Remove the stump?

[shun]

I had a plum tree that I lost in a storm about 4 weeks ago. The tree stump is still there but it's very low and I would like to make a flower bed around it . Will the roots in the ground be a problem? do they rot? Or can I leave the stump in the ground? I would be greatful for any answers anyone can give me.

Thanks
Shun :D

[pruninggal]

Hi shun,

Sorry about the tree but you will want to remove the stump asap. (ie., have it grinded it it's old). If you don't the stump will send out shoots and probably shoots from the stump and in farther reaches than you ever thought roots could travel. These would out-compete anything that you planted there.

Good luck,
Pruninggal

[shun]

Thanks for the reply. Is this going to be difficult? The tree was about 8 to 10 inches in diameter. What is the best way to do this, just dig it out?

[pruninggal]

Hi shun,

It will be moderately difficult if you try to dig it. Also, in doing that you might miss a root which would send up shoots next spring. Your best bet is to get it "ground" out. This involves renting a machine called a stump grinder or having someone come with one.

Good luck!

[Lindsay]

If possible, leave the stump to rot as it is a fantastic for stagbeetles. For some reason stagbeetles like to leave their grubs in rotting tree stumps
Lindsay :D

[Rootdigging]

I have heard that if you hammer in a copper nail right in middle of stump, it will kill it. Not sure if this is true but may be worth a try!

[mla2ofus]

I've heard that if you drill a good size hole in the top and fill it with salt or with bleach it will kill the roots too. It shouldn't do anything to your soil and the salt or bleach stays in the hole. I've never tried it myself.