When to Remove a Tree Stump: Tips on Tree Stump Removal

Knowing when it’s time to remove a tree stump from your yard isn’t always an easy decision. While there are many reasons why you might opt for tree stump removal, in any situation, it’s best to know what you’re getting into beforehand.

Reasons to Remove a Tree Stump

The tree removal itself is easy –getting rid of the stump, however, can be more of a challenge. Here’s why it may be time to remove that tree stump for good:

They’re unsightly

If you’ve got dense foliage on your property, a tree stump hidden in the bushes might not be an issue. However, the sight of a large tree stump can be an eyesore in most yards. In fact, it can even negatively affect your property value. The increased value of your home may therefore offset the removal cost.

They can cause structural damage

While the tree may be gone, the roots can continue growing. Growing roots can spread and damage underwater pipes and foundations. Unfortunately, these problems won’t be apparent until it’s too late, so consider hiring a tree stump removal professional and save money in the long term.

They’re a safety hazard

If you have children playing in your yard, a stump can cause injury by tripping or falling. Avoid liability from neighbors or visitors getting hurt by having the tree stump removed.

They can spread pests and infestation

A rotting tree stump is a welcome invitation for pests and fungi. Insects like termites and beetles are attracted to tree stumps and can damage other wooden parts of your home. Infected stumps can also spread disease to other plants and negatively impact soil conditions.

Tree stump removal makes gardening easier

Have you ever tried mowing around a maze of tree stumps? It’s no easy task. Clearing your yard of stumps gives you more room to plant, making gardening chores like mowing and seeding much easier.

The tree might grow back

Sometimes a tree stump will sprout new growth. Known as a “zombie tree,” this can be an unwelcome surprise. New sprouts can be expensive to remove, especially if they’ve had time to re-establish their roots in the ground.

Tree Stump Removal Methods

There are a few different ways to get rid of a tree stump. However, it will likely be no small task if it’s a significant tree stump. For that reason, you should avoid DIY stump removal and hire a professional stump removal company instead. Removal costs can vary on the tree type, but a reputable removal service will ensure it’s done properly the first time.

Stump Grinding

Stump grinding involves using a special machine called a stump grinder to mulch the tree stump down to a few inches below the surface. A stump grinding service is cheaper and quicker than complete stump removal but leaves most of the root system behind.

Chemical Rotting

Some services use a chemical stump remover like Epsom salt or stump killer to disintegrate the tree slowly. A professional will drill holes in the stump and fill them with the chemical. Chemical stump removal is cheaper than a stump grinder but can take days to work and may involve manual removal of what’s left of the stump after the chemicals have gone to work.

Complete Stump Removal

The most comprehensive way to remove tree stumps involves having a professional dig the stump out, roots and all. This is done with large machinery and costs more than other methods. On the other hand, a complete stump removal service ensures nothing remains of the tree, so you don’t need to worry about decaying roots.

Professional Stump Removal

If your yard needs stump or tree removal, or if you’re simply looking for help in better caring for your trees, contact a professional tree service like those at LTRC Tree Specialists. Our certified arborists can provide a free estimate and have your property quickly looking its best.