Question
Is it necessary to completely remove a stump from a cut down diseased oak tree? The remaining stump was cut to about 4 feet high and was artistically carved as a bear. Now we are told that the stump will promote fungus and disease to the surrounding oak trees and that the stump must be ground out.

Answer
The stump will not be a source of any disease that would spread to living trees. Decay fungi will over time grow in the wood of the stump and decay the stump but these fungi will not and do not effect green live trees. There is not way that the stump will promote any disease that wound be a problem to surrounding trees. IF you like the carving keep it.