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5ft wide rotting eucalyptus stump - dig out?

Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
in Problem solving
I had my massive eucalyptus tree felled about 5-6 years ago.
The 5ft wide stump has been an annoyance ever since with enormous fungi at the sides which now appear to have died back leaving brown rusty spores all over the place.
But yesterday I stood on it and it felt spongy, so I put a fork into it and realised it's all breaking up at last.
I was going to continue digging it out, but considered some advice my be helpful first.

Is there any reason I shouldn't dig it out?
The wood is now quite soft and spongy and breaks up easily - can I add that to the compost?
Should I leave it all alone and let nature take its course?

I'd very much like to plant something there in the not too distant future

Thanks



Billericay - Essex

Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

Posts

  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    I would finish digging it out as you say, you would like to plant up the space. Space is always at a premium in the garden. Never happy about leaving deciduous tree stumps in situ as there is the worry of Honey fungus appearing on the roots.
    Not sure you should add the rotten timber to the compost heap for the same reason.
    Once it has gone you would need to revitalise the soil with compost or manure before planting.
    Have fun!
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    Thanks @Palustris - good point about not putting the wood in the compost



    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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