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Stopping a tree stump from sprouting

BanditaBandita Posts: 35
in Problem solving
We have a stump left which is still attached to a tree that we've kept, they're seedlings nothing special. How can we stop the stump from sprouting new thin branches? 
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  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,536
    Try covering the stump with thick tarpaulin, or even several layers of old compost bags. If you deprive it of light, it won't sent out shoots.
    Devon.
  • BanditaBandita Posts: 35
    OK but that doesn't look good and isn't a permanent solution. 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 85,997
    What sort of tree is it?

    Can you post a photo ... I'm not clear exactly what you're describing.   :)

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,233
    Paint it with SBK brushwood killer.  (£7 at Wilkos's)
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 85,997
    But the stump is still attached to a tree which they've kept ... presumably they won't want to kill the tree ... or have I totally misunderstood the query?

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • BanditaBandita Posts: 35
    No you're right, it's kind of a vshape one side is the stump the other side is the tree we kept. I'll take a picture and post it.
  • B3B3 Posts: 26,421
    The way I deal with stumps is to keep cutting off the shoots. It eventually gives up.
    I've done this with rambling rector and goat willow. I'm left with a dead stump, which I plant around. More particular gardeners want rid of the stump but I'm not too bothered.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,233
    edited July 2018
    Sorry, Dove, you are quite right. I assumed it was a stump left in the ground to get rid of permanently. I get shoots coming fro  the rootstock of the pear. All I can do is keep cutting them off, but if you get them thin enough, they peel off the main  stem with a sharp yank.
  • Jason-3Jason-3 Posts: 391
    You either need to maintain it I. E keep cutting it back or kill it. If you kill it ...you will most likely kill the other part of the tree.
    Unfortunately  I'm not aware of a third option
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,536
    Cover the stump and plant something in front to disguise/ clamber over it?
    Devon.
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