Choosing the Right Plants after Tree Removal: A Guide

Tree removal is a significant event in any landscape. Whether you had to remove a damaged, diseased, or dying tree, or you simply wanted to open up space in your garden, it leaves an impact on the environment, soil, and microclimate. Choosing the right plants to fill in the gap is crucial for maintaining soil health, aesthetics, and biodiversity. Here are some tips on what to plant after tree removal, depending on your preferences, site conditions, and goals.

Native Plants for Soil Health and Wildlife Habitat

If you care about maintaining a natural and diverse ecosystem, planting native species is the way to go. Native plants are adapted to local climate, soil, and pest conditions, and provide food and shelter for local insects, birds, and mammals. Moreover, they help to prevent erosion, maintain soil moisture, and support the underground microbial network that supports healthy and fertile soil. Some options to consider when choosing native plants include:

Perennials like coneflowers, black-eyed susans, bee balm, and milkweed that attract butterflies, bees, and birds and bloom in different seasons.

Shrubs like serviceberry, viburnum, and spicebush that provide food and nesting places for birds and small mammals.

Trees like dogwood, redbud, and sourwood that grow well in understory conditions and provide beauty, shade, and habitat.

Ornamental Plants for Aesthetics and Function

If you prefer a more curated and controlled look in your landscape, or you need specific functions like privacy, shade, or low maintenance, you may opt for non-native or hybrid plants. These plants come in many colors, shapes, and sizes, and offer various benefits like:

Evergreens like arborvitae, holly, and boxwood that provide privacy, windbreak, and year-round greenery.

Flowering trees like magnolia, cherry, and crabapple that provide early or late-season bursts of color and fragrance.

Fruit trees like apple, peach, and pear that provide food and shade and can be trained to different shapes and sizes.

When choosing ornamental plants, make sure to select disease-resistant, low-maintenance, and climate-appropriate varieties, and avoid planting invasive or aggressive species that can harm native ecosystems.

Edible Plants for Food and Fun

If you want to combine aesthetics, ecology, and functionality in your landscape, edible plants can be a great choice. Edible plants provide fresh, healthy, and delicious food for you and your family, and can also attract pollinators, birds, and butterflies. Moreover, growing your own food can be a fun and rewarding hobby that promotes self-sufficiency and environmental awareness. Some edible plants to consider when planting after tree removal include:

Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash that can be grown in the ground, raised beds, or containers and offer different flavors and textures.

Herbs like basil, parsley, thyme, and oregano that can be grown in pots, borders, or mixed with other plants and provide fresh flavors and aromas for cooking and teas.

Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and grapes that can be trained on trellises, wires, or fences or grown as shrubs or trees and provide sweet, juicy, and nutritious treats.

When planting edible plants, make sure to choose varieties that are suitable for your soil pH and moisture, sun exposure, and climate zone, and follow good planting, fertilizing, and watering practices to maximize their growth and yield.

Conclusion

Tree removal is a chance to re-imagine and enhance your landscape by choosing the right plants for your preferences, site conditions, and goals. Whether you prefer native plants for soil health and wildlife habitat, ornamental plants for aesthetics and function, or edible plants for food and fun, there are many options to consider that can provide beauty, diversity, and sustainability. By using this guide, you can make an informed and enjoyable choice on what to plant after tree removal.