Landscaping & Tree Removal In  Falmouth, Sandwich & Mashpee, MA

After tree removal, the area will begin to settle immediately, but this is typically a small shift in the ground as the soil starts to fill in the void left by the roots. Expect some minor settling within the first couple of weeks.

Over the next few months, you’ll notice the ground continuing to settle, especially if the tree had a large root system. Depending on your soil type (e.g., sandy, loamy, or clayey), this can be a slower or quicker process. Be prepared for the ground to shift gradually as it fills in the space left behind.

In some cases, full settling can take up to a year. This is more common when a large tree has been removed, and its root system was extensive. During this time, you may want to monitor the area and even add additional soil or topsoil to fill in any depressions. If you're planning to reseed grass or install new landscaping, it’s a good idea to wait until the ground has fully settled.

After the tree is taken down, the most immediate change is the large open space where the tree once stood. While the visible tree trunk and branches are gone, the root system often remains in the soil. Some of these roots may decay over time, but others could remain beneath the surface, leading to potential voids or uneven ground.

Removing a large tree often involves disturbing the soil, especially if large roots are being cut or pulled out. This can cause uneven ground in the area, leaving depressions or holes where the roots once were. Over time, these areas may settle, but they may need additional soil or topsoil to level the ground and avoid water pooling or other issues.

The area around the tree may experience soil compaction as a result of tree removal. Heavy equipment used in the process, as well as the removal of roots, can cause the soil to become denser. This could affect water drainage, root growth for any new plantings, and even the ability of the area to support healthy grass or landscaping in the future.

The soil around a large tree may also experience changes in pH and nutrient levels after removal. Tree roots, especially from large trees, often alter the soil’s chemistry over time. Once the tree is gone, there may be a shift in soil conditions, which can impact the ability of plants or grass to thrive in the area. In some cases, it may be necessary to amend the soil by adding compost or fertilizers to restore balance and ensure healthy plant growth.

Large trees can help anchor the soil in place with their root system. When a big tree is removed, the lack of these roots can increase the risk of erosion, especially in areas with heavy rain or poor drainage. It’s a good idea to monitor the area and add mulch or ground cover to prevent soil erosion, especially on slopes or in areas with loose soil.

When a stump is ground down, the grinder turns the remaining stump and roots into small wood chips. This process leaves a pile of wood chips, which can vary in size, depending on the size of the stump and how deep it was ground. Typically, the grinding process removes the top portion of the stump, but the remaining root system may still extend beneath the ground.

• Natural Mulch: Wood chips can be used as mulch to help retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature. This is especially useful if you're planning to plant grass, flowers, or other plants in the area after stump grinding.
• Organic Matter for the Soil: Over time, the wood chips will break down and add organic matter to the soil. This can improve soil structure, help with drainage, and provide nutrients to your plants.
• Cost-Effective: Leaving the wood chips behind saves on disposal costs, and you don’t have to worry about hauling them away. If you have a garden or landscaping project, the wood chips can be put to good use.

• Depression in the Ground: When a stump is ground, the area often leaves a depression in the soil. If the chips are left in place, they may initially fill in the hole, but as they decompose, they could create an even deeper depression or uneven ground. You may need to add soil to level the area over time.
• Slow Decomposition: Depending on the size of the chips and the type of wood, the decomposition process can take months or even years. While this adds organic matter to the soil, it can also lead to a long-term mess if not properly managed.
• Potential for Fungal Growth: Wood chips can attract certain fungi or pests, especially if they are kept moist for extended periods. This can sometimes lead to undesirable growth or attract pests like termites, though this is more likely in a wooded or moist environment.

• When You Plan to Plant New Grass or Plants: If you're planning to plant grass, flowers, or shrubs where the stump was, it's often best to remove the wood chips. Their decomposition can disrupt the growth of new plants by stealing nutrients from the soil.
• If You Need to Level the Ground: If you want to completely level the area or fill in the hole, you may need to remove the wood chips and add fresh soil. If left behind, the chips may settle unevenly and prevent proper soil compaction.
• If the Area Becomes Unruly: If the wood chips begin to spread beyond the immediate stump area or start to look unsightly, you may want to remove them for aesthetic reasons.