TREE REMOVAL SERVICES

You can, but we wouldn’t recommend it!

If a previous tree was removed because of a pest or disease, it may spread to a new tree planted in the same spot.

The roots from the removed tree can make it hard for a new tree to grow, as space, oxygen, and water are limited. There tends to be more nitrogen in the soil around the roots of a removed tree, which can harm a new tree planted in the same spot.

The area close to where a tree used to be will probably have fewer nutrients available in the soil, as the tree would have used those nutrients to grow.

If you had your stump ground, many of the roots will still be intact and the woodchips and sawdust can add additional nitrogen to the soil, making it difficult for a new tree to grow. 

Yes, as long as it is planted a distance away. We recommend at least 6 to 8 feet, but keep in mind that a tree’s roots are often as wide (or wider) as a tree is tall.

No. While we recommend the use of wood chips (from tree branches and limbs) as mulch placed around the tree after it is planted, adding the sawdust from the stump grinding to the planting hole could change the nutrient level of the soil, adding more nitrogen and causing issues. 

In some cases, such as when a tree is uprooted during a storm or high winds, the roots are removed along with the tree. While that makes the planting area slightly more hospitable for a new tree, the soil will still be depleted of nutrients. Plus, whatever caused the previous tree to uproot (such as root rot due to poor drainage) might impact a newly planted tree as well.

If pests and diseases made the previous tree weaker and more likely to fall, they will likely infect a new tree planted in the same spot. Overall, we don’t recommend planting in the same spot as a previous tree.

If there is no other option, know that your newly-planted tree will have to overcome some obstacles and will need specific and additional care to survive. Some of the things to keep in mind include:

• You will need to remove all old roots (or as many as you possibly can) and any other remaining part of the previous tree (including any sawdust from stump grinding). Roots take 20 or more years to decompose naturally.
• If your tree was removed due to a pest or disease, choose a replacement tree that is not susceptible to that same issue. Native trees, when properly planted and cared for, are more likely to survive than other types of trees. See our suggestions for how to choose the correct tree for your property.
• Consider planting a shrub, installing perennial plants, or using a large potted plant instead of planting a news tree.
• Remove the old soil from the area and add compost and new soil to the planting area to increase the nutrients available for your new tree.

• Plant a shrub or plant that won’t mind extra nitrogen in the soil. These plants are often referred to as “nitrogen fixing plants” and can be found at a local nursery.
• There are a number of creative ideas for what to do with a tree stump 
• Instead of removing a dead tree, turn it into a snag for wildlife or into a birdhouse 
• Level out the area (you’ll likely need to bring in extra soil to fill the hole) and cover it with grass seed or sod.
• Work with a landscaper to work around (or with) the stump to make it part of your landscape.