What to Do After Stump Grinding: Tree Planting and More
Give your yard new life after tree work
Highlights
You can seed for new grass after stump grinding, even if the stump wasn’t completely removed.
A new tree may be more successful if planted a few feet from the stump.
Other options include container gardens and water fountains.
Once the sawdust settles, you may wonder what to do after stump grinding to ensure your yard is healthy and lush. Although the stump is gone, there are still steps to take before you can utilize the space. Learning what to do after stump grinding will help you prepare your yard properly and ensure your new tree or plants flourish.
Planting Grass After Stump Grinding
There’s a difference between stump grinding vs. stump removal. Whether you had the stump ground down or removed will determine what you need to do next.
Stump grinding only rids the visible portion of the tree stump; it does not remove the tree's root system. The roots are left behind and will eventually decompose. Stump removal makes repurposing space for other plants or even a new tree easier.
One good option after stump grinding if you did not have the entire stump removed is to plant grass. Here’s how to do it:
Remove debris and wood chips: The stump grinder “chews” the stump into wood chips. So, you will have quite a bit of debris to clean up afterward.
Fill in the remaining hole: The hole from stump grinding is not as deep as it would be if you had it completely removed, but you may still need to fill it in to level the lawn. You can use some of the leftover wood chips and then finish filling it in with topsoil. Make sure to overfill the hole a few inches so it will level out as it settles.
Seed for new grass: Sow grass seed to promote healthy grass growth. Make sure to add about 1/4 inch of topsoil over the seeds to protect them. Gently water afterward.
How to Plant Trees After Stump Removal
You can hire a stump removal service near you to remove the stump so you can plant a new shrub or tree nearby. In some cases, you can replant in the same spot, but you still need to wait for deep roots to decompose before you do. Here is how to plant trees after stump removal:
1. Consult an Arborist
Before you start digging, it’s best to consult an arborist near you to determine if you should replant in the same location and what species of tree you should plant. In most cases, it’s best to plant a tree nearby rather than exactly where the stump was removed.
If the first tree had to be cut down due to disease, pathogens can still be in the soil and cause health issues for your new tree. Also, although the stump and roots were removed, any deeper tree roots left behind could keep a new tree from having adequate space to grow.
An arborist can provide the information you need to ensure your new tree has prime growing conditions to be healthy.
2. Give It Some Time
You are probably eager to plant a new tree, but if possible, it’s best to wait awhile before you do. Even if you plant a tree nearby, roots from the tree that was removed can still be intact further underground. Giving them time to decompose will allow more room for your new tree to root.
Also, the sawdust from grinding the stump down can alter the soil’s balance. So, waiting will give the soil time to replenish its nutrients. Another tip is to plant the tree in the right season to ensure it thrives.
3. Plant the Tree Away From the Original Spot
If you plant your new tree further away from where the stump was removed, you may not have to wait as long to plant. Roots can take months to years to decompose, so opting for a spot away from the original tree can prevent issues with your new tree. Ideally, you should plant at least six to eight feet away.
4. Choose a Tree Species That Will Flourish
When consulting the arborist, make sure to ask what type of tree will do best before choosing one. You may want to replant the same type of tree, but if the climate isn’t suited for that species, it could make sense to opt for a different species.
Consider your climate, soil conditions, and the location of the new tree to help determine which type is best.
5. Dig a Large Enough Hole
When planting a tree, it’s essential that you dig a hole that is the correct size. In general, it needs to be approximately three times wider than the pot it is in. Don’t dig the hole too deep, either. The top of the root ball should be level with the topsoil.
You also want to break up the soil around the hole’s edges. Otherwise, it may be too compacted and will make it difficult for the tree to grow.
6. Plant the Tree
Remove the tree from the pot and the fabric wrapping if it has it. Depending on the tree, you may have to loosen the roots if they are bound together in the pot. Saturate the root ball with water before you plant. Refill the hole with soil. You may need to add more topsoil as it settles.
7. Water Thoroughly
Water the tree thoroughly after planting to ensure it stays hydrated. Most newly planted trees need water daily for 1-2 weeks. Make sure to water according to the specific needs of the species of tree you plant. Check the care tag to provide proper care and prevent over or underwatering.
Is It Worth the Cost to Remove a Stump to Plant a Tree?
Removing a stump rather than just opting for stump grinding may be worth the additional cost. The cost to completely remove the stump adds about $100 to $200 to your total but has many benefits.
Removing the stump allows you to plant a new tree nearby and will keep it from struggling to grow. It makes the space more usable for future gardening or other landscaping projects and reduces the risk of pests and fungi.
Other Landscaping Ideas After Stump Grinding
Although planting a tree has many benefits, it's not your only option. You can always just reseed the area or consider one of these ideas to freshen up your lawn:
Plant a container flower bed: If you are wondering what to do after stump grinding that will make your yard beautiful and beneficial to birds and insects, then make a container garden with various types of flowers. Do not plant directly into the ground if any chemicals were used to remove the stump. Instead, utilize containers to ensure your flowers survive. Remember to choose flowers that will thrive in that area of the yard.
Create a zen garden: Do something unique and dedicate the space to a zen garden. Zen gardens typically contain rocks, sand, gravel, and wood, so they are known as dry gardens. Decorate with lanterns, statues, and a few green foliage plants such as moss, ferns, or bonsai trees.
Install a water fountain: If you have the stump removed, you can install a whimsical water fountain once the fill dirt settles. There are quite a few different types to choose from, and the cost of an outdoor water fountain ranges anywhere from $150 to $11,000.
Decorate with a bird bath and feeders: Why not help out your feathered friends and pick out a pretty bird bath to add decor to your lawn? There are many different types and styles of bird baths to choose from, such as concrete, metal, plastic, ceramic, stone, and more. Add some bird feeders while you're at it for a perfect habitat for your backyard birds.