Tree removal in itself can be a very cumbersome process. But even after it is done, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. So many people don’t know how to treat or prepare the ground once the tree has been removed. Knowing what to do and how to go about it can make a huge difference. Let’s take a look at how to go about this process.
The first thing which you need to do after removing the tree is to get rid of the leftover stump. You will then need to fill up the hole with similar soil and use the stump grindings as mulch or in compost.
How to Prepare the Soil After Tree Removal?
Once you have removed the tree stump from your property, chances are that you will be left with a gaping hole in the ground. This hole can range from anywhere between a couple of feet to more than 6 feet deep depending on the size and the method you used for stump removal.
Recommended: How to remove a stump without a grinder
Fill the Hole
The first step of preparing the ground for any use is to fill this hole in the ground. The first thing which you will need to do is to take notice of the surrounding soil composition.
You will have to fill this hole with the soil that matches its surrounding otherwise the plants or trees which you want to plant in the area will not grow in a uniform manner.
Fill this hole with the matching soil till at least 2 inches above the ground so that it can settle to ground level. Chances are that there will be a lot of stump grindings in the ground as well, remove most of it in the beginning.
Using the Stump Grindings and Wood Chips
Keep in mind that if a few wood chips get left in the ground or in the soil, don’t try to remove them. A small number of wood chips can be a good source of mulch and manure for the soil.
Although stump grindings can be used as compost and mulch, you should only add more of this once you know the requirements of the tree or the plant you want to grow in that area.
Once the soil has been added, add a little bit of the stump groundings or the leftover wood chips. Make a 1” thick layer and water the area every alternate day for about a week.
After about a week, you can get the soil tested for its Ph levels and nutrition balance. According to the result, you can add an appropriate amount of organic and nitrogen-rich fertilizers to boost the health of the soil.
How to Level Ground After Stump Removal?
Once you have added the soil and watered the area, there are two ways you can level the ground further. Either use the backside of the shovel and press down on the area with your bodyweight or use a roller and run over the area a couple of times.
Keep in mind that in most cases, using a shovel will be more than enough. You don’t want to apply too much pressure as well otherwise the soil will be too compact for proper tree and plant growth.
Planting After Stump Grinding
Once you have added the topsoil and the appropriate fertilizers, mulch, and manure, your soil is pretty much ready for plantation. Your soil Ph levels should be between 6.5-7 but it is not necessary to get your soil tested. As long as you fill the topsoil which is from the same area and you add manure, mulch, and a little fertilizer to the area, the soil should be good to go.
Before you plant anything in the area, aerate the soil a little bit using a rake.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Plant New Trees?
Most professionals recommend waiting for at least a couple of weeks before planting anything. This gives the soil enough time to settle and for any wood particles, mulch, manure, and fertilizers to get properly mixed with the soil.
How to Grow Grass in the Area?
If you wish to grow grass in the area, don’t add too many wood chips, or stump grindings to the soil. These make the soil nitrogen-rich which is not preferred for grass. The preferred Ph levels for grass growth are between 6-7.
Once your soil is prepared, just add the grass seeds to the soil and water the area and you are good to go.
I have a few related guides on growing lawn you can check out:
Landscaping Ideas After Tree Removal
If you don’t want to grow plants or trees in the area, there are a lot of different landscaping ideas you can go with.
The first one is quite simple, just grow a flower bed in the area. This will add a really nice aesthetic touch to your property. Consult with an arborist or florist and they can guide you regarding which flowers would be easier to grow on your property.
Another thing which you can do is transform that area into a small pond and some stones around it to create beautiful scenery. A landscaping company can guide you through the entire process and it won’t end up costing you a lot.
Conclusion
Before starting with your landscaping idea, you should first level and clear the ground after the stump has been removed. Fill the hole with similar soil, up to 1” above the ground level. Use the stump grindings as mulch or in compost. You can either plant a tree, make a flowerbed or grow grass over the area. You can also make a pond or use decorative stones for landscaping as well.
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I am the guy behind Theyardable.com. I grew up on a homestead and I am here to share the knowledge I have and things I learn while living in the countryside.
