Ground tree stumps & growing grass - Ask Extension
A very large ash tree was removed and the stump was ground down. After the stump girding the area was seeded in late fall/early winter. The grass is...
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Ground tree stumps & growing grass #880485
Asked August 07, 2024, 7:58 AM EDT
A very large ash tree was removed and the stump was ground down. After the stump girding the area was seeded in late fall/early winter. The grass is not growing. How far down does a stump need to be ground down in order to grow grass?
New Castle County Delaware
Expert Response
Hello,
As a tree increases in size the depth of the grinding should increase. Ideally, the answer to your question is "as deep as possible". If they only ground it down to a couple inches below the soil line and the tree was quite large, it usually wont be sufficient to support plant roots and growth. It will be especially apparent when there is some level of drought stress. These areas, if not ground deep enough, will show drought stress symptoms much sooner than the surrounding area. If your turfgrass or ornamental plants are showing drought stress quickly, the only answer to fix this problem is to come back in a grind the stump deeper.
As a tree increases in size the depth of the grinding should increase. Ideally, the answer to your question is "as deep as possible". If they only ground it down to a couple inches below the soil line and the tree was quite large, it usually wont be sufficient to support plant roots and growth. It will be especially apparent when there is some level of drought stress. These areas, if not ground deep enough, will show drought stress symptoms much sooner than the surrounding area. If your turfgrass or ornamental plants are showing drought stress quickly, the only answer to fix this problem is to come back in a grind the stump deeper.
Thank you for your response, it is very helpful.
Eileen
