Is It Possible to Plant a Tree Where One Has Been Removed?

As an award-winning tree surgery company, we regularly get asked whether you can plant a tree where one has already been removed. The answer is yes — but there are many considerations to take into account.

In this article, we’ll examine the distinctions between cutting a tree down to its stump and fully removing the stump, discuss the spread of tree roots and clarify the required distance between trees.

Cutting a Tree vs. Removing the Stump

When you cut down a tree, you’re left with a stump. The stump, along with the tree’s root system, remains in the ground. While it may appear dormant, the roots may continue to grow, causing potential issues such as root intrusion or regrowth from the stump itself. Removing the stump involves extracting both the stump and the majority of the root system, leaving the ground clear and ready for replanting.

View our case study showing how we removed a tree stump from a local cemetery.

Do Tree Roots Still Grow After the Tree Is Cut Down?

In short, tree roots can indeed grow after cutting down the tree. However, the growth rate and extent can vary based on factors like tree species, age and health. In some instances, roots may gradually die off, while in others, they may persist and keep growing. That’s why it’s essential to consult professionals like Artemis Tree Services to determine the appropriate action for your particular case.

Understanding Tree Root Spread and Planting Distances

Tree roots can extend quite far, often reaching two to three times the width of the tree’s canopy. When planning to plant a new tree, it’s crucial to consider the potential root spread of both the removed tree and the one you’re planting.

Moreover, different tree species require varying distances between them to thrive. Some species can be planted closer together, while others need more space for optimal growth. It’s best to consult with experts who can advise on the ideal planting distances for your chosen tree species.

Planting a Tree in the UK: Legal Considerations

UK law mandates obtaining permission from the local council before cutting down or removing a tree, especially if it falls under a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a conservation area. Likewise, when planting a new tree, ensure compliance with any legal restrictions and guidelines.

Planting a tree where one has been removed is feasible, but careful consideration of factors such as stump removal, root spread, and planting distances is essential. By consulting with the award-winning arborists at Artemis Tree Surgery, you can guarantee the success of your tree planting project.

Get in touch with us today for expert advice and outstanding tree surgery services tailored to your requirements.

5 rating based on

629 reviews

Excellent

Anonymous

I found the Artemis team that came to prune Portuguese Laurels back all friendly, professional and made sure that I was satisfied with the job and made sure everything was cleaned up before they left.... I found the Artemis team that came to prune Portuguese Laurels back all friendly, professional and made sure that I was satisfied with the job and made sure everything was cleaned up before they left. I would definitely use them next year. Thanks to Max, Callum for a good job.

1 day ago

Excellent job done by the team : on time professional friendly tidied up brilliant job. Thanks...

2 days ago

Very complete work done, all was tidied up afterwards. Cheerful and helpful team who took the time necessary to do the work in a comprehensive fashion. Very satisfied!... Very complete work done, all was tidied up afterwards. Cheerful and helpful team who took the time necessary to do the work in a comprehensive fashion. Very satisfied!

1 week ago

Alison

Artemis Tree Services are one of the most professional, friendly, helpful companies I have ever dealt with. Lee assessed all the trees in my garden and it was clear from that moment I was dealing with... Artemis Tree Services are one of the most professional, friendly, helpful companies I have ever dealt with. Lee assessed all the trees in my garden and it was clear from that moment I was dealing with an experienced company that had a lot of integrity. Charlie, Lewis, Marcin and Luke all worked with great care and diligence and made sure I was happy with the work. Every step of the way I was treated with respect and understanding. I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking to have some tree work done. Excellent value for money too. Great companies still do exist and ATS is one of them!

Teresa Orr

Such a fantastic team of men came to attend to trimming our trees. They worked so hard with minimal mess and a very good price all what was carried out. I would definitely recommend them... Such a fantastic team of men came to attend to trimming our trees. They worked so hard with minimal mess and a very good price all what was carried out. I would definitely recommend them

J

Both a competitive price and competent, efficient, courteous staff who obviously know what they are doing....

2 weeks ago

Arrived early, 3 very pleasant young men, knew what they were doing with our trees and cleared up our neighbours garden as well as ours. Couldn't fault them. Thank you.... Arrived early, 3 very pleasant young men, knew what they were doing with our trees and cleared up our neighbours garden as well as ours. Couldn't fault them. Thank you.

