How Close to Where a Tree Dies Can You Plant a New Tree?

Decomposing stumps may cause boggy depressions.

Most homeowners site their trees with care, choosing locations that need shade, screening or interest. Planting a new tree too close to its predecessor, however, causes future problems.

Distance

You may plant a new tree as close as 3 feet to a removed tree stump. Keep in mind that existing underground roots limit the new tree's root system and reduce the amount of nutrients available. Place a new tree 6 to 8 feet from the original tree to increase the tree's chance of survival.

Preparation

Grind the stump as deeply as possible before planting a new tree. As the old roots or sawdust decomposes, it interferes with the nitrogen in the soil. This limits the amount of nitrogen, a necessary nutrient, available to the new tree. Watch your new tree for small, stunted leaves and stress. Use an appropriate fertilizer to offset the nitrogen loss.

Disease Concerns

Diseases may remain present in the soil for years. If the old tree died from an infection, plant a resistant tree or use a different species rather than replacing the dead tree with an identical cultivar.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension Service: Removing Trees and Shrubs; Beth Jarvis
• University of Illinois Extension: Planting a New Tree Overtop an Existing Stump; Jay Hayek
• Louisiana State University Urban Forestry: Stump Removal from Home Grounds

Resources

• North Carolina Cooperative Extension: Planting Techniques for Trees and Shrubs; M. A. Powell: 1997