Removing a tree from your property is often an emotional event. Trees become like members of the family after watching them grow for years. However, there are times when tree removal becomes necessary due to disease, damage, or safety issues. The empty space left behind may feel like a gaping hole at first. But with some thoughtful planning, it can blossom into an opportunity to plant something new.
The key is approaching tree removal as a chance to rejuvenate your landscape. With the right choices, you can fill the void with fresh greenery that enhances curb appeal, provides shade and privacy, and invites birds and pollinators. But hasty planting after cutting down a tree often leads to disappointment. By taking time to prepare the site, select suitable replacements, and care for new plantings, your landscape will thrive for years to come.
This guide shares important tips for planning, choosing, and caring for new plantings after removing a beloved tree. With mindfulness and patience, the space can be transformed into a new source of joy. Let's start by approaching tree removal as a fresh start rather than an end.
There are several reasons why you may need to remove trees from your property in New Zealand.
Safety: Old, damaged, or diseased trees can pose a safety hazard if branches or the whole tree falls. Trees located too close to your home or power lines also present risks.
Disease: Trees can become infected with fungi, bacteria, or viruses that cause disease. Diseases like canker, root rot, and Dutch elm disease can damage or kill trees. Removing diseased trees prevents spreading.
Storm Damage: Strong winds from storms can damage tree limbs or topple whole trees. It's often necessary to remove trees severely damaged in storms to prevent hazards.
Overcrowding: Allowing trees to grow too densely together creates competition for light and nutrients. Thinning overcrowded trees helps improve the health of remaining trees.
Invasive Species: Some tree species can spread aggressively or negatively impact native ecosystems. Removing invasive trees helps control their spread.
Construction: New construction sometimes necessitates removing trees located where buildings, roads, or utilities need to be built.
Changing Needs: Sometimes trees no longer fit your landscape vision or clash with solar access, views, or new plantings.
Fire Risk: Some trees and properties have increased fire risk. Strategic tree removal can reduce fuel loads and create fire breaks.
After removing a tree, it's important to prepare the site for new plantings. Here are some key steps:
Removing the stump: Grinding down or removing the remaining tree stump is important to allow new trees adequate space to grow. You can rent a stump grinder or hire a professional stump removal service. Make sure to dig out any large roots as well.
Fixing the soil: Digging in some compost or organic material can help improve the soil after a tree is gone. The old tree likely absorbed nutrients, so mix in some compost or fertilizer to replenish nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for new plantings.
Checking sunlight: With the original tree gone, sunlight conditions in that area may change. Check to see if the area now gets full sun, partial sun, or full shade. This will help determine the best replacement tree.
Preparing for drainage: Make sure the planting hole and area has adequate drainage. If the soil is heavy clay, you may need to mix in peat moss or small stones to improve drainage for the new tree.
Properly preparing the site helps set up the optimal conditions for new trees to thrive. Taking the time to remove the stump, fix the soil, assess sunlight, and improve drainage gives replacement trees the best chance of establishing successfully.
When choosing a tree to plant after removing another tree, there are a few key factors to consider:
Choose a tree that is suitable for your local climate conditions. Select species that are native or well adapted to the typical rainfall, temperatures, drought, winter cold, and wind in your area. Avoid non-native trees that may struggle.
Consider microclimate factors on your property too, like zones that are more shaded or protected from wind. Pick trees suited to each unique microclimate.
Check expected mature height and spread to ensure the tree won't outgrow the space over time. Account for how climate change may alter conditions during the tree's lifespan.
For coastal areas, choose salt-tolerant trees able to withstand sea spray. Avoid trees prone to breaking in high winds.
Measure the area where you plan to plant and look for trees suited to the available space. The previous tree's canopy size, root spread, and height at maturity provide clues.
Allow ample distance from buildings, pipes, power lines, paved areas, and pools for future root growth. Leave enough space between new trees.
For small areas, choose narrow or columnar tree varieties that grow vertically without wide spreading branches. Dwarf and patio trees work for very confined spots.
Consider the primary functions you want the new tree to provide, like shade, autumn color, evergreen screening, flowers, wildlife habitat, or edible fruit.
Select trees to match the function while accounting for the climate and space limitations. Some ideal picks for specific functions are maple for fall color, oak for shade, and fruit trees like apple, peach, plum, or citrus.
If you want low maintenance, choose trees with minimal litter, pruning needs, and pest or disease problems.
When planting a new tree after removing an old one, follow these tips to give it the best start:
Dig a wide planting hole, at least twice as wide as the root ball. The hole should only be as deep as the root mass.
Partially backfill the hole with the original soil mixed with compost or manure to enrich the soil. Create a mound in the center to support the root ball.
Place the tree carefully on the mound so the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Remove any ropes or wires that supported the tree.
Backfill the hole with the enriched soil, pressing firmly to fill air pockets. Construct a berm around the edge to hold water.
Water thoroughly after planting to saturate the root zone. Continue deep watering once or twice a week during dry periods.
Apply a balanced fertilizer or a special tree food around the drip line, taking care to keep it from touching the trunk. Fertilize in early spring and midsummer.
Spread a 2-4 inch layer of mulch over the roots to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch a couple inches from the trunk.
Stake the tree if needed to prevent movement in wind. Use wide straps to avoid damage. Remove stakes after one year.
