How to properly replant grass after grinding out a stump.

Trees in yards are removed for many reasons, one being that when a stump is gone, there’s an unsightly hole left behind full of wood chips. Most people don’t realize how tricky it is to replant the area with grass. The ground must go through several steps before planting so that the grass will be healthy and grow properly–if not adequately prepared, carbon from the tree stump and woodchips alters soil pH levels which then causes effects like yellowing or stunted growth.

If you’re removing a tree stump, expect the surrounding soil to be affected. In this article, we’ll explore how planting grass after stump grinding can improve your lawn’s appearance.

What happens to the soil after the grind?

Grinding the tree stump aids in wood removal by thoroughly pulverizing the roots and stump. Once a tree has been cut down, planting grass becomes more difficult because of the insufficient nitrogen in the soil. The sawdust, Wood chips, and Roots that are left behind need time to compost and decompose – which can take years.

The following tips can help you restore the natural balance of your soil by adding nitrogen to break down organic matter and removing wood chips:

Remove the sawdust

Remove as much sawdust as feasible to minimize carbon leeching into the ground. If the sawdust is left in the soil, nitrogen recovery might take a year.

Add topsoil

Once all the sawdust has been cleared, slowly and methodically add topsoil to the area. With a shovel in hand, turn over the topsoil so that it’s mixed in with everything else, then use a rake to flatten out the surface.

Fertilize the soil

There should be enough nitrogen in the soil for grass to thrive and remain healthy. Before sowing the grass seed, prepare the soil by adding fertilizers that contain a lot of nitrogen. Because it is so little, this region will not require much fertilizer. To improve soil health and guarantee there is plenty of available nitrogen when it comes time to plant the grass, use a mix of slow-release and rapid-release nitrogen.

Sow the grass seeds

Use a high-quality grass seed for better results, quicker growth, and attractive grass. You may sprinkle the seeds with dirt until they are about a quarter of an inch deep. Then make sure the seeds are properly watered.

Planting and watering the grass seeds.

To improve the germination rate, it may be a good idea to cover the newly planted area with mesh to stop birds from eating the seeds.

Water the area every morning and evening until you see the seedlings start to appear. Be careful not to overwater as this can wash away your hard work!

Conclusion

Sixty days after you plant the grass, it should look healthy. You can then use a fertilizer high in nitrogen every month to keep nitrogen levels well-maintained and speed up decomposition times. Once the grass is established, water it deeply twice per week.

ABOUT US

Bradford Stump Grinding has been grinding stumps since 2004 and we look forward to each new customer that we meet! Your job is important to us and we will be courteous, thorough, and quick to complete the job for you. Our fleet of grinders and operators is ready to grind stump after stump. Just give us a call to get started.

Our typical customer has one stump so we have a low minimum cost of $80 per job. Gas is pricey and we use it a lot. We charge $20 per bush stump. We keep it affordable so you don’t break the bank over one little stump.

 If you have a project, such as building construction, driveway, lawn grading, sewer, or waterproofing we have the experience to understand what is needed and expected. That way the project can be completed with the least amount of complications and effort by you or your contractor. Time is money and we know you need to get jobs done!

We take pride in doing the job correctly the first time so you can get the next step started. Whether it’s Concrete or lawn Installation. We use techniques when grinding that allow us to separate most stump material from the dirt as possible so that the dirt you are left with can be used as a base layer before adding new dirt for seed. It simplifies cleanup, reduces waste, and reduces the costs to fix the lawn.

 We have a great reputation and exceptional ratings with Thumbtack and Home Advisor/Angi’s List and all our customers. The 5-star rating is the standard and you can expect it.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED AN ESTIMATE PLEASE GIVE US A CALL!