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Conifer Tree Stumps - remove or not

joannebob2joannebob2 Posts: 7
in Problem solving
I have some very old conifers which are not in good condition and are heavily browned.  I am considering removing these and replanting with climbing roses.   Would it be possible to de-leaf the trees which are about 9ft tall and cut the stump to around 4ft and use these as an anchor for the roses.  I have read varying information about having to remove the stump to also just leaving the trunk and roots in the soil to decompose over many years.   My main question is is there any risk to leaving the stump and roots in the ground and would roses or other similar plants grow ok on these - 

Posts

  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487

    joannebob2  In terms of a labour saving answer, I'd recommend the roses idea.  Any attempt at removing the whole thing, trunk and roots, will require huge effort as regular posters demonstrate.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    There's no risk to your plants, but just be aware that, depending on your conditions, the stumps will break down over time, so you'll need to keep an eye on that  :)

    Sometimes, people leave them and use them as fence posts. If you use deciduous climbers, that might be worth considering, so that you have a more attractive site during winter when those plants are dormant. Some horizontal battens attached, can make a good screen, but it depends on the length of the area, the spacing and your budget etc.
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  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited June 2023
    I have rampant honey fungus, so don't.

    Left for about 5 years, I would epect the stumps to be easily rocked out.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    We took out a 100’ row of 30 year old conifers,  didn’t take long but it would be hard work for a single lady (oo..sexist)  used a mattock,  pick axe and large secateurs to cut the roots as we went. 
    The problem with leaving them is being able to dig a large enough hole and feed it up ready for new plants. 

    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    I think the main issue, is that Roses like a rich soil, and the area around the conifers will be very nutrient depleted. The soil will need lots of improvement before planting the Roses.
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  • joannebob2joannebob2 Posts: 7
    Thank you everyone.  The guidance is super helpful. 
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