What to Do After Stump Grinding: Reclaim and Restore Your OKC Yard
Wondering what to do with your yard now that your tree stump is gone? Explore creative ways to restore and enhance your outdoor space with Arbor Masters' tips.
Have you had a professional perform stump grinding recently and are unsure what to do with your new space? Or do you still have a stump in your yard because you’re worried getting rid of it will damage your yard and leave it ugly? There is plenty to do to beautify your yard after eliminating a stump in Oklahoma City.
Key Takeaways:
- Before starting any landscaping project after stump grinding, it’s essential to prepare the site by testing and amending Oklahoma City’s clay-heavy soil and ensuring proper drainage.
- After the service, you have three main landscaping options: creating a garden bed with plants that do well in central Oklahoma, installing hardscape features like patios or rock gardens, or extending your lawn with climate-appropriate grass varieties.
- Leftover grindings make excellent mulch for flowerbeds or under trees, but keep the mulch between two and four inches deep to avoid smothering plant roots.
- While you cannot immediately plant a new tree in the exact location of a ground stump due to remaining roots and wood, you can transform the space into an attractive yard feature through various landscaping options.
After stump grinding with a reputable company, your property should look similar to this with no mess.
Preparing the Site for Landscaping After Stump Grinding
After stump grinding, your yard is left with a blank slate – but before you start landscaping, it’s essential to properly prepare the area. Without the right preparation, soil conditions could make it difficult for new plants, grass, or features to thrive.
Taking the time to clear debris, assess the soil, and ensure proper drainage will set the stage for a healthier, more vibrant outdoor space. Here’s what you need to do before transforming the area left behind after stump grinding.
Use the Leftover Stump Grindings
After stump grinding, you’ll be left with a mound of wood shavings and debris. Instead of hauling it away, consider repurposing it for your landscaping. Stump grindings make excellent mulch for flowerbeds and tree bases, helping retain moisture and suppress weeds. Just be sure to keep the mulch layer between two and four inches deep to prevent smothering plant roots.
Test Your Soil Before Planting Anything
If part of your landscaping plan involves planting something where your stump used to be, we recommend testing the soil. Oklahoma City and the surrounding areas typically have clay-heavy soils that can be difficult to work with and for plants to establish themselves in. Before plating, we recommend:
- Testing the soil pH (it should be around 6.5) and nutrient levels and correct them as needed.
- Adding organic matter and compost to the soil to improve its structure.
- Adding new topsoil to the site.
Ensure the Area Has Proper Drainage
Drainage is vital to healthy plants and grass, especially in clay soils. Proper drainage prevents flooding and soil saturation after heavy Oklahoma City storms, helping maintain your yard’s appearance and health.
You can improve your soil’s drainage by adding organic matter to the soil or altering its grade.
Landscaping Options for Your Oklahoma City Yard After Stump Grinding
Once you have the site ready to go, it’s time to start developing it. Your available yard space and design preferences will guide your landscaping choices. If you aren’t sure, ask one of our arborists for ideas about what would complement the rest of your yard and fit in the new space.
Create a Garden Bed
Garden beds improve the aesthetics of your yard and give it a more natural look. Garden beds also help you attract birds and butterflies to your landscape when you plant flowers that thrive in Oklahoma City.
Some flowers you may want to consider for your garden bed:
- Native species like purple coneflowers or blanket flowers
- Species that attract wildlife, like cuphea and firebush
- Drought-resistant plants, like Dakota gold sneezewood or Mexican zinnia
Install New Hardscape Features
Hardscapes can accentuate your yard’s natural look and complement its natural elements, like trees and gardens. Some hardscaping ideas for your yard include:
- Small Patio Area with Pavers: Put a grill and seating there for some Oklahoma City BBQ before watching a Sooners game.
- Decorative Boulder or Rock Garden: These options are more eclectic and will be eye-catching when you have visitors over.
- Sculpture or Bird Bath: Adding a central feature like a sculpture or bird bath creates a striking focal point in your yard, enhancing visual appeal and drawing attention to the space.
Expand Your Yard Space
You may prefer to simply use the new space to expand your yard rather than take on a major development project. The extra space is perfect for your kids to run around or play catch with a football. Some tips for extending your yard include:
- Level the area thoroughly before installing sod or spreading seed.
- Select a grass that thrives in Oklahoma, such as bermudagrass or buffalograss.
- Check to see if your planting area will have sufficient sun to support grass.
- Develop a plan to irrigate your grass after you plant it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Landscaping After Stump Grinding
Do you still have some questions and want to learn more about stump grinding and landscaping? We’ve answered some of the common ones below to help you understand the service and what to do afterward. We’d happily answer any questions you may have after we eliminate the stump on your Oklahoma City property.
Will tree roots continue growing following stump grinding?
No, following stump grinding, the tree roots will stop growing. The roots will eventually decompose, adding nutrients to your soil.
Can I plant another tree in the same location after stump grinding?
No, you typically can’t plant a tree in the same location following stump grinding. The service takes the stump to at least six inches below the ground level. The remaining portion of the stump and the roots in the ground will prevent a new tree’s roots from establishing. To plant a new tree where you had one removed, have a company excavate the stump or wait until it decomposes.
Why are mushrooms growing where a tree used to be?
Mushrooms grow on decaying wood and use it to grow. It isn’t uncommon to see mushrooms growing on the site where a tree once stood, as they will continue to feed on the decaying wood. If you don’t like the mushrooms in your yard, remove them, and they will eventually stop sprouting as the tree continues to decompose.
Arbor Masters Can Grind Your Stumps and Give You a Clean Slate for Landscaping
Whether you plan to install hardscaping or a flower bed, the area must be a clean slate after eliminating a stump. If you don’t get the right company to grind your stump, they may not grind it enough or leave your location level.
Our team has taken care of countless stumps in the Oklahoma City area. We will leave your landscape in perfect condition for your next development project. Ready to grind your stump? Call us today at 405-495-8746 or request a quote online for stump grinding.
