Whether you removed a tree from your landscape because it was diseased, a hazard, or simply didn't fit the aesthetic you were looking for, it leaves a void on your property.

Replanting a tree where an old one stood requires a little more effort than general new tree care. But with a little special attention, you can fill the hole left behind with a healthy, new tree that will thrive for generations to come and give your landscape the look you desire.

Keep reading to learn our best tree planting tips for replanting new trees.

Should You Find a New Planting Spot?

Because replanting a new tree into an old planting site comes with special challenges, you should first make sure you want to reuse the old site. If the site has a special meaning or the proper placement for your landscape design, make sure to keep these considerations in mind.

Soil Nutrients

Trees require a lot of nutrients from the soil. If a tree has been growing in the spot for a long time, it may have stripped the soil of nutrients a young sapling needs to take root and grow.

Sawdust

When old trees are removed there is often a lot of sawdust from cutting it down and grinding the stump out. Sawdust can throw off the balance of nutrients left in the soil, leaving it acidic. The carbon to nitrogen ratio will be too high - as the sawdust decomposes, it will deplete nitrogen from the soil.

Diseases

If the previous tree that stood at the site was cut down due to disease, that disease might remain present in the soil and there's a risk of infecting your new sapling.

How to Plant a New Tree in an Old Planting Site

If, after considering the challenges, you decide to replant in the old site, start with the following steps.

Don't Choose the Same Species

If there was an infectious agent that contributed to the last tree's demise, it is likely still present in the soil. However, many diseases affect only certain species of trees, so choosing a different species will help ensure it doesn't meet the same end. Further, different species use different ratios of nutrients from the soil, so choosing a tree from a different family can help with the nutrient levels.

Rejuvenate the Soil

It's likely the soil in the old planting site is stripped of essential nutrients and not entirely balanced. Performing a soil test will allow you to see the ratio of nutrients present in the soil and whether it's acidic or alkaline. Once you've determined what deficiencies are present, use a fertilizing agent or soil enhancer to bring the soil back to the correct condition for your new sapling.

Consider a Native Species

A species native to your area has a better chance of surviving a slightly rocky start than one foreign to the region. You'll know it's well suited to the area and is used to the growing conditions.

Remove all Previous Debris

Make sure all remains from the previous tree are removed. This includes whatever part of the stump is left. As you're digging your new hole, take care to cut and dig out the remaining roots.

Tree Planting Tips For Your New Saplings

Once you have the site prepared, you can treat the area like you would any other planting site. To ensure you get your sapling off to the best start possible, follow these top tree planting tips!

Choose When to Plant

Trees do best when they're planted in the fall. It gives their root ball time to establish before the soil heats up in the summer. Trees can be planted in spring and summer, of course, but if you're planting in the warmer months, you'll need to take care with your watering schedule to counteract the hotter, drier weather.

Prep the Soil

Do research on the species of tree you've chosen and adjust the soil appropriately. Some trees do best in light, loamy soil, while others don't mind harder packed soil. There's a variety of soil additives that can help make the soil more friendly for your new little sapling.

Dig a Hole Twice the Size of the Sapling

You want to dig your hole twice as big around as the root ball of your sapling. Your hole should be deep enough that the entire root system is covered and the ground level meets the base of the tree. 

Set the Sapling Correctly

Set your sapling into its new hole and make sure it's sitting straight. Refill your hole with the removed dirt, tamping it in as you go without packing it too tightly. The goal is to make sure your sapling is set firmly into the ground without disturbing its root system too much. If you find the tree tries to list to one side, you may need to stake it in place to help it grow straight.

Mulch the Spot

Add a layer of mulch to help protect roots and retain moisture in the soil. During the summer it helps keep water from evaporating out of the soil, and during winter it keeps roots warmer.

Water Appropriately

Trees are especially thirsty during their initial settling in period, so make sure to provide adequate water to your new sapling. Research the species you chose to make sure you know how much and how often to water.

Time to Plant Your New Tree!

Now that you know the best tree planting tips for replanting a new tree, it's time to go get planting!

Daunted by the thought of trying to add trees to your landscape? Contact Green Top Tree Service and let us help you get your saplings off to a great start!