Congratulations are in order because you finally removed the tree from your yard that has been blocking your view since who-remembers-when. With the tree finally gone and your space cleared, what comes next? It’s time for the most exciting part, getting to restore your landscape to create your dream outdoor space at your home. In this post we’ll explain step-by-step how to restore your landscape after tree removal. Let’s dive right in!
What is Landscape Restoration, and Why Does it Matter?
Landscape Restoration is the process of improving degraded land in your lawn, specifically aimed at revitalizing the area where your removed tree used to be. After a tree has been removed from your lawn, you most likely will be left with a stump and roots. You may also depending on your arborist team be left with some debris such as branches, leaves, rocks, and more.
While removing an unwanted tree is a huge relief for many in and of itself, optimizing and beautifying the space that is left behind will make it so that you can fully enjoy the new space in your lawn. So here is a step by step guide to help you know where to start restoring your lawn.
Step 1: Stump and Root Removal
After a tree has been removed from your yard, it is likely that the biggest thing left behind is the stump and roots. While there are many who enjoy having a stump in your lawn as natural outdoor seating or decor, it can be easily removed by professional arborists for you!
Stump grinding is the most popular option for tree stump removal. It is a process that uses a specialized machine to grind down a tree stump into mulch below ground level. You can either hire a professional arborist to do this for you, or rent a stump grinder from a shop near you.
Root removal can be a bit more intensive, and can be done multiple ways. These include digging out the roots, cutting them with garden loppers or a saw, or using chemicals to kill them. While root removal is not necessary for restoring your lawn, it can be extremely beneficial if you are worried about the left behind roots cracking your sidewalk or foundation, or clogging up nearby sewer lines.
Step 2: Clean up the Area
The next step to restoring your lawn after tree removal is cleaning up the area where your tree used to be. After a tree is removed, whether your stump and roots are left behind or not, there may be debris left behind including branches, leaves, and rocks.
Use a rake to remove any left behind debris from the stump or stump hole. You can also take this opportunity if the roots were not removed to use clippers or a saw to remove any exposed roots above ground.
Check with your local laws and HOA rules to see what the best options are for disposing of the collected debris. Many cities have yard waste disposal programs, such as curbside pickup or drop-off locations. You can also rent a dumpster, hire a junk removal company, or potentially burn your yard waste.
Step 3: Apply Mulch
One step that many people forget to consider when restoring their lawn after a tree is removed is applying mulch to the stump hole that is left behind. Mulch is a layer of material, made of various organic sources, that is applied to the surface of soil to help suppress weeks and retain moisture in the area.
Applying mulch to the hole where your tree stump used to be helps to prevent erosion in the area. It stabilizes the soil, preventing it from washing away, and provides a healthy environment for new plant growth.
Step 4: Seeding and Replanting
The next step to restoring your lawn after tree removal is planting new grass to cover where the tree used to be. If you choose to seed your grass, be sure to pick a grass seed that is suitable for your climate and soil conditions.
If you are looking for more immediate results, consider installing sod. Purchase sod from your local home improvement retailer or sod farm, roll it out, and give it plenty of water to grow.
Step 5: Maintain and Enjoy
Now you can enjoy your newly restored lawn! Be sure to keep on top of regular care and maintenance including watering, mowing, and weed control.
Taking steps towards restoring your lawn after you have a tree removed can be easy!
If you are interested in removing the leftover stump or roots, you can either hire an arborist to assist you or rent the necessary tools to get it out of your yard. After clearing out the area, don’t forget to apply mulch to prevent erosion and stabilize the soil. Next, you can choose between seeding grass or planting sod to fill in the spot where your tree used to be.
If you are looking for tree removal or stump grinding services, see if Land Tree Removal has a branch near you!
