How to Grow a Tree Over an Old Decayed Tree Stump

Dealing with old tree stumps might be necessary for landscaping or safety needs. Tree stumps might start decaying because of the natural rotting process, or you might have accelerated the process with fertilizer inserted into the stump via holes drilled into the stump. Before you can plant another tree, you need to remove the decaying stump to prevent rotting out a new developing tree. Using accelerated methods still requires manual labor to physically remove the stump and prepare the location for a new tree.

Drill
Fertilizer
Tarp
Bucket
Chain saw
Shovel
Potting soil
Seedling

Instructions

- 1
  Drill several holes into the tree stump at least 6 inches deep.
- 2
  Pour fertilizer into the holes. The nitrogen in the fertilizer helps feed fungus to break down the wood. Cover the tree stump with a tarp for six to eight weeks to further promote decay.
- 3
  Remove the tarp or bucket. Use a chainsaw to break the tree down as near to the ground as possible. Once the stump is close to ground level, make slashes into it approximately 1 foot below the ground.
- 4
  Dig the stump out with the shovel and discard the remaining parts of the decaying tree. Within a couple of weeks of removing the stump, the natural soil nitrogen balance should be restored and ready for replanting.
- 5
  Place fresh potting soil in the hole. Replant a new seedling of your choice there.

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