After hiring professional tree services in Millington, TN, to remove a dangerous tree, you have a decision to make about the remaining stump. Some clients choose grinding, while others prefer to learn how to decay a tree stump. Although stump decay methods take far longer than grinding, you can use them successfully by following certain steps.
Learn how to decompose stumps after cutting down a tree in your yard.
Steps Required To Cause a Tree Stump To Rot Away
Without intervention from experts to speed up the decay of tree stumps, the wood will rot away on its own, but this could take up to 10 years. Because old stumps create a trip hazard, are difficult to mow around, and can draw pests, most property owners want to accelerate the process.
You can follow a few techniques that make the stump disintegrate faster, perhaps as quickly as a year or two. You can then put in new landscaping plants or plant grass in the area where the tree was previously growing.
Drill Holes in the Wood
Using a long drill bit, create several holes in the top and sides of the stump. Each hole should be 8 to 12 inches deep.
Add Materials in the Holes
You can select a few different materials that will cause the tree stump to decay, including:
- Blood meal fertilizer
- Manure-based fertilizer
- Ammonium sulfate
- Fertilizers rich in nitrogen
- Rock salt or Epsom salt
These materials give bacteria and fungi a foothold in the stump, accelerating their growth. They will work to break down the wood in the stump from inside the holes, eventually causing it to rot away.
If you use one of the salt-based products, don’t add too much or spill it. It will cause a change in the nearby soil composition that could damage grass or landscaping plants growing in the area.
Keep the Fertilizer Moist
An essential step for decaying a tree stump using fertilizers is to keep the stump moist. You’ll need to regularly add water to accelerate the decaying process. (If you choose to use salt, you’ll want to add less water than if you’re using fertilizer.)
Cover the Stump With a Black Tarp
By using a black tarp over the wood in the stump, you’ll increase the temperature in the wood. The tarp also prevents the moisture you’ve added from evaporating in the sun. The combination of heat and humidity speeds up the wood’s breakdown.
Let the Experts at Spruce Up Tree Care Help With All Your Tree and Stump Removal Needs
Homeowners have a few options for removing a tree stump after cutting down the main trunk. Removing stumps naturally can involve creating situations that encourage tree stump decay in Millington, TN, or grinding the stump. At Spruce Up Tree Care, we can help you with learning how to decay a tree stump, although many people prefer the efficiency of our stump grinding services.
To receive a free cost estimate for any of our tree care or removal services, contact us today at (901) 833-8242.
