It takes many years for a tree stump to decompose. However, there are a few ways to make the stump and tree root rot a little faster. With these remedies you will ensure that the tree stump will decompose more quickly.
How to make a tree stump decompose faster?
To make a tree stump decompose faster, you can make checkerboard cuts with a chainsaw, drill holes, add compost and calcium cyanamide. This promotes the colonization of decomposing microorganisms, which accelerate the decomposition process.
Make tree stump decompose faster
A good amateur gardener will allow the time for a tree stump to decompose on its own, although this may take many years. But it is also possible to ensure faster dissolution.
You will need some materials and tools:
- Chainsaw
- Wood drill
- Compost
- Compost starter
- Limetic Nitrogen (Root-Ex)
If used correctly, the tree stump will often have decomposed enough after just a year that you can remove it from the ground more easily.
Processing a tree stump with a chainsaw
The chainsaw is needed to make small cuts in the tree root or trunk. Cut checkerboard patterns into the wood or tree root.
For tree roots, it is also recommended to drill additional holes with a wood drill.
The purpose of this measure is to introduce oxygen into the wood. Compost or calcium cyanamide is filled into the openings.
Accelerate decomposition with compost and compost starter
You speed up the decomposition of the tree stump or tree roots by adding compost, compost starter and compost accelerators to the wood. These agents promote the colonization of microorganisms that are responsible for the decomposition of the wood. The compost should be ripe or semi-ripe. Make sure that the material is not too dry but not too wet either. You should repeat filling with compost every spring.
You can get Root-Ex (€25.00 on Amazon) in stores to stimulate the tree stump to decompose. Lime cyanamide is cheaper but just as successful. These funds are also added to the holes. They supply the microorganisms with the urgently needed nitrogen.
Sowing lawn over tree roots
A tree root will decompose faster if you sow grass over it. To do this, however, you have to mill or saw off the top of the root to create a depression. This depression is filled with garden soil so that a layer about 10 to 15 cm thick is created. You can sow lawn or lay turf on this. You will then no longer be aware of the decomposition process.
Beautify tree stump during decomposition
So that the tree stump does not have such a disruptive effect on the garden during the long period of decomposition, you can integrate it into the garden design.
It can be planted or covered with climbing plants.
Even as an art object, a tree stump becomes a decorative highlight in the garden. However, if you want the work of art to last longer, you must prevent it from decomposing by sealing the tree stump.
Tip
If you want to remove the stump without digging, decomposing is the only option. Causing the tree roots to dissolve by burning or blowing them up is dangerous and not allowed almost anywhere.
