If you have ever had to remove a tree from your property, you know that actually cutting down the tree and having it carried away is just the beginning. A professional arborist can easily handle removing a tree. Where you can run into difficulty, however, is dealing with the tree stump that is left behind.
Here are a few things to consider as you decide if tree stump removal is the right choice for you:
A tree stump can become home to invasive species.
A living tree is great for nature lovers, attracting animals, birds and beneficial insects such as honeybees and ladybugs. However, a dead tree stump can spread decay and become an inviting home for some very undesirable pests, such as termites, beetles, carpenter ants, and many other wood-boring insects. As these pests use up the stump’s resources, they may seek out new sources, such as nearby healthy trees or even your house, potentially creating new, costly problems.
Tree stumps can also begin to sprout fungi, many of which are toxic and can pose a threat to pets and small children. It is best to get the entire stump removed to prevent decay, mold, or infected wood from spreading.
Stumps can damage your property
Even after a tree has been cut down, its roots can continue to grow for a while. Tree roots are extremely thirsty and will seek out water wherever they can get it. If a growing root happens to find a leaky water line, it can continue to absorb offshoot water and continue to spread. While a tree root may not be strong enough to damage your pipes or sewage lines from the outside, there have been cases where a root has grown into an already damaged pipe, causing that pipe to burst. If you are planning on stump removal, it is important to have a professional remove all of the roots of your tree stump so that there is no risk for root growth.
A tree stump can be a safety hazard
In addition to the potential damage that roots can do underground, they can also cause problems up above. Tree stumps and exposed roots pose a tripping hazard and could damage your mower if you accidentally roll over them. Aggressive roots have also been known to cause sidewalks to buckle, impact the foundation of your home and create any number of other problems. Too often, the issues caused by aggressive tree roots remain unseen until it is too late. That’s why it is often best to simply remove a tree stump as quickly as possible.
Tree stumps reduce the value of your property
Living trees have been shown to increase the value of property, and the opposite is also true. An unsightly tree stump has the potential to lower your property value. Think about it. Would you rather buy a home with a yard of blooming, well-maintained trees? Or one with even one tree stump left behind?
So, how do you get rid of a tree stump and roots?
Though it might seem like a good idea to try removing the stump yourself, many beautiful lawns have been ruined by trying to remove a stump with a chain and a few good pulls from the back of a vehicle. Not only is this an excellent way to lose a bumper, but it will most likely not remove both the stump and the roots, which is key for proper removal.
Removing a stump safely should usually be done with the help of a professional arborist, such as Hentges Tree Service. Our arborists can talk you through the processes of stump grinding and stump removal to determine the best course of action for your landscaping plans.