Pond Boss Forums POND CONSTRUCTION Building a dam what to do with stumps and tree tops?

I am getting bids for constructing a 3 acre pond in a heavily wooded area. I am having the timber cut soon, but the companies that are bidding on the pond construction are asking me what I want done with the stumps (some of the trees are very large). Apparently, it is expensive to haul them off-site.

Is it OK to bury the stumps in the pond basin, and burn the tops? That seems to be the cheapest option.

Otherwise, I could get them to dump the stumps in some thick woods nearby, and make some brush piles for rabbits, etc. I have a good bit of land around the pond where I could do this, but it would cost more.

Thanks for your advice.

I would let them dry and pile or strategically scatter them in the pond for structure.

I would not bury and/or burn them. I like a well packed bottom that is free of ashes.

Good advice from Dave. Definitely keep the stumps with a few ft. of trunk. Some folks bury them upside down. The root wont rot. If you dont want to dig a hole, drive some rebar in and cable a few down in a transition area from deep to shallow water.

Stumps along any descending point (cut ditches across the point) or along a ditch or shallow (less than 7ft) flat are great fishing places. You can dig a ditch through a stump field and make an outstanding fishing area by running the ditch right next to stumps.

Stake and wire/cable/tie those stumps down. I counted on dirt stuck to rootballs to keep mine submerged, and about 25% had other ideas and floated up.

Instead of rebar or cable that could we use 1 bag of 80 pound sakrete tied to root system or trunk with 48 inch zip ties this usally holds a 20 inch stump to the bottom if you are setting the stumps when pond bed is dry leave stumps 4 foot long bury upside down and rock on top