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

619 reviews

Excellent

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 weeks 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....

1 month ago

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.

2 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.

3 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....

4 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!

Phil

Very professional job. The man in charge was excellent. Did the job exactly as we wanted it. Would highly recommend....

5 months ago

Anonymous

I have used Artemis a number of times and always feel confident that they offer an excellent service all the way through from the first visit to the final clearing up. They are knowledgeable, profess... I have used Artemis a number of times and always feel confident that they offer an excellent service all the way through from the first visit to the final clearing up. They are knowledgeable, professional and friendly. They do great job and I would highly recommend.

Friendly staff. Work carried out efficiently. Left the area clean and tidy. Would definitely recommend Artemis....

Chris

Artemis are very efficient, knowledgeable, professional and easy to deal with....

6 months ago

This was the first time we have used Artemis, and the whole process from initial enquiry through to completion was very easy. We would definitely recommend their services, and will be using them again... This was the first time we have used Artemis, and the whole process from initial enquiry through to completion was very easy. We would definitely recommend their services, and will be using them again I'm sure.

Natasha

Fantastic service from your team at Artemis. We needed a tree in our garden heavily crowned, having let it grow far too tall. We couldn’t be happier with the work done; the team were so professional, ... Fantastic service from your team at Artemis. We needed a tree in our garden heavily crowned, having let it grow far too tall. We couldn’t be happier with the work done; the team were so professional, really lovely and left our garden tidier than it was before they arrived. We won’t hesitate to recommend Artemis to anyone needing tree work done

7 months ago

Excellent service from first quote to final job. Very good communications and reminders so I knew exactly when they were arriving. Polite and hard working team who cleared up perfectly. Would definite... Excellent service from first quote to final job. Very good communications and reminders so I knew exactly when they were arriving. Polite and hard working team who cleared up perfectly. Would definitely recommend.

Ajay Lal

Efficient and effective service. On site team were polite and ensured the site was left clean and tidy....

From approval for the pruning to tidying up after they left, the team has been impeccably professional, pleasant and kind....

Excellent service. Punctual and extremely professional manner in which they carry out their work. Really happy with the work done . Would definitely use the company again.... Excellent service. Punctual and extremely professional manner in which they carry out their work. Really happy with the work done . Would definitely use the company again.