Let's argue: Skipping stump grinding after removal is better for the soil

Most guys grind stumps right away to clean up the site, but I leave them to rot naturally. Over years, they break down and feed the earth, adding nutrients back in. I've seen new plants grow stronger in those spots compared to ground areas. What do you think, are we too quick to grind?

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avery8056mo ago

That fungal network point from sam_anderson is key, but it's not just about the wood itself. The rotting stump needs the right fungi, like white rot, to really help the soil. Ivan82, those healthy garden spots probably have that good fungi mix already. In a new removal site, you might just get less helpful decay fungi that tie up nitrogen instead of freeing it. So leaving a stump can be a bit of a gamble depending on what's already in your dirt.

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sam_anderson7mo ago

Read that rotting wood boosts fungal networks big time.

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ivan827mo ago

Right? I've noticed that in my own garden, the areas with old wood always seem healthier.

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