Pine Stump Decay kiling new plant?

[Utilitrack]

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.

 

[Jags]

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???

 

[billb3]

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.

 

[Utilitrack]

Thanks gentlemen, Billb3 I believe that you nailed it, I will try the Miracle Grow!