What is the best way to “accelerate” the decay of several hardwood tree stumps?
Question:
What is the best way to “accelerate” the decay of several hardwood tree stumps in our heavily wooded yard? We plan to drill several deep holes to allow “quicker” water/oxygen/worm/bug penetration but are there any “safer” additives that won’t have untoward ecosystem downsides? Maybe honey, for example?
Answer:
Unfortunately, tree stumps just take their own sweet time decomposing. Short of grinding it, there aren’t a lot of magic removal or speeding up options–I couldn’t find any scientific studies for the effectiveness of “acceleration” products. Drilling the holes is a good idea, and you could fill those holes and then cover the stump with compost to boost the microorganisms working on the problem. Covering it with a tarp might help promote warm, moist conditions, too, though make sure you can get some airflow up underneath to keep things healthy.