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Having a tree removed from your residence can be an involved process, and you may have yet to give much thought to subsequent space needs. But the reality is that there is so much you can do to get that space looking beautiful and refreshing. Here, we will provide a guide on what to plant after tree removal.
You can learn the planting process after getting the stump removed, tips for tree planting after stump grinding, and tree care for newly planted trees. This post wraps up with things you can do with tree stumps. Let's dive in!
Why Plant After Having a Tree Removed?
- Planting after tree removal helps to improve your landscape.
- The area where the tree was removed looks better.
- You will be improving the soil's drainage conditions.
- Planting trees helps to prevent soil erosion.
- Planting trees after tree removal enhances the property's value and adds curb appeal. This advantage is more certain if you hire professional certified arborists.
Tree Planting Options after Tree Removal
There are great tree-planting options to consider after removing your tree from your property. You may decide to plant the same type of tree that was removed. Replanting the same tree in the same spot is even possible if the root ball is intact.
Otherwise, the tree will be unable to grow back. You may replant with appropriate disease-resistant species if the previous tree was removed due to an insect or disease problem. You can consult certified arborists to help you choose the best tree-planting options.
Take a look at some of the best trees that you can plant after removal:
Native Dogwood trees
Native Dogwood trees are generally easy to maintain. They also do well in different soil conditions and are drought tolerant. They are, therefore, an excellent option for planting after tree removal.
Japanese Maple trees
Japanese Maple trees have an attractive, ornamental appearance and are low maintenance. They can provide you with good shade, and they also have distinctive fall foliage. Japanese Maple trees are also an excellent choice to plant after tree removal.
Fruit trees
Consider planting fruit-bearing trees that provide aesthetic value and food for your family. Avocado, Citrus, Apple, and Persimmon trees do especially well in this area.
Planting Process after Getting Stump Removed
- Your municipality should have already given the green light for the tree removal and planting.
- New plant roots tend to get less crowded if the plant is stubby and has minor root balls. You should, therefore, choose your new plant wisely.
- Planting a tree carefully can make it grow more vertically.
- Air pockets can be harmful to the roots of new plants. Try to remove air pockets when filling the hole.
- You can use loose soil to fill two-thirds of the gap and water to fill the remaining space. The soil will settle better after you have filled the hole.
- It is helpful to consult certified arborists. They can help with the tree removal process and the planting process.
Tips for Tree Planting After Stump Grinding
- Stump grinding is often needed as a final step in a tree removal process. Failing to remove tree stumps can lower a garden's aesthetic and attract insects.
- Tree planting after stump grinding can be a struggle. However, planting trees in an area where an old tree and its stump were removed is still possible. Here are some tips to ease tree planting processes after stump grinding and tree removal.
- New plants in old tree areas need soil with replenished nutrients and water levels. You may have to allow some time before replanting.
- Planning ahead before removing the tree or stump is essential. Chemicals and salts used during stump grinding and tree removal can affect the soil.
- Roots from previous trees can impede the growth of newer trees and prevent them from growing well.
- Give older tree roots enough time to decompose naturally.
- Consider the condition of the previous tree. There may be pathogens that may affect a new tree if the tree is diseased.
Tree Care for Newly Planted Trees
Water newly planted trees
Newly planted trees require regular watering. This is especially useful when they are in their first growing season. It would help if you watered regularly, but do not overdo it. Watering once each week is often enough to keep the surrounding soil moist.
Use mulching to protect tree roots
Mulching around the base of trees helps protect the roots from extreme temperature changes. Such trees' roots can also better retain soil moisture. Therefore, you can apply organic mulch such as wood chips or bark up to about two to three inches deep. Certified arborists can help you with mulching services as they are skilled experts with mulching experience.
Protect newly planted trees
A barrier such as a fence can help protect newly planted trees from animals. For example, if you live in an area where deer or other wildlife can enter, you can install a fence to keep them away.
Remove all materials from previous tree stumps
You need to plant your new tree in thriving soil conditions. Stump grinding can still leave some old root systems in the ground, and extensive root systems can take a long time to decompose. These decomposing roots are a threat to the growth of new tree roots. You should, therefore, remove organic materials such as roots and wood chips from the soil area.
Things You Can Do With Tree Stumps
You can use your tree's stump if you decide to keep them. They don't have to be an eyesore in your front yard. Here are some options that are open to you:
- Convert the stump to a planter
- Use the stump as a pedestal
- It can become a useful feature in a child's play area.
- You could also build a flower bed.
Building a DIY raised flower bed
Use the following steps to build a raised flower bed where your previous tree was.
- First, remove the wood chips from the area.
- Place a newspaper layer at the bottom of the hole. This will help discourage weed growth while encouraging worms.
- Next, you can fill the bed with topsoil and compost.
- Finally, use materials such as rocks as edging before you plant the flowers.
Planting Grass after Stump Grinding
- You may consider planting grass in the space after using a stump grinder to remove the stump and root.
- However, remember to do some land clearing before you start planting grass. Try to remove all sawdust as much as you can.
- The waiting time before planting grass seeds can vary. It always helps to use fertilizer to prepare the soil.
- When preparing the soil, you can blend quick-release nitrogen fertilizer with the slow-release version.
- Do not plant the grass seeds beyond a depth deeper than ¼ inch into the soil.
- Water the ground twice daily for the grass seeds to sprout.
- The grass should be nice and thick after 60 days. You can start a monthly application of high-nitrogen fertilizer. This encourages stump decomposition and helps maintain nitrogen levels.
- Water the grass area once or twice every week. Apply more nitrogen fertilizer if the grass turns yellow.
- Also, apply a topsoil layer and a compost layer to fill the area just above the surrounding land level.
- Now, you can use your hand to mix the layers up and sprinkle grass seed on it.
- Remember to water the area and use a thin layer of straw to cover it.
- Finally, regularly water the area and tend it properly.
Choose Trusted Tree Service Companies
From this post, you will have learned more about what to plant after tree removal, tree planting options after tree removal, and the planting process after getting a stump removed. It is best to get specialist help from a qualified tree service company if you need expert tree care.
They have certified arborists and landscape designers who can help you plant new trees and resolve tree care challenges. They also have the right equipment and are skilled in the proper techniques for planting trees after stump grinding and removal. Moreover, they can provide emergency tree removal, stump grinding, and tree pruning services.