Right tree, right place
Most tree problems we see started the day the tree was planted. A tree that grows 70 feet wide planted 8 feet from the house. A tree that hates wet clay planted in a low spot. A weak, fast growing tree planted because it was cheap. Picking the right tree solves most of that.
Think about the full grown size
Look at how tall and wide the tree will be in 30 years, not how big it is at the nursery. Keep big shade trees well away from the house, and do not plant tall trees under power lines.
Think about your soil
Much of Will County has heavy clay soil that holds water. Trees like swamp white oak, river birch, and bald cypress handle wet spots. Bur oak and hackberry handle tough conditions well.
Think about variety
When a subdivision planted one kind of tree everywhere, one pest could wipe them all out. The ash borer proved that. Mixing species protects your yard and your street.
Trees we like for our area
- Bur oak: tough, long lived, handles clay and drought
- Swamp white oak: handles wet clay, great shade tree
- Shagbark hickory: native, great fall color, slow grower
- Hackberry: very tough, good street and yard tree
- Kentucky coffeetree: tough native with bold look
- American linden (basswood): fragrant flowers, big shade
- Eastern redbud: small native tree with pink spring flowers
- Serviceberry: small native tree with white flowers and berries birds love
For more detail, read our Illinois native trees guide.
How we plant a tree
Dig wide, not deep
We dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball but no deeper. Roots spread out, not down.
Find the root flare
The root flare is where the trunk widens into the roots. It should sit at or slightly above the soil. Planting too deep is one of the most common reasons young trees fail.
Remove wire, burlap, and circling roots
We cut away as much wrapping as practical and loosen circling roots so they grow outward.
Backfill and water
We backfill with the native soil, water deeply, and add a ring of mulch 2 to 3 inches deep, kept a few inches off the trunk. No mulch volcanoes. See mulch installation.
Caring for a new tree
New trees need regular deep watering for the first couple of growing seasons, especially in hot, dry summers. Water slowly at the base so it soaks in. Skip fertilizer at planting time unless a soil test calls for it.
When is the best time to plant?
Spring and fall are best in Illinois. Cooler weather and more rain give roots time to grow before summer heat.