How to Replant Trees After Stump Grinding

May 21, 2021

how soon after stump grinding can you plant

What You Should Know About Tree Replacements Following Professional Stump Removal

You’ve had a stump removed recently, or you’re planning to have one removed. Either way, your mind may be focused on what the remaining land will look like – after all, a freshly removed stump can be quite the eyesore at first.

There’s more at stake than appearance, though. There are plenty of issues at play when you grind away a stump – and before you can start replanting, you’ll need to plan carefully.

Read below to learn more about where trees/plants should be planted, why it’s not the best idea to plant in the stump hole, and how to ensure the sapling is able to flourish.

What Is Stump Grinding?

Stump grinding is one of the most popular and effective methods of removing an unwanted plant in a tree stump. The process involves using a stump grinder – this tool looks similar to a lawnmower, but has a crane-like saw at the end of it. The stump grinder is placed over the stump and shreds through the wood using its rapid blades. Ultimately, the stump is shredded into small bits that are barely visible. how soon after stump grinding can you plant?

Maintenance Tips After Stump Grinding

After your stump is removed, you may wish to plant a new tree or use the remaining space for something else. Before that, you’ll need to take the following steps:

Clear the remaining debris from the stump
Make sure there are no remaining exposed roots
Wait awhile – rushing the process will not benefit the health or your future trees
Replace the remaining hole with topsoil
Seed the area to begin the process of replacing grass

After the area has restored its grass, you’ll be ready to plant new trees.

How Far Away Should a Newly Planted Tree/Plant Be From a Stump?

You can plant trees near a stump or the remains of one, but you should do so carefully. After all, when planting a tree, you have to think of the roots that lay underground and cover more area than what is visible from above the surface.

We recommend spacing trees out at least three feet from stumps.

Can You Plant Something In A Stump?

If you don’t grind away or eliminate your stump, you may be wondering what else you can do. Technically, yes – you can use a stump as the base of a flower bed or for similar projects. Be careful though: it’s common for pests to find a home in or near tree stumps!

How Long Should I Wait to Start Planting?

You’re eager to replace the space where a stump once laid – but anyone who works with trees or outdoor organisms knows that patience is key. So, how long should you wait to replant a tree?

There are a few factors to consider here. First, beneath the old stump’s space lies a root system, and these could take months or years to decompose. If a tree is planted over them before they are truly gone, this may affect the new tree’s health. On top of that, microorganisms will be drawn to what is left behind by your old tree, and these can mess with your new tree.

Ultimately, it’s too hard to tell when exactly it’s ‘safe’ to plant over the space. That’s why planting a few feet away from the stump’s space is a smarter idea. Regardless of what space you choose, continue to regularly monitor your tree as it grows.

Planting a New Tree? Start Right With These Tips

If you’ve chosen to plant a tree in place of a tree that had been removed – congratulations! You’re growing your forest and supporting the ecosystem. Here’s how you can ensure your tree grows strong and healthy during the early stages.

First, think carefully about where and how you’re planting after stump grinding. Perhaps the tree it’s replacing had poor health because of a particular aspect it experienced in the environment of your yard – keep this in mind and try to avoid the same mistakes for the replacement tree!

When you dig, make your hole about 2 or 3 times the size of the root ball. Ensure that the new tree is planted so the tree will grow vertically – and do not add any grass or sod to the hole.

Pack soil about two-thirds full into the hole, removing air pockets as you go. Then, fill the remaining space with water – this will settle the soil and drain everything. Finally, make a ridge of soil around the root ball to make sure that water flows properly.

Conclusion

Not sure what to do after removing a stump? Let our tree experts help you.

At Green Thumb, our team of arborists and tree maintenance professionals can help you restore your yard to its best quality, ensuring that you’re positioned to grow strong and healthy trees as soon as possible. Contact us at Green Thumb today.

We take pride in offering our professional Tree Care services in Ottawa. Feel free to reach out to Green Thumb Tree Specialists for any of the following Tree Services:

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