The loss of a tree from your property can cause a void in your landscaping. What you do with that void depends on such factors as the size of the tree, how it was removed and the condition of the remaining soil. You can plant another tree in that location, but there are several issues you need to consider before moving ahead with your plan.
When It Goes
When a tree falls, from weather, age or disease, it can leave a mess. After getting rid of the fallen tree, most tree removal businesses will grind the remaining stump. What you’re often left with is a hole in the ground filled with sawdust. The roots remain, and that’s your main obstacle to replanting in that spot. You need a good, clear spot to replant in that area.
To replant another tree in that location, you must remove as much of the sawdust and as many of the roots from the original tree as possible to provide a rich growing environment for a new tree. That could mean using a pickaxe to chop out all the old roots so the new tree has plenty of root room to establish itself. If there is still a stump in your yard, you can encourage it to decompose. Drill holes into it and fill them with a mixture of one part compost, one part top soil and one part high-nitrogen fertilizer, but it could take one to three years for the stump and roots to fully decompose.
Blinded by Science
An excess of wood chips and sawdust can leave the soil with too high of a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. As the remains of the stump decompose, they can deplete nitrogen from the soil, which a new tree requires for proper growth. Test the soil for proper nutrients. You might need to add lime to reduce the acidity.
To replant a tree in that location, dig out an area three times the size of the new tree’s root ball. Or plant the new tree about 3 feet away from the original location, which will give it enough room to grow with its new roots. If it’s in the original location, fill the hole with good dirt, such as potting soil mixed with native dirt and possibly even some of the stump’s remains. Expect some settling of the ground, so it’s best to mound the soil before planting a new tree.
A good option for replanting is to choose a smaller tree with a smaller root ball so it has sufficient room to grow. Instead of a tree, consider planting grass or other plants such as flowers or hedges over the location, but be aware that stump removal can cause ridges or depressions in the ground.
- PennLive: Replanting After a Stump Grinding
- National Park Service: Replacing Trees in Cultural Landscapes
- University of Illinois Extension: Don't Plant New Tree Atop Recently Ground Stump
- TribLive: After Pine Tree Removal, Take Care Before Planting at Site
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Ask Mr. Smarty Plants: Title: How Soon After Stump Grinding Can Something Else Be Planted?
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