Key takeaways
- Grinding leaves a pile of chips and the roots below the cut; ask what will stay and what will go.
- Extension: dig the hole two to three times as wide as the root ball and no deeper than its height.
- Extension: fall and early winter are the best planting seasons.
- Test drainage; if the hole takes more than 12 hours to drain, choose another site.
- Call 811 before digging.
Battle Born does not plant trees, but many customers ask what to do next. This guide covers the site side: what is in the ground after grinding, what Extension says about hole size and drainage, and when a lawn is the simpler choice.
What is left in the ground after stump grinding?
After grinding, the stump is a mound of chips and soil. The roots below the cut remain and decay slowly. That is fine for turf or ground cover. For a new tree it matters more, because the root ball needs loosened soil and a hole it can grow out of.
Ask the crew whether the chips will be left, spread or hauled. Our guide to grinding vs full removal explains the difference, and some customers choose full removal when they plan to replant on the same spot.
The planting steps, from Extension
University of Nevada, Reno Extension's guide to planting trees in Northern Nevada gives these basics. Dig the hole at least two to three times the width of the container or root ball, and no deeper than the height of the root ball. Loosen the top 12 to 18 inches of soil out to about five times the root-ball diameter. Keep the root flare visible above the soil line. Limit soil amendments to 20 percent of the backfill.
On drainage, Extension suggests filling the hole with water. If it drains within two to three hours, drainage is adequate, and if it takes longer than 12 hours, choose another site.
When is the best time to plant a tree?
Extension recommends fall and early winter. Summer planting, when temperatures reach the 90s F and above, often causes leaf loss from transplant shock. Reno and Carson City summers regularly pass that mark, so an early-fall planting after a spring or summer stump job is a reasonable plan.
Water the new tree with a thorough soaking rather than shallow, frequent watering, and use 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch out to the drip line, at least 2 inches from the trunk, per Extension. For mature trees, see watering mature trees.
Pick a tree that fits the spot
The ISA says a tree's mature height and spread must fit the available growing space, above and below ground. Look up, look at lines and roofs, and look at the soil. Do not plant a very large species where the old tree already outgrew the lot. Our Northern Nevada tree guide describes the common species here. A garden center or Extension's Master Gardeners can advise on choosing a species.
Lawn is simpler
If you only want grass back, grinding followed by fill soil and seed or sod is the usual route. Ask the crew how deep the grinding went, and whether they will level the area. Settling happens as chips decay, so expect to top up.
Call 811 first
The ISA warns that the greatest danger to underground utilities occurs during planting. Accidental digging into utilities can cause costly repairs, injury or loss of life. Call 811 before you dig the planting hole. Battle Born Tree Service has two ISA Certified Arborists on staff, including ISA Certified Arborist WE-11728A. We do not plant trees, but we can remove a tree, grind the stump and leave the site ready for you. Ask for a free estimate.
Sources
- University of Nevada, Reno Extension: Planting Trees in Northern Nevada Landscapes (read October 17, 2026)
- International Society of Arboriculture, Trees Are Good: Avoiding Tree and Utility Conflicts (read October 17, 2026)
- University of Nevada, Reno Extension: Tips for Healthy Landscape Trees (read October 17, 2026)