Can you plant a tree where one died? Whether you want to make the most of your garden’s limited space or are trying to preserve a cherished memory, this question has likely popped into your head.
As the go-to professional tree service in Cherry Hill, NJ, we at Bumblebee Tree Service LLC know a thing or two about ideal planting conditions. Keep reading as we break down the possible complications of planting a specimen in the same spot as its predecessor.
The Pitfalls of Planting in the Same Spot
While it’s entirely possible to reuse a tree’s former real estate, we highly advise against it. Here’s why.
Limited Growing Room
An existing root system can throw a spanner in the works when you’re trying to plant a new tree. These roots, left behind by the previous tenant, occupy valuable space and resources that your new tree desperately needs to flourish. You will likely notice stunted growth or even dieback in the future.
Nutrient Depletion
Old trees often have a parting gift that’s not so welcome: the depletion of soil nutrients. Over their lifespan, they absorb substantial amounts of key minerals from the soil, leaving behind an unfertile patch of dirt.
This nutrient depletion can become a serious speed bump on the road to successful planting. Your young sapling, all set to spread its roots and shoot towards the sun, instead finds itself in a nutrient desert, struggling to access the building blocks it needs for growth.
Nitrogen Drawdown
When you have a tree removed and the leftover stump ground down, the process often leaves behind a significant pile of sawdust. This debris degrades soil composition by messing with its nutrient ratios, a phenomenon known in the arborist community as “nitrogen drawdown.” As the material decomposes, it uses up nitrogen (which is essential for plant growth) from the soil to aid its breakdown process.
Tree Diseases
Did your previous tree die from disease? The very pathogens responsible for its demise could still lurk in the soil, ready to infect your young sapling. This is especially true for certain types of fungi and bacteria that create complications like root rot, leaf spot, and blight.
Even if your old tree wasn’t host to any diseases, its leftover roots will begin to decompose and attract other types of pests that could jeopardize the health of your new specimen.
Eliminate the Hassle
Can you plant a tree where one died? Instead of fighting an uphill battle with depleted soil and lurking pathogens, why not consider a different location? Remember, your garden is more than just that one special place where your old tree used to stand; a shiny new corner of your yard might just prove the ideal home for your future leafy friend.
It also offers the opportunity for a lovely change of scenery. The new planting spot can dramatically alter the aesthetics of your landscape, adding a splash of color, a new focal point, or a refreshing shade spot.
Consult Your Local Tree Planting Experts in New Jersey
Can you plant a tree where one died? If you absolutely must plant in the same spot, why not let a professional arborist do the heavy lifting? At Bumblebee Tree Service LLC, we can:
- Provide stump removal and root removal services
- Amend the soil composition
- Suggest a suitable tree species
- Regularly maintain your new sapling
- And more
Give us a call at (609) 352-0499 today! We also encourage you to read our blog and discover why your tree has no leaves, which is a surprisingly common issue in our area.
