The decision to remove a dead or diseased tree from your yard is usually a no-brainer, but do you really need to remove the stump as well? Arborists agree that the answer is almost always “yes.” Whether you’ve hired a professional tree removal company, cut the tree down yourself, or simply inherited a stump from a previous owner, there are many reasons you should have the stump removed.
Benefits of Tree Stump Removal
A tree stump is not only unsightly but can also pose a genuine threat to your family and property, making stump removal the responsible choice.
1. Prevent Diseases and Insects
Left in your yard, a tree stump will eventually rot away over a long period. During this time, the decaying wood attracts termites, ants, beetles, and other wood-boring insects. Rotting tree stumps are also prone to fungi, which could spread or make pets or children sick.
2. Eliminate a Safety Hazard
A tree stump creates a trip hazard on your property for you and your family, especially if you have young children. If a neighbour, guest, or utility worker tripped over the stump, you could be liable for injuries. Stumps can be tricky to maneuver around during yard work and can cause serious damage to your mower or other equipment if you accidentally hit one.
3. Improve Aesthetics
Tree stumps are unattractive and can have a significantly negative impact on the overall appearance of your property, reducing your home’s curb appeal and potential value. Furthermore, stumps can take up valuable space in your yard, which can be particularly troublesome for smaller properties.
4. Protect Your Other Trees and Plants
A tree stump not only occupies precious space on your lawn but can also occupy valuable property below the ground. Stump roots can continue to absorb nutrients and water, taking them away from other nearby plants and trees. The roots may continue to grow long after the tree is cut down, blocking the roots of other plants. Stump roots can also grow and interfere with water or power lines or can cause dangerous cracks and lumps in sidewalks and walkways.
5. Avoid Unwanted New Tree Growth
In addition to continued root growth, sometimes a stump can spark the growth of new tree sprouts around the stump and along the root line. This can lead to a time-consuming cycle of removing the new trees. To avoid the removal triggering even more new growth, you’ll likely need chemical herbicides, which can get costly and can damage your other plants and trees.
The Tree Stump Removal Process
Complete, permanent tree stump removal requires specialized stump grinding equipment and proper tree knowledge and equipment training. A rotating blade on the front part of the stump grinding machine is moved back and forth across the stump’s surface, stripping off one thin layer — typically less than 2 inches wide — of the stump at a time. The machine grinds each layer into small bits of mulch that can easily be removed. Even with the latest grinding technology, getting all the way to the bottom of a stump can be a lengthy process, especially for large or well-established stumps.
To be permanently effective, the stump removal process must continue below the ground level, often requiring that the stump be ground down as far as 18 inches below the ground. A qualified stump removal team will take care to ensure that no sharp edges or stump pieces remain near the ground surface.
How To Get Started
If a tree stump is interfering with the look and health of your outdoor space, our skilled professionals have the equipment and training to ensure total stump removal, leaving your property flat and clear. Contact us today to request a quote.
Steve Martin
