Question
I live in southern California and have a steep bank in my yard with 3 large eucalyptus trees growing on it. I am going to have them removed and am wondering about whether there will be any toxicity to new plants if the stumps are not totally removed but just cut off below the surface. Is this a potential problem for the new landscaping?

Answer
By all means leave the stump and the roots system in place. This will help hold the soil on the slope until you and plant a new cover. The root and stump will not harm the new plants but removing them can increase the chance of a mud slide or soil movement. The only problem with planting will be right where the stump is but you can off set and plant around the stump. There should be no toxicity from the stump or roots.