Pine Stump Decay kiling new plant?

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Utilitrack

Feeling the Heat
Oct 14, 2008
332
Central ME
I had a fairly large pine tree removed last year after numerous large branches falling due to ice storms and wind storms. I had the stump ground to 8" or so below ground level, the area is part of a mulch bed. Shortly after grinding the stump I transplanted an older Rhododendron to that location last year, this Spring the Rhododendron seemed to be not doing well so I decided to replace it. I went to the nursery a few weeks ago and bought a Japanese Willow bush and planted it within a foot or so of the Rhododendron's previous location, I moved it a foot to avoids the stump. I was noticing that the Japanese Willow bush is starting to yellow and looks sickly, is it possible that the decaying buried pine stump is killing these plants? Thanks in advance.
 
Hmmm...I can't really say one way or the other, but I do know that wood in the beginning stages of rot robs the soil of nitrogen. It will give it back, eventually. Maybe that has something to do with it???
 
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Yellowing can be a indication of lack of N. If they buried a significant amount of the sawdust and wood chips from grinding in that spot then they are decaying and sucking the N out. Usually when they grind a pine stump there's not much but roots left and they decay rather slowly. A shot of Miracle Gro or whatever greening fertilizer you prefer can help make up for a deficiency if there is one. With garden plants the results can be obvious in 24 hours. A bush might take a couple days.
 
Thanks gentlemen, Billb3 I believe that you nailed it, I will try the Miracle Grow!
 
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