Mark

What a find, a totally professional experience from start to finish. The level of service is second to none. The survey outlined what would be required, advised on any contact for consent from neighbo... What a find, a totally professional experience from start to finish. The level of service is second to none. The survey outlined what would be required, advised on any contact for consent from neighbours if required and what the short and long term expectations would be. The team that undertook the extreme pruning of fir trees on the boundary of my property were polite, engaging, professional and made sure I was happy with the end result. Never having had to engage a tree services before I had no idea of pricing and was more than surprised at the value for money. Meticulously clearing up afterwards and removing all debris the same day. Plus points, everything, negative points, none. I would most highly recommend.

3 weeks ago

Roland

This is the first time i have used any Tree service , and Artemis were totally brilliant . I needed some fir trees trimmed back as they were overgrowing the border fence . From the very first contact ... This is the first time i have used any Tree service , and Artemis were totally brilliant . I needed some fir trees trimmed back as they were overgrowing the border fence . From the very first contact right through to the completion of works their whole team were always prompt and on time , professional , knowledgeable and efficient . There was regular communication and reminders leading up to the booked appointment . During the initial survey and appointment everything was explained and my inquisitive questions engaged and answered. They completed the work and cleared up everything . Great service and would definitely use them again .

1 month ago

Top service from start to finish. Surveyor came round to check the job and give thoughts. Set up was thorough as we needed to get permits, keys for a shared gate and the ok from neighbours. Two guys t... Top service from start to finish. Surveyor came round to check the job and give thoughts. Set up was thorough as we needed to get permits, keys for a shared gate and the ok from neighbours. Two guys that did the work were friendly, organised and probably left the garden looking tidier than when they started. Thoroughly recommended.

Matt O'Neill

Very easy to deal with at both office & on-site. Good process flow from quoting through to invoice. Safe, professional & considerate staff when on-site too.... Very easy to deal with at both office & on-site. Good process flow from quoting through to invoice. Safe, professional & considerate staff when on-site too.

3 months ago

David

Very pleasant staff. Punctual and efficient. Carried out good job, communicated very well with neighbour, and cleaned up well. A fair price as well....

Doug

As a direct neighbour to tree felling and garden clearance work being carried out by Artemis yesterday in by Harrow, I can’t speak highly enough of their skill, hard work, considered approach and cour... As a direct neighbour to tree felling and garden clearance work being carried out by Artemis yesterday in by Harrow, I can’t speak highly enough of their skill, hard work, considered approach and courtesy. A great team who I would not hesitate to use myself.

Paul

I thought the Artemis team were absolutely brilliant. From coming to quote , prompt , and cutting back 2 oak trees they did a highly Professional and excellent job.... I thought the Artemis team were absolutely brilliant. From coming to quote , prompt , and cutting back 2 oak trees they did a highly Professional and excellent job.

4 months ago

Jill, Pinner

Efficient, thorough. Listened to what we wanted and carried out expertly. All v neat and tidy. Good job all round....

J M

Thank you Artemis for your excellent tree surgery work as part of ongoing maintenance over many years. The garden poses problems, but as ever the team were cheerful, efficient and everything was carri... Thank you Artemis for your excellent tree surgery work as part of ongoing maintenance over many years. The garden poses problems, but as ever the team were cheerful, efficient and everything was carried out exactly as planned. I shall continue to recommend Artemis.

Green hill housing

we have had work done with them and they do a wonderful job, from start to finish everything was perfect again, not a leaf leaf left behind, workmen were polite and professional.... we have had work done with them and they do a wonderful job, from start to finish everything was perfect again, not a leaf leaf left behind, workmen were polite and professional.

Jan

Artemis took down two lime trees who's roots had damaged the garage floor and were an inch away from the foundations of the house . The trees were in a very awkward place to get to but this didn't see... Artemis took down two lime trees who's roots had damaged the garage floor and were an inch away from the foundations of the house . The trees were in a very awkward place to get to but this didn't seem to trouble this highly competent team. The team were extremely well equipped , and they worked together like a well oiled machine. We were delighted with their work, tidiness and very pleasant manner. And it was at a fair price.

5 months ago

David Pooley

Excellent value, great work on a terrible day...good lads!...

Diana Stuckey

Excellent service with experienced people who did an excellent job of pruning my tree. Would definitely use them again....

6 months ago

Jonathan

Martin and Luke arrived on time They were polite and did the job to my total satisfaction and cleared up Took the time they said it would when they arrived Well done!... Martin and Luke arrived on time They were polite and did the job to my total satisfaction and cleared up Took the time they said it would when they arrived Well done!