Removing a tree from your property is a big deal. Not only for you, but also for the surrounding plants that are left behind. For example, if you have shade-loving flowers or shrubs in the area, they’ll suddenly find themselves in full sunlight. Fortunately, with a little care and replanting, you can keep your landscaping looking amazing.
Give the Site a Refresh
After removing a tree, you’ll need to repair the site. Start by raking up and getting rid of all debris, wood chips, or leftover organic material. You’ll also have holes left behind that you’ll need to fill in. Use a good-quality topsoil for this. Watering it will help it settle. As the remaining tree roots decompose, the ground will continue to sink. Be prepared to add more soil as time goes by.
Those decomposing roots will also deplete the soil of nitrogen. You can counteract this by adding a high-nitrogen fertilizer to the area. This is especially important if you plan to plant grass where the tree once stood. Incorporating compost and other organic matter will further improve the structure of the soil and its fertility. It will also help any of the existing plants thrive.
Replanting the Area
If you’re planning to replace the tree you removed, make sure you take out all of the old roots first. If possible, wait a full year before replanting. This gives the soil time to replenish its nutrients and for old tree roots to decay. You can then dig your hole. Ensure that it’s twice as big as the sapling’s root ball.
Add garden soil and compost to the hole to nourish the new tree. After planting the young tree and filling in the hole, you can spread grass seed or add sod. Be aware of your existing plants throughout this process. You don’t want to damage them.
Ongoing Care
Regularly water any existing plants, new saplings, or grass. This is especially important during the first year. You want new plants to establish themselves while the older ones adjust to the changes. Utilizing a layer of organic mulch will help the soil hold moisture. It also protects the roots of old and new plants from temperature fluctuations. If you have pets or there’s wildlife in your area, create a barrier around this space. A fence will keep animals out until all of your landscaping has had time to establish itself.
Try implementing these ideas after your next tree removal. They’ll help you transform your space into a beautiful area, even with your tree gone. If you need professional tree removal on your property, call Joe Benigno’s Tree Service in Carson City, NV today.
