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Hi, I got a free sapling from a local arts n crafts festival. It is a serviceberry tree. I have a spot to plant it. Is there any advice I should be aware of in planting? I'm wondering how long it will take for this tree to grow larger. As of now it is about a 2' stick! I'm excited to plant and get it growing.
They're very nice, early blooming tress. I understand that they are moderate growers, reaching about ten feet in 5-10 years. They tolerate some shade but will not bloom in full shade.
Dig a hole as large as the current root is long, or at least 15 inches deep. The width of the hole should be roughly 2-3 ft. Rest the sapling upright in the hole and backfill the loose soil around the base of the sapling. Now, very important, be sure that the sapling is planted no deeper than a) where the soil line was previously, or b) than a knobby graft union area (if it has one), or it it was given to you bare root, c.) no deeper than about 1 inch above where the topmost root is currently.
Firm up the soil around the stem. Use additional soil to create a 3 in tall donut of soil about a foot way from and surrounding the stem. This provides a little spot for a reservoir when you water. Immediately after planting be sure to water, then water a couple of times a week. Service berry only flowers for a short time in the spring but when it does it is very lovely.
I'm the owner of two serviceberry trees. I've killed a couple as well. So my advice is even though serviceberry is supposed to be OK with shade, it does better in partial sun. You are in a hot place, so maybe this does not apply to you, though...I'm in MD. I have a. canadensis (or possibly) a. laevis as well.
Also I've just found out that serviceberry is in the ROSE (who knew this?) family, and may sadly be a host for gymnosporangium rust. I had to copy that because I can't spell it. So if you have it near susceptible junipers...don't plant it. If you have rocky mountain junipers or if rocky mountain junipers are nearby, you may want to reconsider keeping the plant.
I'm just adding the last part because I think you may be in Colorado... If I'm not mistaken those junipers are native to that area. Correct me if I'm off base. Best of luck.
I'm actually in Raleigh, NC which is zone 7. I planted it this morning. Thanks for all of your advice. It is small now but hopefully it'll sprout up. I just love the idea of planting a little tree given to me for free in honor of Arbor Day! One day I may look at that tree and have fond memories. It was easy to plant especially with the soil being so soft after all this rain. I used a small stake with it to help keep it up, just in case.
Watch out for purple berries that will ripen in June. I say watch out because if you don't get them as soon as they ripen, your mockingbirds will. They are nutritious and tasty.
Eat them raw; they taste much like blueberries, with an almost dry, grainy texture and a mild, sweet flavor. Bake them into pies, puddings or muffins. Dehydrate them like raisins. Make serviceberry jam or serviceberry ice cream. Or…drum roll, please…process serviceberries as pasteurized juice, mead or wine, or simmer the juice to make serviceberry syrup to use on pancakes or as a mixer with vodka and soda.
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So my advice is even though serviceberry is supposed to be OK with shade, it does better in partial sun. You are in a hot place, so maybe this does not apply to you, though...I'm in MD. I have a. canadensis (or possibly) a. laevis as well. 
