Hello

I got a big tree on my property chopped down last week. I'm now left with a big stump about 50cm diameter. Do i just leave it or do I need to treat it in some way. What will happen if it's just left?

depends what kind of tree it is. some species will sprout from the stump and you will get little trees growing up. you can stop this by pouring salt or weedkiller onto the stump. then the stump will just sit there and slowly rot away. in about ten years it will probably be rotten enough to easily dig out. if you want to get rid of it right away you need either a jcb, some semtex, or a stump grinding machine. it is possible to dig them out by hand - i've done it myself a few times, but it is bl00dy slow and hard work.

hth

yeah, as above basically.

Some species will generate what is called "epicormic growth" from the trunk. I have heard of several methods of killing the stump from acid to diesel.... the best method is to tak it out, or at least locate and cut the main roots.

I know nothing about trees so i've no idea what kind it was.

i'm not bothered about getting the stump out, I just don't want new shoots or whatever starting.

is this what i need?

http://www.diy.com/bq/product/product.jhtml?PRODID=22815&CATID=150605

a neighbour mentioned diesel.. lol

that would probably do it, but ordinary salt does work as well - you might need a couple of kg.

Get a drill with the biggest drill bit you have and drill lots of holes add diesel,Bleach,Ajax does the trick :D

50cm - just a tiddler then. Get a mattock and dig it out. Won't take more than an hour or two and it's a very satisfying task.


UB:)

here you go...

http://www.aie.org.uk/trunkline/aie_tr_stump.html

UB:D

If you cut into the heart(darkest part of remaining stump) of the stump and put a chemical called round-up in the hole that will kill it.Ask a local farmer for the full strength version of round-up or go to a garden centre for a watered down version!
But the best and quickest way is a stump grinder.
Regards
Dean

DIG! DIG! DIG!

Its not too hard & as UB says is very satisfying when the job is done.

Best way is to dig deep around/under the roots then cut 'em (axe or mattock).

Long bit of 4"x2" is handy once that is done for leverage.

Good workout as well.

Enjoy

:)

If you allow the stump/roots to rot, you sometimes end up with mushrooms growing the garden or whats called a "fairy ring"

Pick, shovel, old chainsaw (soil will wreck the chain), a trolley jack or 2, and a free afternoon is how we shifted a big stump from our garden.

Wasn't as much fun as making the stump in the first place though :D

"Timbeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..........!"

John.

drill several deep holes in the trunk, say about 20mm. fill these with jeyes fluid ( mega poisonous/skull&crossbones stuff from the hardware shop). Melt a candle over each hole to seal it in. Don't know if it works or not, I moved house shortly after, but it seemed like a good idea at the time.