Finishing Your Yard After Tree Removal
The contractors have just driven away, and perhaps for one moment you think your tree problem is over. You had a dead tree or one that dwarfed your house and dropped branches in the neighbors' yard. However, you had the contractors uproot the problem tree and haul it away. And now you're left with a gap in your landscaping. Finish solving your tree problem by making it seem as if the tree never existed.
Getting Rid of the Stump and Roots
Usually part of the original service is leaving the stump as close to the ground as possible. However, one extra service is using special machinery to grind up the tree stump. Another of the options contractors offer is grinding up the roots below the surface. This is usually an extra service, but it can ensure you don't have suckers growing from the roots, thus creating a new tree problem. Either process leaves behind wood chips. The contractors can haul these away or leave some behind for mulching. Concerning the hole left behind, you can cave in the ground and level it out with a combination of the wood chips and topsoil.
Repair the Soil
A large plant such as a tree growing in an area changes the pH of the soil. Before landscaping the area, you'll need to repair the soil around the tree. SF Gate recommends testing the soil throughout where the root system extended. Usually you'll find the soil is acidic, meaning you need to lime the area to cultivate new plants. You can apply the lime yourself or have contractors do it. How much liming you need depends on the plants you're planning on using for landscaping.
Plant the Area
The tree probably took up a large part of your vista, so now you have a big space to cultivate. Many homeowners choose to fill in the gap with grass. If this is the case, sod or hydroseeding is recommended because both cultivate faster. Another option is turning the area into a planting bed.
You can also choose to plant another tree. However, you'll want to stagger the placement from the original tree because of any roots still underground. This is true if planting a shrub as well.
Hardscape the Area
Ultimately, it may just be easier to hardscape the area. You can turn the spot into a destination by setting down pavers and building an arbor. You can also have a pool or fire pit installed in the area. It can also be an ideal location for a hot tub.
Before committing to finishing you yard after tree removal, decide how the space can best complement your outdoor living.