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Despite decades of research and practice restoring forests on surface coal mines, success is still variable, and failures often occur. To better understand how variation in site factors and management affects the success of restoration of coal mines, we conducted a survey of tree performance for mine sites in the Illinois Basin across Indiana, USA, reclaimed between 2008 and 2018. We explored the impacts of climate and soil conditions on the survival and growth of planted trees, as well as the cover of associated vegetation. Average overall survival (21%) was relatively low compared to typical unmined sites. Organic matter had one of the most consistent and largest effects on most oak species, with the highest performance between 3 and 5%. Soil phosphorus content was the most important factor determining whether a planting totally failed and affected the growth of White oak (Quercus alba) and Swamp white oak (Q. bicolor), though its effect on White oak was nonlinear. Rainfall in the year of planting had large positive effects on the survival and growth of Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), and Black walnut (Juglans nigra) and temperature in the year of planting had large positive effects on the growth of Bur oak (Q. macrocarpa) and Persimmon. Planting a diverse mix of species is the best option both for approximating natural conditions, and for avoiding problems from the failure of individual species. While conditions vary, successful forest restoration on former coal mines can occur; this study reveals some of the most important factors affecting such success.