A lot of Tioga County properties have gaps where trees used to be. Emerald ash borer took out ash along roads and in hedgerows. Storms and floods dropped others in Owego and Barton. Replanting is a chance to choose trees that will do well here for the next fifty years, in places where they will not cause trouble later.
Planting starts with the ground. Jason Tubbs’ $50 on-site consultation looks at sun, soil moisture, nearby buildings and buried utilities, plus any dead trees or stumps that need to go first. You get an itemized plan covering pre-planting work and planting options, and the $50 is credited to the job when you accept.
Filling the gaps left by ash
Emerald ash borer was confirmed in Tioga County by 2013, and many yards that once had big ash now have open lawn or bare edges. Replacing a lost ash with a mix of species spreads the risk, so a single pest cannot wipe out your shade again.
Species suited to Tioga hills and valleys
The state forests in Berkshire, Candor, Newark Valley and Owego give a good picture of what thrives here. Hardwoods include sugar maple, red maple, red oak and black cherry, along with planted white pine, white spruce and larch. Some choices we steer away from:
- Norway maple and black locust, both on New York’s regulated invasive species list.
- Ash, because of emerald ash borer.
- Beech, since beech leaf disease was newly detected in Tioga in 2022.
Clearing the way before planting
Pre-planting is where Tubbs’ tree work matters. Dead or failing trees nearby should come down first, so they do not fall on new plantings later. Old stumps can be ground and the chips moved aside for fresh soil. Low limbs that would shade out young trees can be pruned. Doing it in one plan saves a second trip. It also means the person who removed the old tree understands what the new one needs, from soil depth over a ground stump to how much light the spot gets once the canopy above is opened.
Spacing from houses, septic and lines
A small sapling becomes a big tree. We plan for mature size, keeping trees clear of foundations, roofs, septic fields and overhead lines. On a rural Spencer lot, that might mean a windbreak along the field edge. On a Waverly village lot, it might mean a smaller species set back from the sidewalk.
Tree Planting & Pre-Planting Questions From Tioga County
Should we plant in spring or fall in Tioga County?
Both can work. Spring gives roots a full season before winter, and fall planting benefits from cooler temperatures and steady moisture. The right time depends on the species and how quickly the site can be prepared. Jason will suggest a window in your plan.
Deer browse everything we plant in Berkshire. Is it worth trying?
Yes, with protection. Young trees in rural Tioga County often need tree tubes, fencing or wire cages to get above browse height. Some species hold up better than others. Plan for protection when choosing what and where to plant, and budget for it from the start. Jason can suggest spots where trees will be easier to protect and check on.
What can we plant in a yard near the river in Nichols that floods sometimes?
Look for species that tolerate wet soil for short periods, and avoid placing trees where floodwater and debris move fastest. The Susquehanna has reached major crests at Owego, so riverside planting takes thought. Jason will look at where water sits and flows on your lot before suggesting species.
Want the full picture? Read our tree planting & pre-planting guide, or see everything we do in Tioga County.