Stump elimination, non mechanical, non chemical, no fire either. What is the best way to casue a stump to rot or at least speed the process up?
It is my hypothesis that a stump cut at 18" above ground will rot faster than a stump cut at or as near as practical to ground level.
My thinking is that bacteria will take action on the tissues that are above ground more rapidly than those that are at ground level. The analogy that I make is the subsurface portion of the stump is similar to pressure treated lumber in so much as it has been exposed to the avaialbe bacteria and did not rot while the tree was standing/alive/healthy. Where as, the above ground portion of the stump is simialar to common lumber in so much as it does fine when protected but when exposed to the elements it is highly susceptible to bacterial action.
I'm interested in some science here. Does my hypothesis hold any merit? Resasoning for and against?
As part of the urban forestry services that we provide stump grinding is available. When a client chooses not to have a stump ground out when a tree is removed I advocate leaving the stump at 24-36" above the ground. While ugly, have you ever tripped over a 3' stump, damaged a tire, an oil pan, a rear end, an exhasut system, etc. Typically, stumps are left behind as a result of economic considerations. Are we doing our client any good by leaving the stump taller in consideration of the length of time it will take that stump to rot?
To narrow things down a bit lets please not take into consideration the value of the 3' piece of log left behind. I'm stricly interested in the stump. All varialbes that might come into play when making a stump cut should be ignored.
Again I ask - What is the best way to casue a stump to rot or at least speed the process up?
Make it a safe day!