Last year I had a large tree removed (36-inch diameter). I want to plant in the currently empty area, but between the stump and large roots near the trunk, it is virtually impossible. I had the stump ground down to grade level, but the machine could not remove the stump below grade. I piled on leaves and compost last year to help accelerate the decomposition process, but I am guessing it will be at least several years before the stump and roots are well-rotted enough to be planted amongst. I heard that there are products to help speed up stump decomposing. Is this true, and if so, are they organic? I do not want to apply anything that would be harmful to the soil.

The use of purchased products to speed up stump decomposition is not much faster than what you have already started. You can speed up the process by drilling some holes in the trunk which will allow air and water down into the trunk. You could even take this one step further by putting fertilizer in the holes. Then cover with leaves and compost and wait. In the meantime, look for some clever ideas to hide and disguise the area until it is ready for use as you originally intended.