- 1). Choose a new tree for the old location. The root ball of the new tree must fit inside the decaying stump, with at least 6 inches of extra breathing room all around.
- 2). Remove as much of the decaying wood from the center of the old stump as you can, using your hands and a sturdy shovel. Decaying wood should simply crumble and break off. Discard the decayed wood.
- 3). Slip the new tree out of its nursery container and deposit it in the center of the decaying tree stump. Keep the root flare--the transition point where roots meet the trunk--above the soil line after planting.
- 4). Backfill around the root ball with soil from your yard. Using the same type of soil that already exists in the location is essential to the health of the new tree.
- 5). Water the tree generously immediately after planting. Use a soaker hose and provide the new tree with at least 1 inch of water per week, keeping the soil moist at a depth of 1 inch at all times. After the first growing season, established trees only require watering during droughts.
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