Holly tree

I have just had a holly tree cut down and removed leaving me with the trunk at ground level, it's about 12 inches in diameter.

I would like to dig down about 3 inches and then gravel over the area.

Will I hit any roots when I dig my 3 inches out (do they grow down, or out)? or should I hire a stump grinder and then dig the roots out? Are the roots hard to get out?

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

the roots will indefently be hard to get out ,i had a lilac tree cut too a stump and boy was it impossible to remove it from the ground ,i would amagine holly no different.

 

Anyone else able to offer anything?

Thanks.

 

Hi carlnorwich

Within three inches you will definitely come across some substantial roots. A stumpgrinder would be the quickest and easiest option of dealing with the stump, but it will also be the most expensive. If you don't mind a bit of hard, backbreaking graft, you could always opt for a mattock, pickaxe, crow bar, sharp spade and brute force to get it out!

 

Or leave it to rot, and meantime make use of it as a feature, maybe place a potted plant on top, or a statue, or ...or...or.. (use your imagination