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Do I need to kill the stump to this conifer?

NoviceGardenOwnerNoviceGardenOwner Posts: 31
in Plants
I have had this conifer chopped down because it was blocking a lot of light for both me and neighbours:


I am now left with stumps. I'm not in a major rush to get rid of them, but I am hoping to be able to kick-start the decomposition process where possible while I have the chance.

I get quite a lot of conflicting information so I was hoping somebody here could help.

Do I need to use stump killer on it? As far as I understand, stump KILLER (As opposed to stunk REMOVER) is only concerned with stopping re-growth. Is this the sort of tree that could re-grow or should I use stump killer?

Beyond that, will I need to use anything to artificially further the decomposition or will leaving it to happen naturally be my best bet? I'm not planning to get it taken out with a stump grinder.

Thank you!

Posts

  • SkandiSkandi Posts: 1,723
    It won't regrow from the stump so you don't need to use any poison.
    If you're not in a big hurry you could drill some holes in the top flat part of the stump, that will let water sit there and rot it out faster.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I had one like that cut to the ground about 9 years ago.  No poison was used, there's been no regrowth, the outer ring of bark has decomposed but the central core remains, hidden by surrounding plants.  That tip from @Skandi sounds like a good one!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    Just a thought, but you might like to heap rotting stuff like lawn mowings on it to speed up the decomposition?
  • Tam_ThumbTam_Thumb Posts: 49
    Do you know someone with a mini digger?
    A mate of mine has one and he's got an attachment for tearing up the roots and pulling out stumps, maybe a bit to severe on what you're wanting but it gets rid of it right away
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    I cut a row down. After the effort of getting one stump out, I just let the rest rot out on their own. There was no regrowth from the stumps.
  • Slow-wormSlow-worm Posts: 1,630
    Chisel a hole in the middle of them and put some small plants in - they look great with a bright grass or creeping flowers. 
    Stumps are also excellent wildlife environments, especially once they start to rot. 
  • ontopofthehillontopofthehill Posts: 76
    I remember your post on reddit. That sounded like a rubbish situation, hope you're not too upset about it all.
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