We’re so glad that you’ve received a seedling. With the proper care, this seedling can provide you with decades of shade, happiness, and respite.
Please plant your seedling as soon as possible! |
Read below for instructions on how to plant and care for your new seedling
Siting:
Though your seedling is small now, we hope it grows into a large, mature tree. Because of this, it is important to properly site your tree so it has plenty of room to grow. Small trees (<30 ft at maturity) should be planted at least 8-10 ft away from your house or other structures. Medium trees (30-70 ft at maturity) should be planted at least 15 ft away, and large trees (>70 ft at maturity) should be planted at least 20 ft away.
You can use iTree Design to figure out where the best place to plant your seedling for energy savings is around your house.
Important things to remember when you plant:
- The hole should be as deep as the roots are.
- Remove sod and grass around the seedling so there is no competition for water and nutrients.
- Make sure to compact the soil afterwards (but not too much), so the tree has stability.
Proper planting depth:
You’ll want to find the root collar, where the roots meet the stem, and plant level with that spot on the seedling.
Graphic courtesy of Engledow Group.
Planting with a shovel:
You can also watch this video to learn more about planting seedlings.
Information about the different species:
| Tree Species | Sun | Soil | Size (height) | Size (spread) |
| White Oak | full sun or partial shade | deep, moist, well-drained soil, can tolerate moderate drought | 50–80′ | 50–80′ |
| Tulip Poplar | full sun | moist, well-drained soil, can tolerate drought in humid regions | 70–90′ | ~40′ |
| Bald Cypress | full sun | moist, well-drained soil, can withstand flooding | 50–70′ | ~25′ |
| Serviceberry | full sun or partial shade | moist, well-drained soils | 15–25′ | 15–25′ |
| Chinkapin Oak | full sun | moist, well-drained soils | 40–50′ | 50–60′ |
| Sweet Gum | full sun | moist, well-drained soils, has moderate drought tolerance | 60–75′ | 40–50′ |
| Red Mulberry | full sun or partial shade | moist, well-drained soil, high drought tolerance | 30–50’ | 30–50’ |
| Washington Hawthorn | full sun | moist, well drained soils, is drought-tolerant | 25–30′ | ~25′ |