When you have stump grinding or removal done you will have a void in your yard and wood chip grinding mulch from the stump grinding process. You might be wondering how to get your yards’ grass back to a great-looking area after you have all your stumps removed. This is one of the most common questions customers have for stump removal contractors after stump removal. The process is quite simple and not typically a difficult process.
The first step is to remove as much of the stump removal mulch grinding chips as possible. The easiest and simplest way to do this is lay a lined trash can down and shovel or rake chips in trash can. When about half full tie bag and dispose of the chips. Blow all the chips out of the stump removal void in the ground before adding topsoil.
The second step is to make sure your stump was ground to a depth of at least 4 inches. You can measure this by pinning a string in the ground across the top of the stump void from one undisturbed soil side to the other. Then just measure down from string to lowest point of stump grind depth. You can also do this by laying something flat like a long garden tool handle such as rake across the top of the stump removal void. You’ll need at least 4 inches of topsoil to guarantee the best grass growth and root depth.
The third step is to fill in the stump void with good fertile topsoil from your local landscape supplier. Slightly mound then pack down. Use a soil probe to form several holes as deep as the new soil layer and slowly soak each one of these holes with water from your garden hose. Don’t use too much water pressure. Too much water pressure will just blow out the holes and may not achieve a deep saturation depth. After soil is soaked as deep as possible re-pack soil down and add more soil to a slight mound. Repeat this process 3-4 times or until the soil stops settling when tamping down and soil. Please note the grade level of soil does not have to be as high if you choose to use sod grass.
The fourth step is to plant the appropriate grass seed for the area whether it be a shaded, sunny area seed or blend of both. You can also use sod, which is the fastest way. If you choose to plant the grass seed, make sure to keep it lightly watered until the grass thickens and is a close match to the surrounding grass.
In conclusion, if you decide to grow the grass back at the ideal time of year you can have a normal looking yard in again in about 1-3 months. If you choose to put SOD down, you can have a great looking yard where the stump was removed in about 1-2 weeks. Which one will you choose? Let us know.