Question
we have two very large cedar tree stumps, we want to know if we dig them out next to our foundation, will be have foundation problems or weeping bed problems in the future? the trees have been there for over 20 years.

Answer
It will be next to impossible to dig a large cedar stump out next to the foundation without the potential of damaging the foundation. The root system will be massive and you would need to dig down deep and wide to remove it all. A trees root system extends about 1 1/2 times the width of the branches and has a large area of wood in the center that extends down under the trunk .  The cedar stump will not sprout back and will die. It consists of woody cells which over time will decay. Cedar will take longer to decay then other species and the time will be dependant on the area of the country you live in. Since the root system is dead future problems with the foundation or septic lines and roots will not exist. I would hire someone to grind the stump down below the ground surface and cover the area with top soil and either sod grass or another ground cover plant. Have them grind as deep as they can this will allow more surface over the old stump for plants to grow. I hope this is what you are asking.