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Posted by Brent Wilson on 3/13/2023 to
Fertilizing & Watering Tips
Planting & Caring For A Serviceberry Tree
Being a North American native, Serviceberry trees (Amelanchier) are exceptionally easy to grow and care for when planted right and in the right spot.
Here's a breakdown of what you need to know...
Cultural Preferences
Soil Preferences
Serviceberry trees prefer growing in a moist but well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Constantly soggy or wet soil can be problematic.
How To Test Soil Drainage
If you are uncertain about soil drainage in the area you intend to plant your Serviceberry tree, it's well worth taking the time to test the drainage before planting. To test soil drainage, dig a hole 12" wide by 12" deep in the planting area. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. Then, after it drains, fill it with water again, but this time clock how long it takes to drain. In well-drained soil the water level will go down at a rate of about 1 inch an hour. A faster rate, such as in loose, sandy soil, may signal potentially dry site conditions and a need to add organic matter to the soil to retain moisture. A slower rate indicates poor draining soil and is a caution you need to improve drainage, plant in a raised mound or bed, or look for plants that are more tolerant of wet or boggy conditions.
Soil pH Preference
Serviceberry trees grow best in an acid to neutral soil in a range between 5.0 to 7.0 on the pH scale, though 5.0 to 6.0 is preferred. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
How To Test Soil pH
Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil and is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral mark. Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline. If you're unsure about the pH of your soil, or whether or not it's suitable for growing Serviceberry, it's a good idea to test the soil pH in the planting area.
You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. To lower the pH (make more acid) you can apply Soil Sulfur, Aluminum Sulfate, or Chelated Iron. Adding organic compost to the soil or using compost as mulch can also help to increase acidity and maintain acid soil conditions.
Learn More: What is Soil pH and How To Adjust It?
Light Preferences
Serviceberry trees prefer growing in full sun to part shade. Trees growing in more sun will be more densely-branched and produce more flowers and fruit than those growing in more shade.
How To Plant A Serviceberry Tree
Scroll down for container planting instructions
Step 1
Start by digging your planting hole at least two to three times as wide and no deeper than the root ball. The wider the hole the better. Place native soil removed from planting hole around the perimeter of the hole, in a wheelbarrow, or on a tarp.
Step 2
Depending on the type, fertility and porosity of the soil in the planting area you might consider amending the native soil. When planting in dense clay or soils low in fertility it is beneficial to thoroughly mix in some bagged top soil, organic matter such as compost, and/or a good planting mix at a 50/50 ratio with the soil removed from the planting hole. When planting in very sandy, quick-draining soil consider mixing in some top soil, or composted organic matter to help retain moisture. When planting in a moist but well-drained soil of average fertility there is no need for adding a soil amendment.
Step 3
To remove your tree from the nursery container it was growing in first squeeze the sides of the container to loosen root ball. Then, firmly grasp the base of the tree and gently try to lift and remove it from its container. If the root ball is stuck in the container it's best to use a snipping tool or utility knife to cut the container away. After having removed the tree from the container, carefully loosen some feeder roots around the surface of the root ball.
Step 4
To plant, set your tree in the planting hole so that the top edge of the root ball is at or slightly above ground level. If necessary, add some backfill soil mixture to the bottom of the hole to achieve proper planting height.
NOTE: If the soil in the planting area is poorly drained (constantly soggy or wet) improve drainage or select a different plant species more tolerant of wet soils.
Step 5
After setting your tree in the planting hole, use one hand to hold the tree straight and your other hand to begin backfilling your soil mixture around the root ball, tamping as you go to remove air pockets. When you have filled the hole to the halfway point you can soak the soil. Then continue back-filling to the top edge of the root ball. To avoid suffocating your tree, avoid placing any soil on top of the root ball.
Step 6 (Optional)
When planting a Serviceberry tree in a location that is far from a water source, and in well-drained soil, you can use remaining soil mixture to build a 3 to 4 inch high water retaining berm (catch basin / doughnut) around the outside perimeter of the planting hole. This basin will help to collect water from rainfall and irrigation often reducing the need for hand-watering. The berm can be removed after a year or when the plant has established itself.
Step 7
Next, deeply water the planting area, including the root ball, to a depth equal to the height of the root ball. For an extra boost, to stimulate early root formation and stronger root development you can also water you newly planted tree with a solution of Root Stimulator, which reduces transplant shock and promotes greener, more vigorous plants.
Step 8
To conserve moisture and suppress weed growth, spread a 1 to 2 inch layer of shredded or chipped wood mulch or a 3 to 4 inch layer of pine straw or other straw mulch around the planting area. As the mulch decomposes it will add vital nutrients to the soil that your plant will appreciate. Avoid the use of freshly chipped or shredded wood for mulch until it has cured in a pile for at least 6 months, a year is better. Avoid placing or piling mulch directly against the base of your tree's trunk as this could cause the bark to rot.
How To Plant A Serviceberry Tree In A Container
Serviceberry trees growing in pots appreciate a moist but well-drained soil. Constantly soggy soil can and often will cause root rot or other harmful or deadly plant diseases. Therefore, plant in a container with a drainage hole(s) and use a quality potting soil. Avoid the use of native soil dug from the ground. To ensure good drainage you can also add 10 to 20% perlite or pumice to the soil mixture.
