Although tree stumps can be left in the ground after felling, and covered with sprawling plants, such as herbaceous clematis, this can lead to problems with suckering where new shoots arise from the trunk and roots.
Completely dead stumps won't form suckers, but they can play host to root diseases such as honey fungus and, as such, aren't worth leaving in and taking the risk.
Physical removal of the stump is the best solution. Paying tree surgeons to do this when felling is the most convenient way. Otherwise, it is advisable to have them removed by a specialist (see Yellow Pages).
- For smaller trees the stumps can be pulled out with a
winch. These can be hired. For leverage it is necessary
to leave a good-sized stub on the stump (up to 1.2m (4ft)
high) rather than cutting it off at ground level.
- Grubbing out by hand or mini-excavator removes the majority
of the root system. Mini-excavators and operators can be
hired.
Alternatively,
machines known as stump grinders will mechanically grind
out the main root plate, leaving a fine sawdust. This can
be left to fill in the hole, used as a mulch in other areas
of the garden or taken away by the contractors. Specify
which of these you would prefer before the work is started
and be sure to have any diseased wood removed completely.
It is also worth specifying how deep you would like them
to grind out the stump. Shallow grinding (20-25cm/8-10in)
is normally sufficient for laying turf, but you should allow
for deeper (30cm/12in or more) if replanting or landscaping.
Although stump grinders can be hired, they are potentially
hazardous and are only for gardeners confident that they
can use machinery safely. Some roots will inevitably be
left in the ground but the majority should eventually rot
down.
Where stumps cannot be removed, apply weedkillers with the active ingredient glyphosate (Roundup Tree Stump & Rootkiller or Deep Root Ultra Tree Stump & Weedkiller) or triclopyr (SBK Brushwood Killer), as directed by the manufacturer's instructions on the label. Ideally, apply immediately after felling. Expect roots to be killed within six weeks, although the stump may take several years to completely rot away.