Plant golden chain tree in fall or early spring, with the graft union above the soil, and keep it well away from where children play.
Plant in fall or spring with the graft above the soil, away from children
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| When | Fall or early spring, while the tree is still dormant | Do not plant into frozen ground or into midsummer heat |
| Hole | Two to three times as wide as the root ball, and no deeper | Do not dig a deep pit that holds water |
| Graft | Set the graft union above the soil line, and the flare at grade | Do not bury the graft or sink the ball below the surface |
| Spacing | About 15 to 20 feet from walls, walks, and the next tree | Do not park it beside a swing set, a dog run, or a patio table |
Golden chain tree moves best as a young nursery tree. Fall planting, while the tree is dormant, is the usual window. Early spring works when the ground is workable and a hard freeze is not due. [1] Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the root ball and no deeper. Set the tree at the same depth it grew in the pot, with the flare at the soil line. [2] Most garden trees are grafted. Keep that union above the soil so rootstock shoots do not take over. If you want a walk of hanging flowers, set a sturdy metal arch about 8 feet tall before you plant, and space the trees about 6 to 8 feet apart along each side. [3] Leave about 15 to 20 feet for a free-standing tree. Do not plant it over a play area or next to a path where pods will drop at sitting height, because every part of the tree is poisonous if it is eaten. [4] Backfill with the native soil, firm it, water to settle the hole, and stake a young stem low for the first two years. Keep mulch a few inches off the trunk.
- Plant in fall, or in early spring while the ground is workable. Skip frozen soil and midsummer heat.
- Soak the root ball, then dig a hole two to three times as wide and no deeper than the ball.
- Set the flare at grade and the graft union above the soil. Backfill, firm, and water in.
- Stake the stem low for two years. Leave 15 to 20 feet of room, and keep the tree away from where children play. If you want an arch, set that frame first.
When should I plant a golden chain tree?
Plant in fall, or in early spring while the ground is workable. Set the graft above the soil.
How far from a play area should I plant it?
Keep it well off a swing set, a path where children sit, and a dog run, because fallen pods are poisonous if they are eaten.
If a new tree yellows, the hole is holding water or the graft was buried. Reset it at grade with the union above the soil, and water it through the first season.
FAQ
Can I plant it in summer if that is when I bought it?
Keep it in the nursery pot, in light shade, and water it until early fall. A summer plant-out in heat is the usual reason a new tree stalls.
How do I water it after it is in the ground?
Water a new tree through the first two or three seasons. That calendar is on How to Grow Golden Chain Tree.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] BBC Gardeners' World Magazine -
https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-grow-laburnum/ - [2] Harvest to Table -
https://harvesttotable.com/how-to-grow-laburnum-golden-chain-tree/ - [3] NC State Extension Gardener -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/laburnum-anagyroides/ - [4] Utah State University Extension -
https://extension.usu.edu/treebrowser/catalog/goldenchain-waterer-laburnum
This note is part of Laburnum Guides.
More planting notes by plant are gathered in Planting Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors