Following stump grinding, wait between two and four weeks before you plant a new tree or garden in the same location. This helps the ground settle and avoids soil nutrient imbalance due to rotting wood.

As soon as grinding is done, the space will be filled with wood chips, which will prevent new plant growth by taking up nitrogen. Getting rid of as many wood chips as possible and filling the space with fresh topsoil will allow for a healthier planting area. If it is to be replanted with a new tree, select a position at least 3 feet away from where the old stump was to prevent root competition and residual rot.

For flowers or grass, soil additives such as fertilizer or compost can increase recovery speed. Homeowners in some situations delay this process for an entire growing season to allow the area to be ready for optimal growth. Replanting can be made more successful with assistance from professional tree care services to restore the soil.