Stump removal (forum)

Sprout starts with ...
Hi, apologies if unsuitable but this is my 1st post and I was really impressed with advice on moving citrus trees here. My Q is about removing a swamp-gum stump so I can replant in its place.

Long story short it was felled about 2+ yrs ago but not stump-ground well so within less than 1yr growed what I thought was a weed 2m high.
Upon digging back I can see it was the tree re-growing.

I just paid to have it ground again today and he's gone pretty deep but as the photo shows there's still a sizeable amount of wood base.

Keen to know if this appears good enough to replant or should I try and remove more??
- at this rate it'll go on forever!

I plan to plant a flowering gum tree and want to avoid hassle of original tree growing back or affecting growth of new tree.

Appreciate any advice,
Sprout

Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 9th January 2013 9:42pm

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Original Post was last edited: 9th January 2013 9:45pm

About the Author Sprout
Mornington Peninsula, VIC
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MaryT says...
Not sure why you wanted to be rid of the swamp gum in the first place since it flowers too and provides food and habitat for wildlife. Guess by "flowering gum' you are referring to the more showy cultivars; maybe those bright red flowering ones from Western Australia?

Time: 10th January 2013 9:38am

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About the Author MaryT
Sydney
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Sprout says...
Well Mary it sounds nice, but it became a danger and dropped large 10m+ branches and was hanging over the kids bedroom.
Not a decision taken lightly but safety the priority.


Time: 10th January 2013 9:57am

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amanda says...
I don't know much about this stuff - but I am curious as to whether the ground will subside as the stump rots? (if left in..)
Can it cause nitrogen draw down as it rots? Do some roots inhibit the growth of new plants? Are termites a problem where u are Sprout?

U need someone to put a stick of dynamite under it Sprout!? :D

Time: 10th January 2013 12:08pm

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About the Author amanda19
Leschenault (160kms south of Perth)
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denise1 says...
I am not from Australia and dont know much about gum trees. But I would not plant any valuable trees above remains of roots. There is a chance of fungal infection that could hurt or kill the new tree in the future.You could plant an expendable tree or one that doesnt live long anyway.

Time: 10th January 2013 12:37pm

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About the Author denise1
auckland NZ
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MaryT says...
Sprout I understand that sometimes drastic measures are necessary. I'd help cleared a whole forest of 'weed' trees in Camden some years ago by wounding them then lacing them with poison. Non organic but effective. Good thing was the time it took for them to die gave plantings of endemic species a chance to take hold. It was quite successful. The Macarthur brothers brought in every imaginable 'weed' (many of them useful) to Australia and Camden was their home.

Time: 10th January 2013 12:39pm

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denise1 says...
The NZ government undertook a study on best methods for ridding weed trees for native restoration. The weed trees were left standing after drilling and poisoning at the bases. The leaves fell to make a weed suppressing mulch and the bare branches slowed down the wind and sun just that little bit more to favour the natives planted underneath. Very little weeding etc was required and virtually no chainsaw work required.

Time: 10th January 2013 3:43pm

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About the Author denise1
auckland NZ
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MaryT says...
denise1 that's exactly what we did except instead of drills we used axes.

Time: 10th January 2013 4:19pm

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About the Author MaryT
Sydney
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Sprout says...
Amanda, yes we get enough termites without encouraging more here, and as you mentioned nitrogen draw-down I've also heard the old roots, decay etc can leave any replanted tree going hungry in the same spot.
This also echoes Denise's comment too.

Time: 10th January 2013 9:40pm

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Original Post was last edited: 10th January 2013 9:42pm

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VF says...
Could you burn the stump out? (After the terrible heat and bush fire danger have passed of course.)

Time: 11th January 2013 8:18am

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About the Author VF
Wongawallan
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Sprout says...
VF, possble but i reckon it wouldnt be too effective, where it meets the soil plus its hardwood and compacted wood being the base of tree I reckon even with fuel it would only smoulder away. Interested to hear if anyone tried this?

I'll be calling the stump-grinder guy monday as said he was getting a better machine maybe he needs to 'try it out' or will cut me a cheap deal!

Thx for replies

Time: 13th January 2013 10:30am

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