What to plant where tree was?

3 years ago

Hi. We lost our gorgeous flowering pear tree in the derecho last summer (Iowa, zone 5) and I have learned it’s not as simple as replanting a new one where old one was. now we are left with this awful hump/burm after tree removed and stump ground. I’m afraid that planting too far back from here would look “off”. Any ideas? we are a corner lot and that tree was a visual focal point.

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Christopher CNC

3 years ago

You should be able to plant a new tree within 3 feet of the old one. Just be sure it gets planted in real dirt not stump grindings. Pears have a well deserved reputation for spontaneous collapse among other issues. You may want to consider another kind tree.

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Comments (12)

Embothrium
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
The shot from the house side makes it look like you could plant another tree just this side of where the pear was and it would fit.
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I'm not sure where you read that planting under a tree would kill it - it is simply not true! Trees growing in the natural environment routinely have other, smaller plants growing under them. Even in heavy forests, there is always undergrowth! As Ken stated, raising the soil level under existing trees can be harmful but in virtually all cases, underplanting them at the same soil level is not an issue. Some trees dislike much disruption in their root zone (Japanese maples for example) so it is best to plant things that will grow happily without the need for division or replanting. And other trees have such aggressive root systems that it is a challenge to get things to thrive within the spread of their canopy or even further. But most trees are very happy with accompanying shrubs or perennials and groundcovers in close proximity. In a small urban or suburban lot, I dislike trees planted plunk in the middle of the lawn. They have no sense of place and look like after thoughts. Plus lawn up to the base of a tree can be a hindrance to successful establishment, not to mention the potential for string trimmer or mower disasters. A good sized bed with complimentary underplantings give trees context and anchor them into the landscape.
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in my z5 .. only very few JP's are hardy .... this winters z4 temps SEVERELY WOUNDED them all ... you being in the city [retained heat in all the pavement increasing your basic zone] ... may have saved yours... but the damage is consistent ... and it 'looks' like it may be in shade ... prior vigor based on full sun.. but now that it is in shade.. it might not be as vigorous ... did that darn tree in the easement between the sidewalk and the street triple in size ???? that tree is improperly sited.. based on its current size ... and nearness to the house i would be done with it.. and i would NOT plant another JM ... on my 5 acres.. i would cut it flush with the ground.. and move on .... but i understand the space constraints of suburbia ... if i had to dig it.. since it is the prime focus of your front door ... i would start about 3 feet out .... just inside the small green conifers.. and start digging inwards ... removing perhaps about 2 feet ball and burlap sized chunk of soil/roots .... with the attendant roots .. and then back fill with some native soil from out back .... i would pop the hosta out and set it aside for replanting when you are done ... and i would.. you know what.. do this in late sept .. so you can pop out the little conifers also.. and give yourself some real working room .... august just isnt the greatest time for popping out these.. but it can be done with PROPER TLC .... if you just cant wait ... cut the trunks to about 3 feet.. and then start digging.. using the stumps for leverage .. sharpen your shovel on the grinder.. and have the pruning saw ready for bigger roots.. or a sawzall ... and AT PROPER PLANTING TIME [late sept or nov] .. i would plant something more zone appropriate .... and size appropriate for that spot .... your problem.. is that those cute little accent trees keep growing over the decades ....but when its time for them to go... you are too attached ... get rid of it ... personally ... i dont think its a job for a grinder ... just some hard work good luck ken ps; doenst look like a flexogen there.. lol ...
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laceyvail 6A, WV
3 years ago
PLEASE plant a tree other than the pear. They self destruct pretty much regularly just as yours did. There are far, far better choices.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
3 years ago
you cant plant in the exact spot... move over a few feet and try to dig a hole.. when you are able to dig a hole... you will now where to plant ...

ken
arbordave (SE MI)
3 years ago
You can actually plant in the same spot - you just have to make sure the old stump is ground out completely, and replace the wood chips with soil as Christopher said. We do this all the time with street trees. Typically the stump grinding company won't grind out nearly enough unless you specify what you want beforehand. Also, you should have the utilities marked before grinding & replacing.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
3 years ago
now we are left with this awful hump/burm after tree removed and stump ground.

===>>>

she already had it ground.. and they made a mess of it .. wonder if they would come back and finish the job...

regardless.... that was not the best spot.. its just the spot you are used to.. a little this way of that.. isnt any different ... except compared to the prior site ...

keep in mind.. on a corner.. you need to insure traffic sight line clearance.. so you will have to do some pruning over the years.. to raise the canopy for safety ... its no big deal.. just your responsibility ...

anything but a pear ... please

ken
Embothrium
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Your photos show the hump was produced while the pear was present. To get rid of it now, level the lawn back out the area will have to have the unwanted soil removed.
User
3 years ago
I'm actually surprised that a thread with a title of 'What to plant where a tree was?' that no one made any suggestions on types of trees to replace the original.

:-?
Embothrium
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Despite wording of title not where the emphasis was placed in the original query.
User
3 years ago
Ya, It did sound like the OA was going to replace the tree with the same kind, now that I read it again.

Thanks!
PRO
Dhi4u
last year
It is rightly said that it is very difficult to plant a new tree in place of the old tree, but it is done, now you should take a good look at the new tree there so that it becomes like before.
krnuttle
last year
When you are considering trees to plant in that area, you may consider a Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis). While it is not a flowering tree like a pear or apple, and it does have small spring flowers, it is spectacular in the fall. The zones it grows in covers most of the US south of the Great lakes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pistacia_chinensis

If I had the room, or if current tree dies we will probably plant one in our yard.

As for where, the corner locations is great, but you must avoid the old tree, and set it back far enough not to obstruct traffic.

What to plant where tree was?

Christopher CNC

Comments (12)

Embothrium

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