7 Tips for Tree Planting After Stump Grinding & Tree Removal
Now that you’ve taken care of your stump grinding and tree removal, it’s time to get to work on the new trees you want in your yard. While most people don’t think about it much at the time, this is actually where all the hard work comes in; there are some things you can do to ensure that these trees take root and thrive for many years to come. Of course, if you aren’t sure about how to plant trees after tree grinding or if you just need some more tips and suggestions from an expert, we can help.
Best Tree Planting Tips
Now that your trees have been removed, you might be wondering about what to do next. Tree planting after stump grinding and tree removal isn’t rocket science, but there are some tips and tricks to make it easier on yourself. Here are seven tree planting tips after stump grinding & tree removal that will help ensure the new trees you plant grow up healthy and strong, just like your old trees used to!
1) Choose the Right Location
Once you're confident in your decision to plant, it's time to find the perfect location. Here are a few considerations:
Space: Make sure there is enough room for the tree(s) and a healthy amount of space around them.
Sunlight: Trees need plenty of sunlight so make sure they have at least six hours of sun each day.
Drainage: Ensure that there is adequate drainage nearby to avoid root rot.
Water Supply: make sure the area can get regular water supply during dry seasons. Trees need about one inch of water per week.
Soil Type: be mindful of soil type because not all soils are created equal; some require more care than others
2) Prepare the Soil
A common misconception is that you can just dump the trees, roots and all, onto the ground and they will grow. This is not true. You need to prepare the soil in advance, by first digging a hole large enough to fit the root ball of the tree with some room to spare. If you are planting more than one tree close together, make sure there are at least three feet between them. Clear out any rocks or debris from the area, then put down a layer of mulch before filling the hole with dirt. Pack down the dirt around the tree and water it thoroughly to help settle it into place.
3) Select the Right Species
Lawn Worx recommends choosing the right species of trees. Some are evergreens and have a slower growth rate, and others are deciduous and have a faster growth rate. Deciduous trees will lose their leaves during the winter months, which will make the property look more barren than having an evergreen that stays green all year round. One type of tree to avoid is water-hogging weeping willow trees. They can be quite messy because they shed excess moisture on the lawn when it rains.
4) Get the Proper Size
When purchasing a tree to replace an old one, it is important to get the right size. The new tree should be just slightly larger than the stump. If the new tree is too small, it may not have enough room to grow and will die before reaching maturity. If you purchase a tree that is too big, it will take over all of your yard space with its need for water and nutrients. Make sure to also pay attention to the overall height as well. It is important to plant trees in pairs on either side of a sidewalk or driveway so they do not block visibility or traffic flow.
5) Plant at the Right Time
There's an art to planting a tree, but it's not too complicated. The most important thing is to plant at the right time. This is typically in the spring and fall so that the tree has enough time to take root and grow before winter hits. It also needs to be done early enough in the day so that you're sure it will still be warm enough after dark.
The second most important aspect of planting a tree is finding a suitable location with good soil.
6) Water Properly
One of the most important parts of planting a tree is properly watering it. The first thing to do is to water the tree deeply so that it absorbs moisture down to the roots. Do this every day until you see new growth, and then once a week or as needed after that. Make sure you are watering at a time when rain isn't expected for at least 12 hours. It's also important to remember not to overwater your newly planted tree, which can cause root rot. Trees will usually tell you when they need water by wilting from being too dry or showing signs of stress from being too wet.
7) Fertilize
The best time to fertilize a tree is about three months after planting. The tree will not be absorbing nutrients from the soil at this point, and the fertilizer can work its way down through the root system. Fertilizing too soon could damage or kill the roots by burning them off with nitrogen. Feed trees in late fall if you live in an area that doesn’t get snow cover during winter. Spring is usually a better choice for northern climates where leaves may block sunlight and slow growth. Add an inch of mulch to help conserve moisture and moderate temperature swings. Mulch should never come closer than 6 inches from the base of the trunk since it inhibits air circulation which weakens trees' defenses against pests, disease, drought, and other stresses.
source: lawn-worx.tumblr.com