Removing holly stump and laurel stumps - Ask Extension
We have removed two holly trees and are now hoping to remove the stumps. I have heard about making deep cuts in them and using first antifreeze, then...
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Removing holly stump and laurel stumps #851315
Asked September 26, 2023, 4:02 PM EDT
We have removed two holly trees and are now hoping to remove the stumps. I have heard about making deep cuts in them and using first antifreeze, then casaron granules. What is the preferred method? We have no ability to grind the stumps.
Also we have removed a laurel hedge from around some rhododendrons. Now I have several “stumps” from the hedge remaining. How best to remove. I don’t want to harm some other laurel hedge in the area.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Janet and thanks for your question about removing some tree stumps that you can't grind away. From the research I was able to find, we don't recommend antifreeze and weed control granules. The antifreeze is attracting and can be lethal to animals and the granules are not developed for stump removal.
What we can recommend, although it is a slower process, is to cut the stumps as low to the ground as you can. Holes can be drilled in them to help hold moisture because you are going to cover them with soil and let the bacteria, fungi and other natural decomposers go to work. This will take a number of years, but you should be able to plant around the stumps if you keep any suckers cut off. They will die, decompose and help the soil without harming other plants or wildlife nearby.
Patience in gardening is worth it... in the long run!
What we can recommend, although it is a slower process, is to cut the stumps as low to the ground as you can. Holes can be drilled in them to help hold moisture because you are going to cover them with soil and let the bacteria, fungi and other natural decomposers go to work. This will take a number of years, but you should be able to plant around the stumps if you keep any suckers cut off. They will die, decompose and help the soil without harming other plants or wildlife nearby.
Patience in gardening is worth it... in the long run!