Proper planting techniques and follow up care will help the new tree establish quickly after the old one has been removed.
Properly caring for new trees is crucial to their health and development. Here are some important tips:
When planting a new tree after removing an old one, it's important to avoid some common mistakes that can set your new tree up for failure. Here are a couple key mistakes to avoid:
Planting Too Deep
One of the most common mistakes is planting the new tree too deep in the ground. The root flare at the base of the tree should be level with the surrounding soil. If planted too deep, the roots won't get proper oxygen exchange and the tree can suffer root rot. Make sure to dig a wide but shallow hole, place the root ball on undisturbed soil, and backfill with topsoil. The root flare should be visible at soil level.
Planting in the Wrong Spot
It's important to consider the right location on your property to plant the new tree. Think about sun exposure, wind protection, overhead wires, drainage, and proximity to buildings, driveways, or underground pipes and wires. Also avoid planting too close to other existing trees. Make sure to give the new tree adequate space to grow. Planting in the wrong spot can hamper growth and set up hazards like falling limbs.
When choosing the best trees to plant after removing old or damaged ones, it's important to consider your specific needs and garden environment. Some top choices for New Zealand gardens include:
Native trees: Planting native New Zealand trees helps restore biodiversity and is a sustainable choice. Good options include kauri, totara, rimu, kowhai, lacebark, and cabbage tree. Choose trees adapted to your particular region.
Fruit trees: Fruit trees like apple, peach, plum, citrus, avocado, and feijoa provide food as well as shade and beauty. Dwarf varieties work well for smaller spaces.
Evergreen trees: Evergreen trees maintain their foliage year-round. Popular choices like pine, spruce, cedar, and magnolia provide structural greenery during winter. Select cold-hardy varieties.
Shade trees: For cooling shade in summer, plant deciduous trees like maples, oaks, poplars, or birch. They allow sun through during cooler months after dropping leaves.
Ornamental trees: Cherry blossom, jacaranda, crepe myrtle, maple, and other ornamental trees provide seasonal flowers, attractive foliage, interesting bark, or fall color.
Fast-growing trees: Trees like poplars, silver birch, or Chinese elm establish quickly. They fill in space fast after removing old trees.
Consider mature size, growth rate, maintenance needs, and other factors when selecting the best trees to plant for your specific landscape. Talk to experts at garden centers for recommendations.
If you decide not to replant a tree after removing one from your property, there are other attractive options that can provide greenery and color while taking up less space.
Shrubs come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and foliage that can complement your home's style. Certain shrubs flower beautifully in the spring or summer, adding pops of color to your landscape. Others have colorful berries that attract birds. With proper pruning and care, shrubs can thrive for years in the place of a tree. Some good shrub options include azaleas, hydrangeas, boxwoods, and lilacs.
Vines are great alternatives to trees if you want to add a vertical element on walls, fences, or structures. They are lower maintenance than trees and can cover large areas quickly. Popular vine choices include clematis, honeysuckle, jasmine, grapes, and trumpet vines. Just be sure to plant vines in an area where they can freely climb.
Flowers provide vibrant colors and curb appeal. Certain flowers, like daylilies and coneflowers, bloom continuously in summer. Others, like tulips and daffodils, deliver a springtime show. Perennial flower beds are a wise investment, as they regrow every year. Annuals like petunias and marigolds must be replanted annually but allow you to change up colors and varieties each year. A flowering perennial or annual garden can be a beautiful alternative to trees.
Our seasoned professionals are committed to delivering exceptional results across a wide range of services including:
Whether you require general tree maintenance or specialized care, our experienced team works to precise professional standards while delivering exceptional results.
We have an outstanding track record of caring for the natural beauty of properties across the country by focusing on the enduring health and integrity of trees and the surrounding ecosystem.
We personalize our services based on factors unique to your landscape, including the species, age, location and overall condition of your trees. Specific techniques we utilize include:
We understand the importance of financial clarity for our clients. We provide detailed estimates outlining the recommended services and associated costs so you can make informed decisions. Our estimates are free of charge and there is no obligation to hire us for services.
We are proud to care for trees and properties across various regions of New Zealand including Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Hawkes Bay, Nelson, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Queenstown, Rotorua, Tauranga, Wellington, Whakatane, and Whangarei.
Turn to our team of Certified Arborists for exceptional tree care backed by years of experience. We make tree preservation convenient by handling all aspects of the job safely and efficiently. Contact us online or call today to schedule a consultation at no obligation. Invest in the future of your landscape with Tree Care by LandscapingHQ.
Removing a tree, whether planned or unplanned, leaves behind an empty space in your landscape. With some preparation and care when selecting and planting a replacement, the new tree will grow to fill the gap.
Take time to prepare the site by cleaning up debris, improving the soil, and considering sunlight and drainage needs. Choose an appropriate replacement tree based on your climate, soil, sunlight, and space available. Follow tips like digging a wide hole, setting the root ball on undisturbed soil, and staking the trunk to get your new tree off to a healthy start. Proper watering and mulching, especially during the first two years, will encourage good root development.
Be patient as your new tree becomes established, and avoid mistakes like over-pruning, over-mulching, and damaging the trunk. With some mindfulness about placement and ongoing care, the right replacement tree can mature to provide beauty, shade, and enjoyment for years to come. Reach out to your local nursery or tree care experts if you need advice selecting the perfect new addition to your landscape after tree removal.