Various studies on new tree establishment have shown that on average a tree that is planted at 2" will take about two years to fully establish its root system, while a 4" tree will take four years to establish. Other factors that also affect a tree's ability to properly establish its root system are soil conditions, length of growing season, and proper watering. Here are additional advantages to planting a 2" tree:

• The fact that the roots are smaller and cut during digging and transplanting helps to boost the survival rates of newly planted trees. This allows a faster establishment rate.
• A tree that has established faster can actually grow at a rate that is fast enough to pass up a larger tree that hasn't fully established its root system.
• Material and labor costs are less when planting smaller trees vs. larger trees. This enables consumers to stretch their budgets and increase the enhancement value to their property.