Question
When replacing a huge oak tree on a gentle slope in Georgia, how far down must the stump be ground and should the ground-up matter be returned to the hole and mixed with dirt?

Answer
Hello,

It would be desirable to remove the entire stump to eliminate the possibility of sprouts coming back up from the stump and roots. A stump grinder will cut down to about 1 foot. A tine trencher could be used. This piece of equipment will cut to 3 feet. Or a special stump cutter could be used.

The chips can be left in place or taken to another part of your garden or put in a compost pile. When wood decomposes it depletes the soil of nitrogen,so you will have to apply a fertilizer containing nitrogen if you want to plant in the area.

Hand tools such as a grub hoe,axe,shovel,root saw or wire saw may also prove useful for anything the stump grinder or cutter cant reach. Good luck. Let me know if I can be of further help.

Mark Harshman


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