Why Stump Removal Helps With Tree Replanting

The Science Behind Tree Stump Removal and New Tree Growth

Root System Competition

Even after tree removal, old root systems continue to occupy valuable soil space beneath the surface. As roots decay, the area surrounding the removed stump will limit the new tree’s ability to establish a strong foundation. This is especially true in Jersey City’s urban environment, which has limited soil space available under homes and hardscaping; therefore, the removal of old stumps and root systems is necessary for the establishment of new trees.

Changes in Soil (Allelopathy)

As a tree stump decays, it releases chemicals into the soil around the planting area. These chemicals can harm young plants and prevent them from growing. Therefore, Jersey City Tree Services strongly advocates for complete stump removal to remove the chemical barrier and allow for an even soil condition to facilitate the establishment of new trees.

Competition for Nutrients (Nitrogen)

When the organic material in a stump decays, it depletes the nutrients in the soil. Nitrogen and many other nutrients are consumed during the decay process, and this can make it difficult for new plants to grow in this type of soil, especially in Jersey City’s compacted and stressed urban soils near high traffic areas such as the Grove Street PATH station and Exchange Place.

Benefits of Completely Removing Old Stumps

A Clean Slate for Planting (Optimal Planting Space)

Removing the stump completely provides arborists with a clear area to plant a new tree, which allows for the selection of the best planting location considering the mature size of the tree, sunlight, and proximity to adjacent structures. With the density of residential areas in cities like Jersey City, finding the right spot to plant a tree can be difficult.

Access to Equipment

Many times, the equipment needed to prepare the soil and install the new tree may be hindered by remaining stumps. Arborists may need to compromise on the planting location or increase labor costs due to poor access. Removing the stump completely will give the arborist full access to properly plant the tree.

Opportunities to Improve Soil Conditions

After the stump is removed, arborists will have the opportunity to modify and improve the soil conditions for the new tree planting. Improving soil conditions can be very beneficial in urban areas such as Jersey City, where soil may be contaminated, compacted, etc., near high traffic corridors such as Newark Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard.

Common Issues When Replanting After Removing Old Stumps

Girdling of Roots (Entanglement of Roots)

New roots from the newly planted tree can get caught in the old stump and its roots, creating a girdle that can kill the new tree. The risk of this occurring is eliminated if the stump is completely removed, thus allowing the new tree to develop healthy, unobstructed root systems to support it over time in the harsh conditions found in the city of Jersey City.

Infection Sources of Diseases and Pests

Old stumps and roots can harbor diseases and pests that can infect newly planted trees. Eliminating potential sources of infections promotes a healthy environment for new trees, especially since some tree species commonly used in urban planting are highly susceptible to disease and pests and are frequently planted in areas like The Heights and Bergen-Lafayette.

Structural Stability of New Trees

New trees planted too close to old stumps may develop poorly structured trunks and branches as they compete for space and resources. Poorly structured trees may cause problems for property owners and pedestrians, as unstable trees can fall and damage nearby structures, a major concern for property owners in Jersey City’s densely populated neighborhoods adjacent to parks and large public spaces like Liberty State Park and Journal Square.

Cost Savings Through Reduced Planting and Maintenance Costs

Although the cost of stump removal is an upfront cost, it will save you money in the long run through reduced costs associated with replanting failed plantings.

Increased Property Values Through Healthy Mature Trees

Established, healthy trees contribute significantly more to the value of a property compared to struggling trees that were planted around old stumps. In a competitive real estate market like Jersey City, where multiple buyers are vying for a single home, having healthy, mature treesrepresentst a significant increase in property value for residents of neighborhoods like Greenville and McGinley Square.

Savings on Long-Term Maintenance, Fertilizing, and Disease Treatment

Trees that are planted in the most favorable conditions, after stump removal, tend to require fewer maintenance activities, less fertilizing, and less disease treatments. These long-term savings benefit all property owners with the responsibility of managing landscaping budgets.

Best Practices for Stump Removal Before Replanting

Complete Removal of the Entire Root System

To successfully prepare a site for replanting, not only does the above-ground portion of the stump need to be removed, but also the majority of the root system. Jersey City Tree Services has the specialized equipment to thoroughly remove the root system while causing the least amount of disruption possible to the soil.

Testing and Amending the Soil

Once the stump is removed, the soil should be tested for chemical and nutrient balances. If there are any imbalances, professional amendments can be made to create the best possible conditions for the new tree(s) to grow, especially considering Jersey City’s diverse soil types, ranging from the waterfront to inland neighborhoods.

Timing Considerations

It is recommended to allow the soil to settle after stump removal before replanting. Allowing the soil to settle will help prevent air pockets from forming and will allow the roots of the new tree to grow into the soil at the highest efficiency. Typically, it takes 2–4 weeks for the soil to settle enough to promote efficient root-to-soil contact and maximize new tree establishment success rates.

Choosing New Trees After Stump Removal

Compatibility of Species

With the complete removal of the stump, there is more flexibility in choosing new tree species. Homeowners can now choose tree species that are more compatible with the current site conditions rather than being limited by the existing root competition and soil chemistry concerns.

Planning for the Future: Choosing Trees Based on Mature Tree Size

By removing the stump completely, there is no constraint on the mature size of the new trees. Homeowners can plan to ensure that the new trees have sufficient room to grow without conflicting with nearby buildings, utilities, or other features of the landscape common in Jersey City’s developed areas.

Adaptability to Urban Stressors

There are modern tree varieties that offer better adaptations to urban stressors like air pollution and salt spray. Removing the stump allows Jersey City property owners to use these improved cultivars that are better suited to perform in urban environments along the Hudson River and busy transportation corridors.

Professional Services for Best Results

Coordinating the Removal and Replanting of Trees

Jersey City Tree Services will coordinate the stump removal service with the replanting service, so both services occur at the same time. This coordination of services will result in maximum new tree establishment success while minimizing the disruption to the property owner.

Warranty Protection for New Trees

Professional services often include warranty protection for new trees that are replanted after the stump has been completely removed. Warranty protection gives Jersey City homeowners peace of mind knowing that their landscaping investment will be protected.

Benefits of Removing Old Stumps for Long-Term Success of Jersey City’s Urban Forest

Removing old stumps and strategically replanting new trees will enhance Jersey City’s urban forest and contribute to property values. New trees that are planted in the most favorable conditions grow faster, last longer, and provide greater environmental benefits to the community, such as improving air quality, providing stormwater management, and reducing the urban heat island effect.

Removing old stumps will create the perfect foundation for establishing new trees in the city of Jersey City. Whether replacing damaged trees near the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway or renovating landscaping in established neighborhoods, removing old stumps completely will allow new trees to realize their full potential and ultimately help meet Jersey City’s Green Infrastructure Goals.