What Should You Plant After Removing a Tree?

June 19, 2017

You finally removed that tree from the yard and now have some additional space. But how should you go about determining what to plant in the tree’s spot? Keep in mind that what you do with the void left from it depends on a number of factors including the tree’s size, how it was removed, as well as the condition of the remaining soil. Many homeowners choose to plant another tree in that location. With that said, there are several issues that must be considered before moving forward. In this blog post, we will dive into some of those.

Understanding the void

It’s no secret that fallen trees can leave a mess. Many tree removal services will grind the remaining stump after handling the tree itself. But what you’re often left with is just a hole in the ground filled with sawdust. The roots will still be there, but it’s important to have a clear spot for replanting to even be possible.

Replanting

In an article from SFGate, the writer explains that in order to replant another tree in the location, you must remove as much of the sawdust and as many of the roots of the original tree as you can. Doing so will provide a rich growing environment for a new tree. But how do you go about handling this? You might want to start by using a pickaxe to get rid of all the old roots so the new tree has no problem properly establishing itself. If the stump remains, you’ll most likely have to wait anywhere from one to three years for it and the roots to fully decompose.

The majority of homeowners don’t realize that an excess of sawdust and wood chips can leave the soil with too high of a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. Why does this make a difference in the replanting process? Remains from the stump decomposing can deplete nitrogen from the soil, which helps ensure optimal growth for a new tree. That’s why it’s often necessary to test the soil for proper nutrients.

Getting started with a new tree

Begin by digging out a spot three times the size of the new tree’s root ball, as advised by the article. This essentially means planting the tree about three feet away from the original location, providing it enough room to grow with the new roots. You’ll want to fill the hole with high-quality dirt, such as potting soil mixed with native dirt. This is a great time to use some of the stump’s remains should you decide to keep them. It’s advised to mound the soil before planting your new tree considering that the ground will settle a bit.

Other options for planting

Is a new tree not one of the options you’re considering following tree removal? Not to worry, as there are a number of plants that will spruce up your yard in place of a tree. You might want to consider planting grass, flowers, or hedges over the location. Just be aware that stump removal can cause depressions or ridges on the ground.

TREE REMOVAL FROM PRO TREE SERVICE

Before you start coming up with a list of what you’d like to plant in place of your tree, you obviously must first have your current tree removed! At Pro Tree Service, we help homeowners and businesses achieve their landscaping dreams on a daily basis. We can easily tackle simple projects such as removing small bushes, shrubs, and stumps or ones that are larger in nature such removing large trees surrounded by hazards (poisonous wildlife, commercial properties, neighboring houses, and municipal power lines).

There’s no hiding the fact that tree removal can be pricy. Since 1989, our tree company has been committed to offering the best tree care solutions at the most competitive rates through our Best Price Guarantee. When it comes to finding the right tree removal service, we encourage customers to shop around for the best rates available. As Chicago’s leader in tree service and land clearing for nearly three decades, we guarantee that we will match or beat any reasonable, written estimate by 10 percent.

WHAT TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WITH TREE REMOVAL

Are you unsure if your bush, stump, or tree should be removed? Here are some things you should be taking into account as you make a decision:

  • Naturally splitting/cracking discovered at critical parts of the tree
  • Wind gusts and/or lightning strikes from recent storms
  • Safety, such as overgrown trees/bushes to nearby properties and/or public use spaces)
  • Significant aging, bug infestation, and/or disease to trees, bushes, or stumps     

On a regular basis, we come in contact with homeowners who are reluctant to have their trees removed because they’re concerned about the end result. You can feel at ease knowing that Pro Tree Service is fully licensed, insured, and bonded to perform all tree removal, bush removal, and stump removal services.

Get back to loving your yard and contact Pro Tree today.

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