Make sure to choose a container that is large enough to allow for 2 to 3 years of growth before shifting up to a larger size container. This might mean your planting pot would be 8 inches or more in width than the root ball of your plant.
Container color will matter as well. Not only will you want to pick a color of container that goes well with the foliage and flower color of your tree, you'll also want to pick a container that matches the style of your home or other structures and other plants in the surrounding environment.
Many nursery & garden centers offer a wide variety of containers to choose from. Before heading out to buy a container take pictures of your home and the surrounding environment. Doing so will help you to choose just the right color and style.
Container Planting Instructions
Step 1
Before filling your container with the soil mix, I always suggest lining the interior of the pot with a porous landscape fabric. This will keep the drain holes from becoming stopped up with roots and soil.
Step 2
To remove your tree from the nursery container it was growing in first squeeze the sides of the container to loosen root ball. Then, firmly grasp the base of the tree and gently try to lift and remove it from its container. If the root ball is stuck in the container it's best to use a snipping tool or utility knife to cut the container away. After having removed the tree from the container, carefully loosen some feeder roots around the surface of the root ball.
Step 3
Pour a small amount of your soil mixture in the bottom of the container. Set your tree in the container and make necessary adjustments by adding or removing some soil so that the top edge of the root ball will sit 1/2 to 1" below the rim of the container.
Step 4
Backfill with your potting soil around root ball, tamping as you go, until the level of potting soil is even with the top edge of root ball.
Step 5
Water thoroughly until water starts to drain from the holes in the bottom of the container. Add more potting mix if settling occurs during watering.
Step 6 (Optional)
Apply a 1/2" layer of wood chips or stone mulch to soil surface to help conserve moisture.
How To Care For A Serviceberry Tree
Feeding - Watering - Pruning
Serviceberry trees are not a heavy feeders. They can usually get their nutrient needs from the soil. That said, to maintain good foliage color and support growth and overall health of the plant, you can feed in early spring with a slow-release shrub & tree food or natural organic plant food.
In Containers
Feed Serviceberry trees growing in containers as directed on product label with a slow-release granular or water soluble fertilizer listed for use on plants growing in containers.
Soil pH
Serviceberry trees will grow in an acid to neutral soil ranging from 5.0 to 7.0 on the pH scale, preferring 5.0 to 6.0. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
How To Test Soil pH
Soil pH is a measurement of the alkalinity or acidity of soil and is measured on a scale of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral mark. Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline. If you're unsure about the pH of your soil, or whether or not it's suitable for growing Serviceberry, it's a good idea to test the soil pH in the planting area.
You can quickly test soil pH with an inexpensive soil pH tester probe. To raise the pH (make more alkaline) you can add pelletized limestone to the soil. To lower the pH (make more acid) you can apply Soil Sulfur, Aluminum Sulfate, or Chelated Iron. Adding organic compost to the soil or using compost as mulch can also help to increase acidity and maintain acid soil conditions.
Learn More: What is Soil pH and How To Adjust It?
How To Water A Serviceberry Tree
Serviceberry trees prefer a moist but well-drained soil. When young they'll require some water to establish roots however are moderately drought tolerant when established. Constantly soggy or wet soil conditions can be problematic. So be careful not to over-water them!
Tip: When watering with an automated irrigation system it's best to set your timer to water during the early morning hours and not in the late evening or at night, which can lead to the onset of fungus and other foliar diseases. Test the soil moisture often during the first few weeks after planting and adjust irrigation time if necessary to maintain a moist but not wet soil.
After Planting
Immediately after planting deep soak the soil in the planting area, including the root ball, to a depth equal to the height of the root ball. For an extra boost, you can water your newly planted tree with a solution of Root Stimulator, which stimulates early root formation and stronger root development. Root Stimulator reduces plant shock and promotes greener, more vigorous plants.
During the First Active Growth Season
In average garden soil you should not have to water your newly planted Serviceberry tree every day. More often than not, this causes soggy soil conditions that can lead to root rot and other harmful plant diseases. In the absence of sufficient rainfall, water only as needed to keep the root ball and surrounding soil damp to moist.
Keep in mind that deep soaking less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat before watering again, is much better than splashing just a little water on the plants every day. Trees planted during the winter dormant season, when plants are not actively growing and evaporation is much slower, will require much less water. So, be extra careful not to overwater during winter!
Thereafter
Established Serviceberry trees still prefer a consistently moist soil but will tolerate short dry periods. If you see leaves wilting or dulling in color during dry weather this could be a sign your tree could use a good deep soaking.
How To Prune A Serviceberry Tree
Serviceberry trees do not require pruning, however can be pruned for shaping purposes, tree forming, or to remove damaged or dead branches.
When to Prune
A stray, damaged or dead branch can be pruned any time of year. Lower branches can be removed to raise the canopy height in late winter.
When you prune, use a sharp pair of bypass hand pruners or loppers. When tree forming or thinning, prune the branches back to their origin, being careful not to damage the intersecting branches or trunks when making your cuts.
Plant Long & Prosper!
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