Can I Plant a Tree in the Hole From a Tree We Just Removed?

Young Trees

• If you planted the original tree within the past 2 to 3 years, you may plant the new tree in the original planting hole. Keep the root flare of the new planting at or slightly above grade, adding soil if necessary. Examine the removed tree for signs of disease or stunted, circling roots. Correct the problems that doomed your original tree before planting the new addition.

Mature Trees

• Mature trees often leave large stumps and roots that interfere with new growth. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends grinding out the majority of the old stump and removing as many roots as possible. Plant new trees 3 to 8 feet from the old site, not in the hole of the removed stump.

Problems

• If your original tree died from disease, do not plant the same species at that location. Decomposing stumps, wood chips and roots bind nitrogen and often create deficiencies in new, nearby trees. The decomposing remains of mature trees may create a sinkhole, eventually causing watering problems. Monitor your new plantings closely.