Planting a tree is a lifelong investment. How it grows depends on the species you choose, where it goes, the care it gets at planting and the follow-up care after. We help you get each of those right.
Many of the removals we do started as a good tree planted in the wrong place: too close to the house, under a power line, or a species that outgrew its spot. A little planning now saves a big bill later, and gives you a tree that adds shade, beauty and value for decades.
Pre-Planting Consultation
Before anything goes in the ground, Jason looks at the site with you and helps you plan. That conversation covers:
- What you want the tree to do: shade, privacy, a windbreak, fall color, fruit or wildlife value
- Your soil, drainage, sun and the space available above and below ground
- How big each candidate species will get at maturity
- Safe distances from the house, septic system, wells, driveways and overhead lines
- Deer pressure and how to protect young trees
- Replacing trees lost to emerald ash borer with a mix of species
Choosing the Right Species
The best choice depends on the spot, so there is no single list that fits every yard. In general, native trees adapted to Central New York handle the winters and support local wildlife. Mixing species protects you from losing everything to one pest, the lesson many landowners learned from ash. Some common landscape trees, including Norway maple and black locust, are on New York’s regulated invasive species list, so we steer away from them.
Planting It Right
Most young trees that fail were planted too deep. We set each tree so its root flare sits at or just above the soil, loosen circling roots, backfill with the native soil, and finish with a ring of mulch that does not touch the trunk. Staking is used only when a tree truly needs it, and taken off once the roots hold.
Care in the First Few Years
The first two or three years decide whether a new tree thrives. Deep, regular watering through the first summers matters more than anything else. We will give you a simple care plan with your planting, and a light structural pruning a few years in sets the tree up for a strong shape.
Planting After a Removal
If we are removing a tree, the consultation is the perfect time to plan its replacement. We can grind the stump with planting in mind and pick a better spot a few feet away, so the new tree gets clean soil and room to grow.
Tree Planting & Pre-Planting by County
Every county we serve has its own trees, terrain and rules. See what tree planting & pre-planting looks like where you live:
- Tree Planting & Pre-Planting in Tompkins County, NY
- Tree Planting & Pre-Planting in Tioga County, NY
- Tree Planting & Pre-Planting in Chemung County, NY
- Tree Planting & Pre-Planting in Cortland County, NY
- Tree Planting & Pre-Planting in Schuyler County, NY
- Tree Planting & Pre-Planting in Seneca County, NY
Common Questions
Why plan before planting?
Most future removals start as a tree planted in the wrong place. A little planning up front avoids a big bill later.
When is the best time to plant?
Spring and fall are both good in Upstate New York. Cooler temperatures and steady moisture help roots establish before summer heat or winter freeze.
How far from the house should I plant a tree?
It depends on the mature size of the species. Large shade trees need much more room than small ornamentals. During the consultation Jason will mark spots that keep roots and limbs clear of the foundation, roof and septic system.
What should I plant where my ash trees used to be?
A mix of species suited to the site, rather than replacing ash with a single kind of tree. Diversity protects your landscape from the next pest or disease.
How do I keep deer from eating new trees?
Tree tubes, cages or fencing protect young trees until they grow above browsing height. Some species are less appealing to deer, but none are fully deer proof.