Here’s the great news: Your big, old, damaged or diseased tree was an eyesore, and it has since been taken down. You also chose to have stump grinding to remove the leftover stump.

Now, you have a hole left behind with a pile of wood chips nearby, but don’t despair. You can enjoy a level surface and grow grass in that spot or put in other landscaping options.

The Soil Comes First

Healthy soil rich in nutrients matters in every yard, especially following stump grinding. Landscaping experts recommend having the soil’s pH balance in your tree’s former location tested. For instance, maybe your yard needs limestone or iron sulfate to balance the soil’s composition.

A professional tree service can advise you on checking the nutrient levels. To set down a healthy root system, you may need to add elements such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, or phosphates. Stump grinding can prepare your area for a fresh start when you begin with nutrient-rich soil.

Layers of Topsoil Can Help

After an expert tree service crew has tested your soil, you can begin filling in the hole with layers of topsoil and compost to create a level surface that will allow the new soil to settle.

Organic matter, including compost or manure, can enrich the soil to help it retain moisture, have good drainage, and establish a sound soil structure. Compost also contains beneficial bacteria to help soil “perform” more productively.

You could try organic home remedies to enrich your new soil by adding eggshells, coffee grounds, banana peels, or grass clippings into your compost. Many homeowners swear by these natural remedies for rich, dark soil, which is great for any new plantings.

Amp Up Nitrogen Levels

The topsoil and compost layers may be enough to enhance your new soil’s nutrient balance, but you could also consider a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer. This ingredient works rapidly to give new grass or plants the nutrients they need to thrive. Sprinkle the fertilizer evenly over the area and follow the instructions on the package.

If you want to grow grass where your former tree stood, sprinkle grass seed and cover it with a thin layer of topsoil to help the seed take root. Water the area regularly to maintain moist soil until the grass starts to grow.

A Fresh Beginning After Stump Grinding

After stump grinding, your yard is open to new possibilities, and filling in the hole with high-quality soil can give you many options. If you’re living in Zachary, LA and looking for stump grinding services to improve your landscape, call the professional team at Zachary Tree Service. Our firm is proud to be locally owned and operated.