Many Cincinnati yards lost trees to emerald ash borer, storms, or construction. Replanting restores shade, lowers summer cooling bills, and adds value to the property. Most new trees die from planting mistakes rather than bad luck, so a good install matters.
Trees That Do Well in Cincinnati
Greater Cincinnati sits in USDA hardiness zone 6b to 7a, and much of the area has heavy clay soil. Good choices include:
- Shade trees: swamp white oak, red maple, tulip tree, Kentucky coffeetree, black gum.
- Smaller and ornamental trees: redbud, serviceberry, dogwood, Japanese tree lilac.
- Evergreens: Norway spruce, white pine on well-drained sites, arborvitae for screening.
Avoid Bradford (Callery) pear, which is invasive in Ohio and splits apart in storms.
How Proper Planting Works
- Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball but no deeper.
- Set the root flare, where the trunk widens into roots, at or slightly above grade.
- Remove burlap, twine and wire baskets from the top of the root ball.
- Backfill with native soil and apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch, kept away from the trunk.
Watering After Planting
New trees need about 10 to 15 gallons a week through their first two growing seasons when rain is short. Slow watering with a hose trickle or tree bag works best in clay soil.
Planting Cost
Compare what is included in each written quote: access, cutting, hauling, cleanup and any separate stump work.
Call (833) 423-0578 to plan a planting project anywhere in the Cincinnati area.