I recently cut down a 30-foot-tall Japanese maple that was about 75 years old. After removing it, I ground down the stump and took away the wood chip and soil mix from the grinding. I'm planning to hire a tree expert to use a large stump grinder for the root system. Some people say that planting won't be an issue, while others advise that the wood chips from the roots need at least a year to decompose properly. I'm looking for advice on whether it's alright to plant new trees right away.
5 Answers
It’s unfortunate that a tree that age had to come down. If it was still healthy, they could have made a good amount selling it. But sounds like you had your reasons for making that tough call!
I just have to ask, why would you cut down such a large Japanese Maple? Those can be gorgeous!
It really depends on how deep that root system goes and how thoroughly you've managed to remove the wood chips. Wood chips can tie up nitrogen while they decompose, which might create issues for young trees. My suggestion would be to dig a wide hole and fill it with clean soil instead of mixing in the chip material.
Just a heads up, if you're planting a non-tap-rooted tree like Thuja in the wood chips, it could lead to problems like the root ball shifting and creating air pockets. This can dry out the roots and mess with their health. Leaving behind wood chips in the stump grind area isn’t the best practice for replanting. Be cautious, as not all tree service providers are thorough, even if they have fancy equipment.