Tree stump root removal, biological means

[Michael Kellough]

I want to speed up the decay of a freshly cut tree stump. Any suggestions?

This is between two walls and the mechanical means of removing the wood have been exhausted.

 

[PaulH99]

Drill a bunch of large holes in the stump, pour in rock salt, then some water. Keep adding salt and water and it will eventually rot out.

 

[Svar]

Drill a bunch of large holes in the stump, pour in rock salt, then some water. Keep adding salt and water and it will eventually rot out.

Drilling holes should help, but wouldn't high salinity suppress bio activity?

I was going to suggest bringing in termites, but you might not like the side effects.  [big grin]

Look up compost additives/accelerators, typically nitrogen and microorganisms. Keep it moist. Are there wooden structures nearby that can be affected?

 

[Dogberryjr]

Cover with nitrogen fertilizer (or manure), then heavy black plastic, then mulch.

 

[PaulH99]

Here's one explanation of why salt works:http://www.mrtreeservices.com/blog/how-does-epsom-salt-work-on-tree-stumps/

Drilling holes should help, but wouldn't high salinity suppress bio activity?