Tree Planting in Millcreek, PA

Why so many Millcreek yards need new trees

Over the last decade or so, emerald ash borer has killed a large share of the untreated ash trees across Erie County. Many Millcreek neighborhoods lost large, mature ashes that once shaded houses, streets and backyards. Storms have taken others, and some trees were simply planted in the wrong place decades ago and had to go. The result is yards with stumps, bare lawns and hot south-facing walls. Replanting is the best way to bring back shade, privacy and value.

Weather that tests every tree

Millcreek sits right on Lake Erie, and that shapes everything. Lake-effect snow can arrive in heavy, wet bands, especially in late fall when some trees still have leaves, and that snow load breaks weak branches. Winds off the lake are strong and steady. Summers are mild and humid. We pick species that handle cold, snow and wind, and that have strong branch structure. Good choices include swamp white oak, red oak, hackberry, Kentucky coffeetree, tulip tree, black gum, serviceberry and disease-resistant elms. Near busy roads such as Peach Street, West 26th and West Lake Road, we favor trees that tolerate road salt.

Soils also vary across the township. Closer to the lake there are sandy ridges that drain quickly, while other parts of Millcreek have heavier, wetter soil. We match the tree to the ground, choosing moisture-loving species for wet spots and drought-tolerant ones for sandy sites.

Trees to avoid, and one pest to watch

We do not plant ash. We also steer customers away from Norway maple and Bradford or Callery pear, which are invasive or prone to splitting. Tree-of-heaven is another plant to remove, not plant. It is the favorite host of the spotted lanternfly, and lanternfly egg masses were found in Millcreek in 2025. Local groups have been working to remove tree-of-heaven in Millcreek, Fairview and Harborcreek. If you have tree-of-heaven on your property, we can remove it before planting. If you see lanternflies or their egg masses, report them to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

How we plant

1. Visit and plan. We check sun, soil, drainage and space, and discuss what you want from the tree.
2. Call before digging. We contact Pennsylvania One Call to mark utilities.
3. Dig wide, not deep. The hole is two to three times the width of the root ball, with the root flare at or just above grade.
4. Backfill and mulch. We use native soil, water it in and add a mulch ring, kept away from the trunk.
5. Stake if exposed. On windy lots near the lake, soft staking holds the tree for its first year.

When to plant

The best seasons in Erie County are spring, after the ground thaws in April through early June, and fall, from September into early November before the ground freezes. Fall planting gives roots several cool months to grow, which is helpful before the first hot stretch of summer.

After planting

Water deeply once a week through the first two growing seasons when rain is light. Refresh mulch each spring. Wrap the trunks of young thin-barked trees in late fall to prevent sunscald and protect against deer and rabbits. A light structural prune after a few years helps the tree carry snow later. Our tree trimming crew handles that.

Planting for privacy and windbreaks

Many Millcreek properties back onto busier roads, commercial lots or open fields, and owners want a living screen. Evergreens such as Norway spruce, white fir and eastern red cedar, mixed with a few deciduous trees, make a strong screen that also breaks the wind coming off the lake. We space them so they have room to fill in without crowding each other and shading out their lower branches. On lakefront and bluff properties, we can plant to help hold soil while keeping views open. A staggered double row usually screens faster than a single straight line, and it looks more natural from both sides.

Questions

Can you plant where an old ash stood?

Yes. We grind out the stump with our stump grinding service and plant slightly to one side of the old root zone.

Can you help me choose?

Yes, an arborist consultation is a good place to start.

Do you work nearby?

Yes, including Fairview, Erie, Summit Township and Harborcreek.