Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hi Charlotte,

I just lost a Elm on my front lawn due to disease. The trick now is what to do with the area left after the grinding on the stump, which is an area approx 8' by 10' if I squared it off.

I understand now is a fairly good time to seed/sod...(I live in Illinois)

Should I till the area so that the dirt/remainder of stump is soft, fill and level with dirt or soil, then seed or sod?

I'm unsure what to do here, hoping for some suggestions.

Thank You,
Dan
Answer -
Gee, 8'X10'?
That was a big tree!!! LOL
I figure there was not much grass under that tree.
Was it black Elm disease?
I don't know if the disease it died from would affect the grass you plant. Best ask a local nurseryman, or look up the disease in your search engine.
Just put in the name of the disease anc click search.
You should get a lot of info on it.
The thing is, if what the tree died from would not contaminalt the soil, if the trunk is left in, I would grind it down to about 10 inches under ground, then fill in and sod or sow seed.
Let the stump as it composts, feed the grass.
As the trunk composts, the ground will sink a little, just let the grass grow a little taller there, and fill in with dirt.
Some of the blades of grass sticking out to get sun, will spread the roots, and fill in.
You will probably have to fill in a little more every spring and/or fall, and that will keep the yard level, and spread the grass well.
Especially if you plant St. Augustine or Burmuda. That is what is grown in my area, and a good deep root system is desirable for all varieties of grass. Deep roots help protect from heat, cold and drought damage.
I always water to a depth of at least 6 inches to encourage the roots to go deep. Deep root systems also prevent thatch buildup.
The ground up stump is food, as far as I am concerned, if it won't put a fungus in the soil.
I think I would saturate the trunk area with baking soda disolved in water. Probably 20 gallons or so, with about 1 box of baking soda to every 2 to 4 gallons of water.
That is the best I have found for killing fungus, mold etc.
If it develops a fungus in the rotting stump, you will get mushrooms in your yard. The baking soda should prevent this.
ORRRRRRRRR!!
Plant another tree ( not an Elm).
I think the main concern would be to identify the disease the tree died from, and whether or not it could do something to the soil that would contaminate it.
Charlotte


Hi Charlotte,

Thanks so much for your detailed and prompt answer - very much appreciated.
I should have stated in my original email - it was Dutch Elm disease. I spread the chips around my yard in flower beds, etc.  The stump was ground up after the tree was removed-I've been left with a mound of compressed dirt and ground stump, which I've been removing little by little, but am still looking at a big area of this lawn as a mess. I was thinking perhaps of leveling it off, but obviously want to do something productive with it. Your idea of a tree is intriguing, but my guess is I'd be best waiting until spring if I choose that route.

Dan  

Answer
Hi Dan;
the fall is a good time to plant trees.
they have all winter to establish a better root system, and have a better chance of surviving.
I am going to depart from my organics now,a little, because this product is so great.
I used it for years, and still do when I plant a shrub, rose or fruit tree.
Greenlight Root Stimulator.
That stuff will grow roots on a wooden leg.
Before you plant the tree, mix up some water wih the root Stimulator in it, and pout it on the soil in the pot the tree is in. Let the soil soak it up well, and then tap the tree out of the container and plant it, tamp down the soil as you are planting it, throw some sugar on the soil around it to counteract the damage to the beneficial microbes as much as possible.and water thoroughly.
Follow the directions on the container.
I think you treat it again with Root Stimulator in 2 weeks.
I am not sure how long you treat every 2 weeks, and when you go to once a month.
At the first sign of growth in the spring, start feeding the tree. Next fall and winter, do the root Stimulator again.
I planted a Fruitless Mullberry in my front yard 37 years ago. They are short lived trees, and it should have died by now. It is really healthy.
I have tried several brands of root stimulator, and Green Light is by far the best.
I think most nurseries carry it. Walmart here carries it too.
Soil can compact where there has been no vegetation growing. Sometimes a good tilling is enough, but if you have a lot of clay, I would till in bark mulch to loosen it up. I use cedar bark mulch, because of it's insect repelling properties.
It keeps away fleas and ticks, and termites, as well as a number of others.
I water deeply, and a good deep root system for your tree as well as your grasses will help protect them.
Write anytime you feel I can help.
Charlotte