SAve, BEautify and Love Your Trees: Tree CAre Tips

If you have recently had a tree removed from your yard, you may be wondering what to do with the stump. In many cases, tree stumps are tripping hazards and eyesores that take up valuable space in your yard while attracting pests like carpenter ants. However, if you currently grow vegetables and fruit in your yard, and plan on extending your garden, your tree stump could actually be beneficial to any plants you might add to its vicinity. 

The Benefits of Dead Wood

Did you know that in order for forest ecosystems to thrive they require a healthy amount of dead wood? Or in other words, fallen or dead trees? Research shows that temperate forests in North America are made up of 30 percent dead wood. Not only does 40 percent of woodland life depend on the habitat offered by dead wood such as fallen trees, but the trees and plants growing around that dead wood need it too. 

This is why you should consider keeping that tree stump and the stumps of any other trees you plan to have removed. Your garden could flourish. 

How Does it Work?

Dead trees, tree stumps and their root systems still contain many of the nutrients and goodness that once fed the living tree. When a tree is removed, the stump and its roots will slowly begin to decompose. First, fungi and bacteria, and then later insects and beetles will begin to break down the root system under the soil, releasing the rich nutrients contained within. 

Any plants or fruit trees growing in the area will partake of this bountiful feast and produce a greater yield. 

How to Use Your Tree Stump for Veggies and Fruit

Masanobu Fukuoka, a farmer and philosopher who studied plant pathology in the early 20th century, developed a chemical-free agricultural system that employed tree stumps as nutrients for crops and fruit.

In his book: Natural Way of Farming, he recommended planting fruit trees and plants among the stumps of felled trees in order to produce a thriving orchard. This process is also referred to as "hugelkulter", a term coined by two German horticulturalists, Hans Beba and Herman Andra. Hugelkulter also involves the use of decaying wood to provide a long term source of nutrients for plants. 

So that newly created stump in your yard, and any future stumps, could actually provide you with a healthy orchard. However, if you aren't the gardening type and would rather use the land for another purpose, perhaps you should consider having a tree removal service get rid of the stump and its connecting roots to free up the area.