There’s two of these pits from where tree stumps were removed in my front yard.
What’s the proper way to go about filling these in and making that spot flat?
Will any sort of fill dirt work? Where’s the best place to get that?
I feel stupid asking this question but I’ve watched a lot of videos on landscaping and there’s such a broad spectrum of work that seems like can go into it.
by nuchkkens
45 Comments
with deze
top soil and seed
Proabably more than once
Sand or topsoil. If there is any of the roots or trunk left, then I’d throw some compost down first to get it to break down quicker.
Make sure when you fill it you make it a bit of a mound. Don’t level it off as soon as you fill it, otherwise it will become a depression.
dirt. and then add more later as it continues to sing with the roots rotting out.
I like dirt on the ground, personally
Don’t use 100% sand – but topsoil for sure
We’ve been filling ours in for years. Just keep adding topsoil. It’s super annoying.
I would cut a sharp edge around the top and throw that scrap in the hole. Fill it will topsoil in 3 stages each stage I would pack it. You can use your feet or a manual tamper. Once ur at the level you want you can soak it and let it settle 4-5 times. Like once a day for a week and then top it off with topsoil and seed. I would seed it and then rake the area so the seed is not just sitting on the top it needs to be mixed in with the soil and then water every day.
Good luck
Professional landscaper here- you’ll need 4 skid steers to fill that hole, at least
Find a local nursery and they can deliver dirt and drop easily right on top of your hole, then just spread it. Pretty simple… seed it after Labor Day. Guessing 2-3 yards of dirt… $100
Hear me out fire pit
I don’t think you fill it in. I think you level the entire thing out
I would take the garden hose to it and now you have a cool lil water feature to landscape around. Could seriously boost your resale value here if played right
New tree
That looks like a giant footprint.
Bottom to top
Or plant another tree in that spot and use some of the dirt to fill, but of course, you will need more
If you have a really big hole it can make sense to put fill soil then top soil.
But then you are paying two delivery fees. Which defeats any savings you got.
If you got a truck and are bringing it one yard a time anyways then yeah maybe a yard of fill first, but the savings are kinda minimal.
Grow a tree
Add dirt tamp, add water just til it begins to pool, let soak, add more dirt, tamp, add water not as much first time, add dirt, tamp add water. Over fill, creat small rise especially around edge. Tamp, add seed, sprinkle with water. The soil will settle over time as air leaves the void. Best to mound it an inch or little better. Depending how hard soil was compacted.
Best way- remove topsoil from inside the hole until subsoil and remaining roots are all that’s left
-fill within 6” of the desired grade with “fill” material. Sand, clay, silt, stone. Preferably something matching the surrounding subsoils. (Clay fill surrounded by sand or vice versa could lead to a difference lawn conditions that make the area stick out) compact every 4-8”.
– fill remaining 6” with topsoil. Roll heavy. Fill again and seed, starter fert, lime. Roll light.
-Water regularly until seed is sod.
Topsoil alone has a lot of organics that will break down leading to excessive settling. Fill soils wont break down like that. Despite popular opinion I prefer to fill right to the grade I want and not mound it. If the mound doesn’t settle I have to cut the sod to get it right. If it’s low it can be topdressed to raise the area.
Fill it with topsoil.
Water it – a lot.
2 days later, Do it again.
And maybe again.
Seed it.
I would fill with dirt and replant another tree in its place.
I’d try some dirt.
Fish pond
I’ve been filling one in for 10 years now!
Properly is subjective..personally I’d dip my balls in to to get a good measurement, and then just fill it with dirt.
Dirt
Bags of topsoil
Advice Needed: I have a similar situation as OP but absolutely no desire to do it myself.
1. I’d need a licensed and insured professional.
2. Gutter drainage runs underneath front yard in several areas and should be checked for possible leaks— first.
3. Which profession should I consult?
4. Any other advice/suggestions?
Rent a Bobcat for the weekend. Regrade and redo your front lawn. Remove roots and rocks as you go.
Good start to a pool. Build a deck around it
I would put in a fire pit, myself. That’s how I would fill the hole. 🤷🏼♀️
Dirt
With dirt?
I’ve had a similar stump hole in my yard in my house of 3 years I filled it with soil but over time it seemed to have decayed back to the hole it was, I’m currently trying sand with some topsoil over it so grass will cover it. Hopefully better results.
get some dry wall, cut it out then mud and sand it
Dirt
Great spot to plant a tree
I’d probably fill it with dirt
I would just use clean fill dirt from a reputable landscape supply house in your area. Shop around and compare delivered prices. They can help you determine quantity of fill dirt needed. It will vary. Fill hole in and leave it mounded gently about 2inches above grade. It will settle. Mix in some peet while top dressing, seeding and fertilizing this fall. You’re not gonna get it perfect the first time and it will probably continue to sink as stump decomposition continues well below grade.
Plant a tree
Put some sand in the bottom and you’ve got a nice little golf bunker