Planting a Tree in the Same Spot?

Trees become a source of comfort over time. Just admit it; trees are sentimental. They are a part of you and you don’t even know it. Through the ups and downs, through thick and thin, a beautiful healthy tree is always there to appreciate. Theres a quiet beauty in it all. If you plant a tree when you move in, it will still be there long after you move out. One generation to another. As a tree tree trimming service in Frederick, Md we feel a mission to educate. 

However sometimes Mother Nature has different plans. And when she does, she has a subtle way (UNDERSTATEMENT) of letting us know who’s in charge. So what happens when you start over? 

After you get over the loss of the tree, you can always replace it with a new sapling to take its place. Should you put the new baby tree in the exact same place as your old friend? Is it safe and healthy? 

Continue reading to learn how you can ensure your new tree grows taller and stronger than the last. 

Time Is On Your Side

When you remove a past tree for whatever reason, you want a little time to pass before you immediately plant a new tree in the same spot. Although the tree is gone, the trusty old roots are still intact form before and need time to decay, decompose, and free up space underneath to make way for new life. Letting the roots decompose in the ground will enrich and leave added nutrients. So, hold off planting a new sapling for a year or more and give the earth time to regenerate itself. This will make the planting site more bountiful. 

Consider The Health Of The Prior Tree

Why was your last tree removed? Was it due to storms and damage? Was it infected with a disease? If you had a diseased or infected tree, the site where the tree was located could also be infected. Most of the time when the tree is removed so is the pest infestation or disease, but occasionally the bacteria or virus can continue to linger in the soil. Make sure you’ve identified what type of issue caused the tree to go downhill and confirm specie of tree you have selected will not be susceptible to the previous pathogen.

Prepare The Area

To plant a new sapling in a former site, make sure you prepare the previous site adequately. If you had the stump of the last tree grounded out, theres a good chance sawdust could still be lingering. Unfortunately, sawdust can change the pH of the dirt and the nutrient composition of the soil. That’s why its important to make sure all of the sawdust removed from the land before planting your new tree.

A new sapling needs a fresh site with no sawdust or lingering tree roots to grow around. It requires excellent nutrients and moisture to thrive. After chopping out the old roots remember to add new topsoil and compost to the hole to give your new tree the best chance at life.

Clean Slate

Since nutrients are so vital for young saplings, the best way to ensure a good foundation is to start off fresh. Its better to start with a clean slate; RIGHT? In some cases, although the stump has been removed, the old tree’s roots can cause issues with the new tree’s root system.

Where Is The Best Location To Plant Your New Sapling?

There are plenty of areas within your yard to plant a new tree. A tree is an excellent way to replenish oxygen in the air, provide shade and reduce cooling needs in the summer, and offer a lovely place for critters to live. A tree can be placed anywhere it can grow outward, as you do not want roots cracking sidewalks or branches scraping houses.

It is better to place a new tree in a locale other than where the old tree was. If there is no other spot or you do not have a spacious backyard, then a new tree can be placed in the old spot. Just make sure to consider the health of the prior tree, and prepare the site for the new tree. Lastly, be patient. Wait about a year before planting a new tree in the preceding tree’s locale and your new sapling will be thriving in no time.