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Imoroving soil and replanting after stump grinding

anniepfanniepf Posts: 6
in Problem solving
We have had 2 conifer stumps and a rowan tree stump ground (sadly too big for the garden/fell in storm). I have removed as many roots and grindings as possible and will leave the grindings in my compost bin to compost down before using as a mulch. 

How should the areas be re-invigorated so that new trees and plants can be planted. I have conflicting advice. One garden centre told me to pile a load of manure on the ex-conifer area and surrounding area and leave for a year. Another said when planting new trees not too much 'goodness' should be added. 

Any thoughts please? Thanks.
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  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The ground is likely to be quite depleted in nutrients, so I'd agree with the GC re the manure. If it's well rotted rather than fresh, it'll be fine to plant into as soon as you want. 
    It won't affect any new trees you plant. In a well established border, you wouldn't really need to add anything, but conifers take a lot out of the soil, so in this instance, I certainly wouldn't worry about adding any organic matter. You can add good compost or leaf mould too if you have them. Any of those are also good as a mulch after planting shrubs or trees.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • anniepfanniepf Posts: 6
    Thank you - I think the GC was talking about fresh manure, but I guess I could buy some well rotted manure or other compost. I am impatient replant, but may have to wait a bit to let the ground sink! Thanks for your reply.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes - the ground will tend to settle over winter, so it depends what you're planting.
    Probably best to wait until late winter/early spring, which is also ideal for planting shrubs and trees  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    The bacteria and fungi decomposing roots (cellulose) need a lot of nitrogen, so adding a high nitrogen fertiliser is a good idea.  When the organisms job is done there will be a nitrogen surge as they die.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    Why on earth would you want to fertilise the bacteria? it is more likely that artificial fertilisers would kill the bacteria.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    The organisms' need for nitrogen will cause a depletion in the neighbouring soil.   That could last up to two years.  You could live with that. I didn't give quantities, and never said articicial - I am not suggesting you pile neat ammonium nitrate on the soil. Just quantum satis.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    We took out a 100’ row of 30 year old conifers in this garden in the winter of 13/14,  just used a tub of chicken pellets and home made compost.
    No special treatment. 
    this was May 14, started planting up.


    This was July the same year.

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • anniepfanniepf Posts: 6
    Looks great! Maybe I am over thinking it!! Thank you. 
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    Wow! I remember that then @Lyn, fantastic result.

    My handyman removed an old rotting stump from my lawn with a pickaxe. I added a bit of earth from the vegetable garden to fill in the hole and the grass that I seeded is now growing quicker and greener than the rest of the lawn.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Thanks Liz, that was 8 years ago,  the whips planted on the bank are like trees now,  we can hardly reach to trim them.
    There’s a lot of over thinking in gardening,  mostly it involves money and what you’ll spend in the garden centre. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

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