Planting a tree is a twenty-year investment in your property. Plant the wrong species for the site, put it in the wrong location, or plant it at the wrong depth, and it will underperform for years before failing entirely. Tree and bush planting in Allentown requires someone who understands the Lehigh Valley’s clay-heavy soils, the hardiness zones across Lehigh and Northampton Counties, the pest pressures that threaten certain species here, and how a 6-inch sapling today will interact with your foundation, utility lines, and neighboring structures in fifteen years. Harmony Tree Services provides expert tree and shrub planting guidance and installation throughout the Lehigh Valley, backed by our ISA-certified arborist.
Call for your free planting consultation: (484) 524-4545
Choosing the Right Tree in Allentown Is Harder Than It Looks
The most common planting mistake in this region is selecting a tree based on appearance at the nursery without accounting for the site it is going into. Lehigh County’s soils are clay-heavy, which affects drainage significantly. The wrong species planted over a septic line or too close to a foundation becomes a removal project in ten years.
Important questions to answer before any planting:
- What are the soil drainage characteristics at the planting site?
- How close is the nearest utility line, structure, or hardscape?
- What is the mature canopy spread of the selected species?
- Is the tree susceptible to regional pests such as the Emerald Ash Borer or the Spotted Lanternfly?
- Does the site receive adequate sunlight for the species’ requirements?
- What is the purpose: shade, privacy screening, ornamental interest, wildlife habitat, or erosion control?
Our ISA-certified arborist evaluates each site and gives you a clear recommendation before any tree goes in the ground. Allentown Shade Tree Commission guidelines & Permit application instructions at ISA Tree Risk Assessment Standards
Trees and Shrubs That Thrive in Lehigh Valley Conditions
These are not generic recommendations. These are species that perform well in the specific conditions of Lehigh and Northampton County properties, selected based on soil type, site exposure, and regional pest resistance.
Shade trees well-suited to Allentown and Lehigh Valley:
- Northern Red Oak: Long-lived, strong structure, excellent wildlife value, well-adapted to Lehigh County’s mixed oak forest habitat
- Sugar Maple: Outstanding fall color, strong wood, performs well on well-drained sites with adequate soil depth
- Tulip Poplar: Fast-growing, tall canopy shade provider, excellent for larger lots in Macungie, Orefield, and Breinigsville
- River Birch: Highly adaptable to the wetter soils along streams and low-lying areas common in Northampton County
- Black Cherry: Native, wildlife-valuable, excellent on disturbed or transitional sites
Ornamental and understory trees:
- Serviceberry: Early spring bloomer, native, compact size for urban lots
- Flowering Dogwood: One of the most effective ornamental plantings for Lehigh Valley residential properties
- Eastern Redbud: Showy spring color, compact growth, well-adapted to southeastern PA conditions
Species to avoid or reconsider:
- White Ash: Emerald Ash Borer has eliminated most unprotected ash trees in Lehigh County. Planting new ash without a committed treatment plan is not recommended
- Bradford Pear: Invasive, structurally weak, and a frequent pruning and removal call in Allentown neighborhoods
- Norway Maple: Invasive, surface roots that damage hardscapes, aggressive seed dispersal
Penn State Extension and the Pennsylvania DCNR maintain excellent resources on native species selection for residential plantings in this region. Visit extension.psu.edu for additional guidance.
What Our Tree and Shrub Planting Service Includes
Harmony’s planting service is designed to give every tree the best possible start with correct placement, proper planting depth, and expert guidance on establishment care.
Included in our planting service:
- On-site consultation and species recommendation from our ISA-certified arborist
- Site assessment, including soil type, drainage, sun exposure, and proximity to structures
- Tree or shrub sourcing and delivery
- Proper planting to the correct depth with root flare at or just above grade
- Mulch ring installation to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Staking if required for the specific site and species
- Guidance on watering schedule and first-year establishment care
Who this service is right for: Homeowners replacing a recently removed tree, new construction lots in Breinigsville or Fogelsville needing a landscape start, and established properties adding shade, privacy screening, or ornamental interest to their yard.
