Amending soil - Ask Extension
We recently removed a six foot diseased scotch pine from our large garden. We plan to plant a Hydrangea tree in its place. What is the best way to p...
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Amending soil #931634
Asked May 14, 2026, 6:19 AM EDT
We recently removed a six foot diseased scotch pine from our large garden. We plan to plant a Hydrangea tree in its place. What is the best way to prepare the soil for this new tree?
Genesee County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
It is best to plant as far away as possible from any remaining large roots, extensive wood chips in the soil, or any remaining stump. The slowly disintegrating wood material is using nitrogen from the soil to decay. This limits nitrogen available to the new tree and it doesn’t make a good soil “amendment” until it has been well composted.
All trees and shrubs should be correctly planted to give them the best conditions to thrive. Plant the new tree at the correct depth- the soil line should be where the trunk gets wider at the base and major roots begin, known as the root flre or root collar.
Here is a planting guide that can be used for all trees and shrubs. https://trees.umn.edu/sites/trees.umn.edu/files/files/tree_owners_manual_0.pdf
Hydrangeas need consistent moisture, with being drowned or too wet, throughout the growing season until late fall. Keep the tg for your plant so you will know what species you have and when to prune it. Here is a guide should you need it, covering care, pruning, etc. https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/factsheets/hydrangea/
It is best to plant as far away as possible from any remaining large roots, extensive wood chips in the soil, or any remaining stump. The slowly disintegrating wood material is using nitrogen from the soil to decay. This limits nitrogen available to the new tree and it doesn’t make a good soil “amendment” until it has been well composted.
All trees and shrubs should be correctly planted to give them the best conditions to thrive. Plant the new tree at the correct depth- the soil line should be where the trunk gets wider at the base and major roots begin, known as the root flre or root collar.
Here is a planting guide that can be used for all trees and shrubs. https://trees.umn.edu/sites/trees.umn.edu/files/files/tree_owners_manual_0.pdf
Hydrangeas need consistent moisture, with being drowned or too wet, throughout the growing season until late fall. Keep the tg for your plant so you will know what species you have and when to prune it. Here is a guide should you need it, covering care, pruning, etc. https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/factsheets/hydrangea/
