Ohio Buckeye

Planting & Care for Trees – Horsechesnut

Preparation

• The Ohio Buckeye is a tough, durable tree that is very adaptable.
• It's one of the first trees to green up in spring, and one of the first trees to exhibit fall color.
• In spring, 6-8" long greenish yellow flowers appear, giving way to light brown prickly capsules which contain a shiny brown seed.
• The seeds resemble Horsechestnut. Please be aware that the seeds are poisonous.
• Mature size is around 40' tall x 40' wide.
• Hardiness zone 4.
• Ohio Buckeye prefers moist, well-drained soils of variable pH that are rich and deep, in partially sunny to partially shaded conditions.
• It adapts to average soils that are occasionally dry, but moderate to heavy leaf scorch will develop by mid-summer, especially when sited in full sun.
• Ohio Buckeye prefers shady conditions in its youth, but grows in full sun to full shade.

Opening Plant Material

• B&B - Soak root ball very well.
• Each type of plant has an illustration on how to plant if you scroll down and click on the orange rectangular box “Handling & Plant Guidelines”.

Planting B&B trees

• Plant B&B trees in spring or fall. A good indicator if you can still plant is if the ground is still workable you’re good to go. If a hard frost is expected be sure to hold off on planting.
• Dig a hole at least 6" wider and no deeper than the size of the ball on the plant. Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move trees by the tops.
• Notice where the base of the trunk flairs out from the tree. This is called the root flair. This root flair should show when the tree is planted. If necessary, add soil under the ball so the root flair is exposed.
• Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer
• Backfill ½ of the hole with soil and completely saturate the soil with water.
• Once the tree is straight and located as desired, cut and remove twine. Then, remove or bend back top ⅓ of metal basket. Lastly, remove exposed burlap from top of ball
• Fill the hole to the top of the ball with soil, then soak well with water and let settle.
• The top of the root ball should be visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
• Add mulch on top of soil making sure to not put mulch against the trunk or stems.
• See our link below “Handling & Planting Guidelines” for illustrations on planting.

Pruning - After Planting

• B&B - Although it is not essential for B&B to be pruned after planting, a light pruning for shape, to remove any broken branches from shipping, or to thin out a heavily branched plant will help in the transplanting process and in the appearance of your new planting.

Pruning - Through-out the Season

• Horsechestnut bleed extensively, even towards the end of their dormant season, so prune these in mid-summer after new growth has matured.

Watering - After Planting

• Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
• Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Watering - Through-out the Season

• After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
• How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Go to our "Plant Features & Video Tab" for more information & tips on caring and maintaining this plant.