Stump removal necessary after cutting down a diseased tree? - Ask Extension
I have a Colorado Blue Spruce and a Norway Spruce, both about 45 years old. My beautiful trees have been infected with cytospora/needlecast for maybe ...
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Stump removal necessary after cutting down a diseased tree? #926004
Asked March 13, 2026, 4:49 PM EDT
I have a Colorado Blue Spruce and a Norway Spruce, both about 45 years old. My beautiful trees have been infected with cytospora/needlecast for maybe the past 5-6 years and I have run out of viable solutions to help them. Since the larger, the Blue, is leaning towards my house a little I have decided it's time to cut them both down. While I wouldn't mind leaving the stumps behind my gut tells me that would not be smart because of the disease, and the same for grinding the stump and reusing the grindings to fill the hole left by the stump. Would you agree that the stump, and subsequently the mulch from grinding the stump, would be infected and should be removed as much as possible? As it is I am really bummed about having it come to this but want to do what's best. Thank you!
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Yes, that would be the best practice. The fungus survives in diseased bark and wood, producing spores that are spread by water splash, wind and insects. This leads to the recommendation to remove infected branches, or if necessary, the entire tree and stump to eliminate spore sources. In addition, if you are doing the work yourself, sterilizing tools with a 10% bleach or hot, soapy water solution. It would also be recommended to plant other types of trees in the area- not spruces. Some possibilities for conifers would be Concolor or Korean fir, cedars or pines, though it would be best to first evaluate your site and match the site conditions to the needs of the tree you might consider.
Read more here:
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/diseases/cankers/cytospora-canker
Yes, that would be the best practice. The fungus survives in diseased bark and wood, producing spores that are spread by water splash, wind and insects. This leads to the recommendation to remove infected branches, or if necessary, the entire tree and stump to eliminate spore sources. In addition, if you are doing the work yourself, sterilizing tools with a 10% bleach or hot, soapy water solution. It would also be recommended to plant other types of trees in the area- not spruces. Some possibilities for conifers would be Concolor or Korean fir, cedars or pines, though it would be best to first evaluate your site and match the site conditions to the needs of the tree you might consider.
Read more here:
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/diseases/cankers/cytospora-canker
