Expert: Jim Hyland - 4/16/2011

Question
I have a row of pines Diff.types with an old locust stuck in there.If I cut it down and have the stump ground out by a professional could I replant a 5 or 6 ft.replacement pine or would there be a root problem?

Answer
Locust trees sprout easily and the roots left will sprout new growth. I would try treating the old tree with a herbicide before you cut it. The method that will work is called Hack and Squirt. The idea is to treat the live tree with the herbicide and let the tree die before you cut it. That way the roots will also be killed and when you grind the stump you can then plant a new tree. Grinding will take the wood below the ground level but you will still have woody roots directly under the tree trunk. You may have to dig the new hole a little to the side of the stump to plant a new tree. The herbicide used will not damage the new tree. Here is a web link to the method and the herbicides to use.

http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1058/ANR-1058three.html