ground sinking from trees removed 2yrs ago

My front lawn had three large trees around 30ft each I removed when I bought the house. I had pros remove and grind the stumps down. I dug up at least 3ft down and around . Backfilled with soil compacted as best I could and seeded. Two years later the ground is sinking/ settling.
What should have I done?

 

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Nothing much more to do other than add some topsoil to level it and re-seed.

Regardless of your original best efforts to compact the soil.....there would normally be some settling over time. Combine that with the natural decay process of any organic material (perhaps wood chips from the stump grinding or any roots that may have been missed)

Now.....when you add the topsoil.....though you may be tempted.....do not compact it.....as that would be harmful to the grass that you are trying to grow.


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Thanks for info. I already have grass growing in all three spots. Should I remove the grass and start over. My kids love to play there and afraid of them twisting an ankle. Thanks

 

When work for a tree trimmer landscaper in high school summers, we'd always go back to do touch ups as the ground sank a few years later. Usually needed extra soil, and was an opportunity to see whether the owner was ready for a new landscaping plan.


Once the stump is ground out, you'll pack down the mix of dirt and chips as best you can
we would pack down the pile by driving the dual-wheel trimming truck back and forth a few times, then come back in spring and add a foot or two of soil.

Since you've already got grass growing, I'd just dump the added soil at the edge of the low spot, and use a rake to spread it around. Repeat every week or so to raise the ground but still let the grass grow.

 

Thanks . Sounds like good advice, will try that.

 

That way would work, but being the impatient type when I faced the same situation, I just dumped a lot more topsoil on top of the grass and reseeded. It only takes a couple of weeks in the spring to fill in nicely.

 

Guess it really depends on how big the divot it.

If this was dug out "3ft down and around" then a wheelbarrow or two of dirt should even it out.

If there's already grass growing, just peel the grass back with a flat faced spade (sod),
add the dirt, roll the sod back in place, add a bit of grass seed over top.

 

Like that idea of peeling it back, would it put the sod in shock. early spring the best time?

 

Be sure to keep the sod moist as it will be the first to dry out and desiccate until the roots reestablish. Spring might be best.