Yes, that trunk was the healthiest part of the tree so I left it for now to be a nursery
canopy but if it shows signs of rot I'll remove it too.
I hadn't considered root binding an issue as tree
roots break
underground pipes and stone. And the tree was rotten right into the soil so there appeared to be plenty of room. I am planning on mulching around and on the stump yearly to eventually get to a mound and adding guild plants as I can. Baby steps.
I am open to criticism. I have been studying
permaculture on and off for years and have been
gardening for the last seven or so but this year I finally have my own place and the
freedom to do whatever I want. As long as the
local zoning people don't come knocking. I have used and built planters but they end up being more work than anything.