Hello,
I just realized I posted this in the wrong section, so I’m reposting here.

I’m looking for some knowledge, as I have basically none when it comes to ponds. We just purchased a property with an old severely overgrown farm pond. I made the decision (after reading some forums on here) to remove and cut all the brush from around the pond and on the dam. There were a lot of trees inside the dam (water side) and outside the dam (saplings up to 6” trees inside and saplings up to 12” trees outside the dam). I’m aware that I may have problems 10 years down the road but I decided to prevent it from getting worse and deal with any issues as they come. I’ve cut the stumps level with the ground. My question is, should I rent an excavator and pull the stumps out on the water side or just let them be and hope they don’t leak. I plan to fill the pipe with concrete and use the spillway, which is already there. Thank you.