Trees add great beauty to landscapes and bring more than just aesthetic benefits to back and front yards. They provide shelter, block the sun out, and even add value to homes and nearby properties.
Studies have shown that tree-lined streets can push up the price of homes in the vicinity, even when the tree is not actually on the property’s grounds. But, sadly, sometimes trees need to be removed. Tree removal may be necessary for various reasons, such as tree diseases, storm damage, and even neighbourhood tree disputes.
When a tree is chopped down it will leave behind a stump, and after this is removed, there will be uneven ground, and a potentially large hole to cover. So, how can you level the ground after tree removal?
When is tree removal necessary?
Sometimes trees can become hazardous. Particularly if they are damaged by lightning or high winds, or start to die. Trees can also be susceptible to some diseases. It is sometimes necessary to remove the tree to protect other plants in the garden.
Visiting a tree surgeon’s website will show a raft of reasons why removal is sometimes necessary. The problems you can face if you ignore a damaged or rotting tree.
Dying trees will start to rot. This can attract a number of unwelcome pests to the garden. The biggest risk here is that some of these pests might end up in your home. Termites and carpenter ants are very problematic.
Carpenter ants can damage your home and its structure. That can cause thousands of dollars in repairs. So, tree removal is often done out of sheer necessity.
Can you leave the tree stump in the ground?
Once the tree has been felled, you will be left with the stump. While the tree itself can be repurposed by turning it into lumber or wood chips, the stump itself generally needs to go.
Dying trees have their uses. You can even create lumber from a dead tree. But stumps will decay and rot, and attract those pests that were mentioned previously.
Ways to remove the tree stump
There are a few options open to you when it comes to stump removal. However, you should check local regulations as some of them may be prohibited.
Common tree stump removal methods include:
- Burning
- Chainsaw
- Grinding
- Grubbing out
- Winching
- Chemicals
- Leaving to rot
Grubbing out involves digging around the stump and cutting through the roots to remove the remains of the tree. This is a lot quicker if you have machinery available such as a mini-excavator.
Chemicals can be used to destroy a tree stump. Many options are not environmentally friendly and are best avoided. Likewise, burning a tree stump is a possibility if the wood is dry enough. However, in many regions, you will be breaking the law if you attempt to use this method.
However you choose to remove your tree stump, you will invariably be left with a hole in the ground. This needs leveling out.
How do you level out the ground after tree removal?
Trees add great aesthetic value to backyards. You may be tempted to plant more to replace the ones you have lost. But, while trees such as arborvitae will enhance your garden, here are some other options you can try.
Clean the hole of debris
Removing a tree stump can leave behind a lot of organic waste. But, not the type you want. Tree roots and chippings can encourage fungi to grow. This prevents new grass from growing too.
Pack the hole with organic materials
You can use a mix of topsoil and compost or other organic materials to pack the hole left from tree stump removal. If the hole is particularly large, it can be an idea to use large stones or rocks to partially fill it.
You can cover everything with topsoil. however, remember to pack it down. Now, as the soil settles you will have to keep on topping it up, so don’t get ahead of yourself. Although landscaping can increase curb appeal, you need the ground to properly level out first.
Add grass seed and water
Once the ground has properly settled and leveled, you can sprinkle grass seed over the area. Then add a little water to moisten the top couple of inches of soil.
Now you can consider your options
You might be happy with new grass to cover where the tree once stood. Or you could plan for a new garden feature.
For instance, garden rooms are popular now. They can add about 5% to the value of a home. Or, you could consider decking. It gives an ROI of about 64.8% when made of wood. And if you’re patient, you could even make your garden feature with lumber from your tree.
Summary
It can take a few weeks before the ground is properly leveled and settled after tree removal. This means that any landscaping plans you have should be put on hold.
Nevertheless, leveling the ground after tree removal is fairly simple. Even large holes can be filled easily with rocks, and then finished with a topsoil and compost mixture.