
• Inspect your trees for signs of insect damage or diseases.
• Place a two to four-inch layer of mulch around the tree; avoid piling it against the trunk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spring Tree Planting

To help you better understand and prepare for planting your tree, we’ve answered some common questions homeowners have about the process.

What tree should I plant in Lancaster County?

Planting native trees in our area is a good idea, as we have a wide variety to choose from. Some native trees we recommend planting include:

• Walnuts
• Maples
• Dogwoods
• Serviceberries
• Oaks

How long does it take for a tree to establish itself?

The establishment time will depend on the species you plant, as an ornamental or shrub will have a shorter timeline than a massive shade tree. Most of Lancaster County is in hardiness zone 7a, meaning that it takes a tree about 6 months per inch of trunk diameter to fully establish.

What are some warning signs that my sapling is struggling?

Some warning signs that something is wrong with your newly planted sapling include:

• Discolored leaves
• Wilting
• Leaning trunk
• Dying leaves

If you notice any of these symptoms in a transplanted tree, call a professional arborist and have them assess your tree’s condition and recommend how to correct the problem.

Arborist Enterprises Can Help You Care for Your Newly Planted Trees

Caring for a newly planted sapling can be challenging, especially if you don’t understand all the factors that go into it. When you need help with your tree to give it the best chance to survive, trust the experts at Arborist Enterprises.

Our team consists of ISA Certified Arborists who know all the ins and outs of tree care, can identify any problems with your newly planted trees, and can help correct them. Call us today at 717-393-7602 or request an estimate for pruning, fertilization, and more.