If you recently had a stump ground and the hole is ready for replanting, our stump grinding page explains what soil prep is recommended before new planting.
Our Planting Process
- Step 1: Property consultation and site evaluation
- Step 2: Species recommendation from our ISA-certified arborist
- Step 3: Tree sourcing and delivery
- Step 4: Professional planting with correct root flare positioning
- Step 5: Mulch ring installation
- Step 6: Establishment care instructions
Call (484) 524-4545 to schedule your planting consultation.
What Affects Tree Planting Costs in Lehigh Valley
Planting costs vary based on the species, size of the tree being installed, number of plantings, and any site-specific preparation required.
Cost factors:
- Species and size: A 2-inch caliper balled-and-burlapped red oak requires different handling than a 5-gallon serviceberry container
- Number of trees: Multi-tree planting projects are priced more efficiently than individual installations
- Site preparation: Rocky ground, heavy clay requiring amendment, or sites close to utilities increase installation labor
- Sourcing: Tree availability and nursery pricing fluctuate seasonally
- Establishment services: Optional follow-up care including watering checks and first-year health monitoring
All planting consultations are free. Call (484) 524-4545 to get started.
Why Harmony Is the Right Planting Partner in Allentown
- ISA-certified arborist who understands species performance in Lehigh Valley conditions, specifically, not just generic planting guides
- Local expertise on clay soil management, regional pest threats, and hardiness zone 6b requirements across Lehigh and Northampton Counties
- Full insurance coverage including workers’ compensation
- Transparent pricing with no-surprise guarantees
- BBB A+ rated with a strong track record of satisfied homeowners since 2014
Service Area for Tree Planting in Lehigh Valley
Harmony provides tree and shrub planting throughout Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Emmaus, Whitehall, Macungie, Breinigsville, Fogelsville, Orefield, Coopersburg, Hellertown, Bath, Nazareth, Northampton, Catasauqua, Slatington, New Tripoli, Schnecksville, Boyertown, Kutztown, Fleetwood, and surrounding communities in Lehigh, Northampton, and Berks Counties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Planting in Allentown
What is the best time of year to plant trees in Allentown, PA?
Early spring, before bud break and fall after the first frost are the two optimal planting windows for most deciduous species in Lehigh Valley. Both periods allow roots to establish before the tree faces the stress of a full growing season. Spring planting is particularly effective for species that prefer a long establishment period before their first summer.
How long does a newly planted tree take to establish in Lehigh County?
Most balled-and-burlapped trees require one to three years to fully establish their root system in a new location. During this period, consistent watering is the most critical factor. Lehigh County’s clay-heavy soils can hold moisture but also drain poorly in some areas. Our arborist will give you a specific watering and monitoring plan based on the species and site.
Should I replace a removed tree with the same species?
Not necessarily. If the previous tree was removed due to disease, structural failure, or pest damage, replanting the same species without addressing the underlying issue is a risk. Our arborist will assess whether the site and conditions support the same species or whether a different native alternative would perform better long-term.
Do I need a permit to plant a tree in Allentown?
A permit is required to plant a tree in the City of Allentown’s public right-of-way. Private property plantings generally do not require a permit. If you are replacing a tree that was removed under the city’s shade tree ordinance, replacement planting may be required within a specific timeframe. Harmony assists with the permitting process for right-of-way plantings and any city-required replacements.
Can you source specific native tree species for Lehigh Valley planting?
Yes. Our arborist works with nursery suppliers to source species appropriate for Lehigh and Northampton County conditions. If you have a specific species in mind, we can advise on whether it is suited to your site and source accordingly. For a comprehensive list of Pennsylvania native species, the PA DCNR Bureau of Forestry is an excellent reference.
Plant the Right Tree Today. Enjoy the Shade for Decades.
Harmony Tree Services provides expert tree and shrub planting across Allentown and Lehigh Valley, PA, with ISA-certified guidance, proper installation, and honest pricing. Whether you are replacing a removed tree, starting a new landscape, or adding shade and privacy to your property, we give every planting the best possible foundation. Call (484) 524-4545 for your free planting consultation.
