Problems with fungus over tree stomp

[fishmeal]

I had a Norway Maple cut down last year and tried to grow
several plants over and around the stump. All the plants
were eventually engulfed by some fungus and died. I tried
to treat the soil with Neem oil and did not work. I was told by a
nursery that I need to apply a dry fungus treatment pellet that
breakdown periodically in the soil.

Can anyone, Help.

I am thinking of trying to plant Iris next

[sandih]

I wonder if the fungus is just from the stump decomposing? If so, that's what you would want....right? I would either plant a little fuurther out from the stump, or put pots of plants around it until it has decomposed.

[Dirt Doctor]

Generally the fungus that is growing on stumps is the decomposing kind and actually good for the soil and the plants. The exception is too much of a concentration. Roughing up the decaying stump so the fungus is not so concentrated will help.