Knowledgebase

planting sod over a stump #864577

Asked April 15, 2024, 11:29 AM EDT

We had to remove our Ash tree because it was dying. When we moved the large pile of wood chips left by the tree service, we saw the stump wasn't removed very deep. It is almost flush with the grass around it. Do we have to have more stump removed before we put topsoil and seed over it? A better question is, how deep should the soil be to re-seed? Thankyou, Judy Landis

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

That stump will eventually rot.  You can put a little bit of soil on top of it and sprinkle some grass seed on top.  Or, you can just leave it as it is and fill in around the sides with some soil to make it level.  That way you can mow over it without a problem.  Eventually it will fall apart and grass will grow.
Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied April 15, 2024, 8:46 PM EDT

Thank you very much for the stump information. We really appreciate the service you provide.

 

Can I take this opportunity to ask you about the large spots of half dead looking grass in our yard? Do you think it is from grubs, or is it just drought damage from the winter?

 

Thank you,

Judy Landis

-----Original Message-----
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Apr 15, 2024 10:29 AM
To: Judy Landis <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Thank you for your Ask Extension question (#0134500)

 

Dear Judy,

Thank you for using Ask Extension. A request for support has been created and a representative will follow-up with you as soon as possible. Questions are usually answered within two business days. You can view this question's progress online.

YOUR QUESTION #0134500:

planting sod over a stump

We had to remove our Ash tree because it was dying. When we moved the large pile of wood chips left by the tree service, we saw the stump wasn't removed very deep. It is almost flush with the grass around it. Do we have to have more stump removed before we put topsoil and seed over it? A better question is, how deep should the soil be to re-seed? Thankyou, Judy Landis

Ask Extension offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions across the United States.

If you wish to provide additional comments or information regarding the issue, please login to your account for a complete archive of your prior questions and answers.

This message for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalized professional advice. For specific local information, contact your local county Cooperative Extension office or other qualified professionals. eXtension Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, professional services, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by eXtension Foundation, employees, suppliers, member universities, or other third parties through eXtension is solely at the user's own risk. All eXtension content and communication is subject to the Terms of Use which may be revised at any time.

 

The Question Asker Replied April 18, 2024, 10:52 AM EDT
It probably is drought damage.  However if you wish, you can dig up a 1 foot square section of sod and turn it over.  Look for grubs.  If there is only one or two, I wouldn't worry about it.  Also, if you have a real heavy grub infestation, the sod will pull up easily as the roots are gone.  By this time of year, grubs will be too big to treat. It is better done later.  Here is a link:  https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/white-grubs-return-snow-recedes
Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied April 18, 2024, 11:03 AM EDT

Hello,

 

We have a Malus Prairiefire Crab Apple that is 12 yrs. old. It has done beautifully with flowers and small crab apples that the birds love. This last winter we pruned it substantially so we could mow under it. It is starting to bloom now, a little later than normal and its blooms and leaves seems sparse. Has the pruning damaged or over stressed the tree?

 

 

Thank you

 

Judy Landis 

-----Original Message-----
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Apr 18, 2024 10:03 AM
To: Judy Landis <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: planting sod over a stump (#0134500)

 

The Question Asker Replied May 07, 2024, 9:50 PM EDT
If you did substantial pruning, the tree probably is trying to adjust.  You do need to watch for water sprouts.  These branches will go straight up and will not bloom nor produce apples.  Don't do anything now.  It is the wrong time of year to prune apple trees.  Do prune them off next winter.  Otherwise, just give your tree a lot of TLC and it should be fine.
Barbara, Anoka County MG, TCA Replied May 07, 2024, 10:05 PM EDT

Loading ...