Replanting a tree - Ask Extension
We had a pine tree come down in a wind storm earlier this spring. It was in the middle of a perennial garden. A tree service removed the tree. Is it s...
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Replanting a tree #931897
Asked May 16, 2026, 1:01 PM EDT
We had a pine tree come down in a wind storm earlier this spring. It was in the middle of a perennial garden. A tree service removed the tree. Is it safe to plant a new tree there now or should we wait a year to let the soil improve?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
As long as that rootball is removed and not a hole full of wood chips, you can replant in that spot now. When planting a new tree the hole should only be dug as deep as the rootball in the pot. If the existing hole from the storm damaged tree is deeper than that be certain to firmly compact the soil at the bottom of the hole before planting the replacement tree. This is so that the soil below the rootball doesn't settle in time, which often results in a tree leaning, or ends up too deep, which can kill the tree.
Paul -Tree Care Advisor volunteer
