Reasons To Remove A Tree Stump

Whether a bad storm comes through and brings down a tree, you just want less shade over your growing grass, or you are looking for different curb appeal, you may be looking to remove a tree from your property. Following that comes the option to remove the stump, or leave it be? Stump removal will add to the cost a bit, but there are reasons why you shouldn’t delay removing tree stumps. Below we have compiled some reasons as to why you should remove a tree stump, when to do it, and who you should call.

Pests

Rotting tree stumps will invite pests, but also stumps that haven’t began their decay process will invite and supply a warm and cozy habitat for ants, termites, beetles, roaches, and other unwanted insects. Although this may not seem like a huge issue, the problems this may lead to can be much worse. If termites and other wood-boring pests make it to your home, they will do their best to make your home, their home as well. A stump located in your front or back yard, fairly close to the house, is not much of a challenge for these pests to get to your home. In the end, you may be stuck with extermination costs for removing these unwanted home intruders.

Decay

Root systems and tree stumps themselves begin to rot and decay over time. Different types of tree fungi or mold can form and pose a threat to your families health, even from children climbing around on them. Rotting root systems may also spread infection to other trees or plants in your garden, leaving you with willowing flowers.

Safety

Although pets and children may love to run around and jump off or over the stump, they might be one short leap away from an injured limb. Some stumps may become slippery when wet or when algae grows on them. Stumps may even pose a threat to adults, especially at night, as a trip hazard. Occasionally stumps have large root flares that come many inches out of the ground, whether they’re by the sidewalk to your front door, or in the middle of your yard, these can be a hazard to just about anyone. Sometimes people have us grind large roots that come out of the ground by their porch, preventing trip hazards, even if they want to keep their healthy tree.

Curb Appeal

Although some people may find tree stumps appealing, or you enjoy it to set your flower pots on, your neighbors may find it unattractive, especially once it begins its decay process.

Room

If you removed a large tree from your yard, the stump may be using a great spot for a patio, fire pit, gazebo, flower garden, or even just a place to re-sod.

Methods to Removal

Grinding

For large stumps that you can’t remove by hand, grinding is generally the most viable option. Although it wont remove the root system, it will get the entire body of the stump, letting the underground root flares die off over time. Stump grinding can take anywhere from 30 minutes, to an entire afternoon, depending on the size of the stump. You want a professional to handle this for a few reasons. You may not be aware of utility lines underground, or even irrigation lines. Grinding machines are available for rent from your local depot store, but these machines are not maintained well.. at all. The teeth on these rarely get changed, making them very dull and taking you many more hours than needed, and much more work in the hot sun.

Machine Digging

Removing the stump with a large machine such as an excavator is always an option. It generally costs much more than grinding due to the size of the machine you are hiring to remove it, but it gets more of the root system than grinding. This is usually the route to choose when you plan to build large structures on top of an old stump, or even when pouring concrete slabs.

Burning with Chemicals

Burning a stump takes much longer than grinding, and we normally advise against it. Some people will drill holes in the stump, fill it with fire starting chemicals, and follow up with hot water. In the following days they will ignite the stump and let it slowly smolder. Once flames have went away, you may begin removing the weakened stump. This is not an easy follow up process, especially for large stumps.

With Your Hands

When looking to remove smaller stumps, you, or a professional can dig out a stump by hand. You can use a sharp pony or spade shovel to dig around the root system, and pry the stump out of the ground. This is the most cost effective way, but also the most work on your body.

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