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Care for Your Lawn After Tree & Stump Removal

Recently Lost Some Trees? Wondering What’s Next?

If there’s a tree in your yard that’s dead, dying, diseased, or poses a potential risk, you probably have plans to remove it. Grinding the tree stump that’s left behind will improve the appearance of your yard. However, after stump grinding, you’re left with a hole full of wood chips. When you lose a tree, it can take its toll on the aesthetics of your outdoor living space. Suddenly, there’s an empty spot where there was once an abundance of life. 

Fill in the Gap

Lawn care after tree removal isn’t something you should jump into without a plan. It takes a little work to ensure the ground is in the best shape possible for whatever your plans include. If you want a new tree, you shouldn’t plant it in the exact location of the old tree because much of the root system will still remain. It’s important to shift a new tree slightly to give it the best chance to thrive. Also keep in mind that it might take some time for the grass to grow and the ground to settle enough to totally blend in with the rest of the yard. You can expect slight soil settlement within the area over the first few years following tree and stump removal. 

Reseeding Your Lawn After Removing a Tree

Springtime provides moisture and warm air, which are very beneficial to grass growth. There is still time to prepare those bare spots for a green spring and summer.

  • Clear the Debris – If you want your lawn to look like it used to, you’ll have to clear away any debris left in the stump hole. Grass won’t grow as effectively on wood chips, so first use your rake or pitchfork to clear everything out of the hole including chips, sawdust, rocks and branches. Use clippers or a hatchet to get rid of any exposed roots.
  • Add the Soil – Fill the hole halfway with high quality topsoil and pack it down using a tamper, the head of a sledgehammer or your feet. Once it’s pretty solid, fill it the rest of the way and pack it down again. Next rake the surface smooth so it looks natural and blends in. The soil should be slightly higher (about 1”) than the surrounding area to allow for some natural settling. Be careful not to leave it lower in the middle or it will collect water and cause lawn appearance issues. 
  • Seed the Area – Sow grass seed onto the smoothed surface. Since you’re applying the seed by hand, crisscross the direction you disperse the seeds and use a healthy amount per square inch. Once the seed is down, lightly rake it in to the topsoil. You don’t want the seed to be buried too deeply, just covered is ideal. It is best to put down a moisture retaining erosion control like a loose, thin covering of straw.
  • Water Well – Keep the area watered until the seedlings become established. If the area dries out once the seeds have sprouted, the grass won’t thrive. Overwatering is just as bad though, and you’ll end up washing the seeds away. Use a fine mist to keep the area moist, but not soaked. You’ll only have to keep this up until the grass has grown 2-3” or higher. 
  • Feed & Weed – Soil, sun and water provide some nutrients but once your lawn has sprouted, a slow-release fertilizer can supplement what your lawn needs to be lush and green. The biggest problem you’ll face is weeds causing grass to compete for the nutrients it needs to flourish. Weed management should be completed a few weeks before seeding, if possible, with a pre-emergent herbicide.

Need Help Repairing Your Lawn After Tree Removal?  

Removing a tree doesn’t have to be a disappointment. Consider it an opportunity to refresh your outdoor space. Letting a professional take care of it could save you a lot of trouble and regret. Contact GREENSKEEPER Professional Lawn Care if you’d like help filling in those unsightly holes left by your recent tree removal. We know how to care for new grass and the lawn you’ve been tending to for years. GREENSKEEEPER offers aeration and seeding services in addition to our deluxe lawn care service programs that will give your yard the kick-start it needs to have a successful growing season. For a more beautiful lawn this season, click to contact us today or call 215-938-8440 to schedule a no-obligation consultation!