|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Pro
Trade: Repairs & Finishing
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 739
Rewards Points: 1,210
|
Planting Grass Over Ground-Stumps
There are many stumps that were backfilled with a mix of chain saw chips and the old dirt, mainly the first, after being ground down below surface. The areas vary from 1/2 foot to almost 2 ft across for the mature trees that were removed.
Should there be a wait time before planting grass? I've head the new wood can change the PH of the soil. Some have told me 'waiting' can take 2 years til something grows. Sod vs seed - same argument as always? Though whatever it is will have to settle ... Our lawn treatment company said to just let the areas age, maybe plant in the spring. The spots are spongey when stepped on. |
![]() |
![]() |
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task! |
Advertisement |
|
![]() |
#2 |
Fire up the BBQ
![]() Trade: GC
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 19,120
Rewards Points: 478
|
Re: Planting Grass Over Ground-Stumps
You will have the spongy problem until the chips start to decompose & compact. Wet the area down, not soggy, run a whacker over it, add some top soil and seed or sod. Gradually a low spot will develope.
Advertisement
__________________
SOME JOBS JUST AREN'T WORTH DOING: |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Blade Runners
Trade: Lawn Care and Landscaping
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: TN
Posts: 13
Rewards Points: 10
|
Re: Planting Grass Over Ground-Stumps
How big is the area and how deep is the soil mix?
Wood chips will lower the soil ph and make it more acidic but that doesnt necessarily mean the soil ph is off. Maybe the soil ph was high to begin with. You definitely don't need to wait 2 years to grow there. Lime can be added to adjust ph levels upward if necessary. The only way to tell is do a soil test. A ph of 6.0-7.0 is optimum and 5.5-7.5 is acceptable. PH levels mainly affect a plants ability to absorb nutrients. Filling an area with wood chips is like trying to fill with compost. The stuff eventually breaks down and you have a depression. If you just want to get grass to grow, plant a TTTF/KBG mix @ 90/10. The TTTF will establish pretty fast and the KBG will spread and fill in areas later on. This is a common mix for cool-season grasses. Whether it makes it through summer heat is another issue due to the way you filled the stump areas. Your roots will always be succeptable to heat or cold and probably drought damage if too much sawdust was used. Also, it's almost too late in the season to plant seed. The roots might not be developed enough by winter. Wait until early spring and use starter fert. high in phosphorus (2nd number on bag) for good root development. Last edited by Blade Runners; 10-18-2013 at 01:11 PM. |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|
![]() |
#4 |
stacker of sticks
Trade: home remodeling, new construction
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Auburn NY
Posts: 8,502
Rewards Points: 590
|
Re: Planting Grass Over Ground-Stumps
Why not just dig 4" out and fill with top soil.
|
![]() |
![]() |
The Following User Says Thank You to jlsconstruction For This Useful Post: |
mudpad (10-18-2013)
|
![]() |
#5 |
Pro
Trade: Repairs & Finishing
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 739
Rewards Points: 1,210
|
Re: Planting Grass Over Ground-Stumps |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Project Superintendent
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Middle Tennessee
Posts: 2,525
Rewards Points: 2,000
|
Re: Planting Grass Over Ground-Stumps
Or you can do what I did. Took out a dead silver maple, ground the stump and planted a new sweet gum. Planted it high cause I knew the area was going to sink.
3 years later I got a nice sweet gum in a mound in the center of a depression. I keep telling myself I am going to bring home a PU load of topsoil and fill it in, but haven't so far. Can't even mow around it with the zero turn cause it scalps the high spots around the edges. Have to get out the push mower. Lazy I reckon. ![]() ![]()
__________________
Steve |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#7 |
Pro
Trade: GC/Remodeling
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Central America (Kansas)
Posts: 4,732
Rewards Points: 1,730
|
Re: Planting Grass Over Ground-Stumps
Just plant some 'shrooms there... Seems like they always pop up over old stumps
![]()
__________________
-Steve 'It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance.'-Thomas Sowell |
![]() |
![]() |
The Following User Says Thank You to TimelessQuality For This Useful Post: |
mudpad (10-18-2013)
|
![]() |
#8 | |
Champion Thread Derailer
Trade: Home Renovations
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Siler City, NC
Posts: 1,228
Rewards Points: 380
|
Re: Planting Grass Over Ground-StumpsQuote:
Advertisement |
|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | Rate This Thread |
|
|
![]() |
||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Finding a middle ground on a strange job. | NYCB | Business | 6 | 11-09-2012 07:28 AM |
"shark-bite" fitting VS water pipe ground | Rich D. | Plumbing | 73 | 08-16-2012 12:49 PM |
Why is wood rotting ? | SKC | Construction | 44 | 07-23-2012 02:06 AM |
Hot ground | maninthesea | Electrical | 7 | 08-27-2009 07:10 PM |
Go to Page... |