Can I plant a Frangipani tree next to an old stump?

[3jidaddy]

Hi. Previous owner cut the tree in the front yard and left a stump.

I wanted to plant a frangipani tree so I was wondering if it is okay to plant a frangipani tree next to a stump. Or do I have to remove a stump? I haven't done it and heard it is quite expensive or labour intensive to remove a tree stump. Appreciate it if you could advise.  Thank you. 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @3jidaddy,

Thank you for your question about planting a tree next to an old tree stump.

You can plant a frangipani tree next to the stump, but it’s important to ensure the stump won’t hinder the frangipani's growth. Stumps decompose slowly, and as they break down, they can create competition for nutrients and water in the soil, which may affect the frangipani's establishment. Additionally, the stump may still have roots that could obstruct new planting. Ideally, you would remove it, but your frangipani will likely be fine if you don't.

If you start digging a hole to plant your frangipani in and find there is a considerable number of roots obstructing you, it is likely worth removing the stump as they will restrict the frangipani root's ability to burrow deeper and anchor into the earth.

There are stump grinding companies that can do it for you, but as you said, it can be expensive and looking at the size of the stump, not really necessary.

Removing the stump yourself is an option and as the stump is not very large, it would not be unimaginable to do it yourself. Check out How To Remove a Tree Stump for some guidance. You'll see that the thickness of the trunk in this article is much larger than yours, so it's likely going to be easier to remove than in this example.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[3jidaddy]

Hi, @JacobZ 

Thank you for your advice. Much appreciated. 

I will try to remove myself and see how it goes. 

Another question. Is it okay to plant the frangipani tree in the summer? I was wondering if it is too late to plant one right now.

Also I see that the frangipani trees are sold in different height. 20 cm, 30cm 90cm etc. More expensive when it is taller. Is there any difference? What would be your recommendation?

I haven't plant any tree in the past so this would the first. Thank you in advance for your help. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @3jidaddy,

Sounds good. I've removed a few stumps myself and it can be a bit of work, but nothing too crazy.

Yes, it's fine to plant a frangipani tree in summer. Frangipanis thrive in warm conditions and planting them during summer gives them plenty of time to establish before cooler weather arrives. To ensure success, water the tree regularly during the first few weeks after planting, as new plantings need consistent moisture, especially in the summer heat.

The difference in price for taller frangipanis reflects their age and growth stage. Smaller trees, such as those around 20–30 cm, are more affordable but will take longer to grow and reach maturity. These are ideal if you’re patient and looking for a budget-friendly option. Taller trees, like those around 90 cm or more, are more established, offer instant visual impact, and will bloom sooner. However, they are more expensive and require extra care during planting to minimise transplant shock.

If this is your first time planting a tree, a medium-sized frangipani (around 50–70 cm) might be a good compromise. It’s easier to handle when planting and will grow reasonably fast, giving you a balance of cost and convenience. Choose a variety with a flower colour and fragrance you love, and make sure the tree you select is healthy, with strong branches and no signs of disease or pests.

Check out How To Plant A Tree and How To Plant And Care For Mature Trees for some further guidance.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob