This tree can be fairly labeled as being finicky. It will grow from zone 5B through zone 7, but if the truth be told, it is happiest in zone 6. The name of this game is to try to have naturally in your yard most of the basic needs of this tree to keep it as low maintenance as possible. It does not like serious cold or high heat, so if you live in the north or deep South, choose another tree. Best to plant this tree in the spring rather than in the fall. Goldenchain tree prefers full sun but not all day. Ideally it will be in some light shade during the hottest 2 or 3 hours in the afternoon. In fact, these trees in the northern part of their area can suffer from leaf scald where the bark is exposed to afternoon sun in the winter. The soil should be of average fertility and well drained. This tree prefers alkaline soils and will not be happy with a pH below 7.0. When this tree is first planted it may need some staking for a year or no more than two. The Goldenchain is not heat tolerant and does not tolerate wet soil. So there is a price to pay for having one of most unbelievable shows in the late spring; some fussy needs for the rest of the year. For more information see the file on Planting A Tree
