It can be difficult to decide when to remove a stump from your lawn. Tree stump removal has its pros and cons, but experts agree that it is better to be fully informed about what you are doing.
Maybe you have recently had a tree taken out of your lawn and want to get rid of the roots. Perhaps you have an old stump that has been a problem on your lawn for many years and wants to improve your landscaping.
There are many reasons to remove a stump from a tree, but the main ones to remember are your home’s aesthetics, your health, and the safety of your family members.
Once you have made your decision, it is easy to remove tree roots and stumps. Any professional arborist can do this.
We have broken down the main steps so you can make an informed decision about whether tree stump removal is right for you.
Why do tree stumps need to be removed?
Tree stumps can be unsightly, which is the first and most common reason. Stumps can make a beautiful yard look shabby. Tree stump removal can quickly improve the appearance of your yard.
People often remove stumps from their homes to make their properties more presentable. For serious landscape enthusiasts, stumps can take up space in your yard that could be used for new growth and other interesting features.
After you have spoken with a licensed professional to learn how to remove tree roots and stumps, you may want to plant a seed for a new tree. There are many options. If your yard looks a bit unkempt, you might consider stump removal.
Protect your house from the tree roots
Although a tree root is unlikely to cause damage to your pipes or sewage lines from outside, it has been known to cause pipe bursts by growing in pipes already damaged.
Growing roots can absorb water from leaky water lines, which can allow them to spread. It is essential that you have your stump removed by a professional to ensure there is no root growth.
Prevent your lawn from pests and decay
Tree stumps can cause decay and attract unwanted species to your yard. Tree stumps are a favorite habitat for termites, carpenter beetles, and other wood-boring insects, such as termites, beetles, and carpenter bugs. Your stump will infect other trees and shrubs on your lawn. Even worse, your wood might be at risk.
Tree stumps can also become fungi which are very dangerous for small children and pets. To prevent decay, mold, or infected wood from spreading, it is better to remove the whole stump. It is vital for the health of your yard.
Tree stumps could be deadly
Existing stumps can make it difficult for young children to play in your yard. Children running over stumps or tree roots could cause injury to visitors.
A stump left alone may have roots that grow, which can impact your sidewalks and foundation. A root that has raised the sidewalk in front of your home can pose a danger to pedestrians and bikers. To keep your green space healthy, it is best to have the stump removed.
How do you get rid of roots and stumps?
After weighing the pros and cons of stump removal, you should hire a professional to remove your stumps. Although it may seem like a good idea, DIYers who attempt to remove stumps with just a chain and some pulls from their cars can ruin beautiful lawns.
This is a great way to remove a bumper. However, it won’t likely remove the stump or roots which is crucial for proper removal.
Instead, you should hire a skilled specialist who is familiar with the techniques to remove your stump. A specialist will be able to tell you how to safely burn, rot, and grind down the stump. The specialist will have the right equipment to complete the task safely and with minimal damage to the surrounding grass.
A stump crusher is the best way to get rid of your stump. The professional will come to your house with a grinder. However, grinders can also be rented from local hardware shops if you’re determined to do it yourself. It takes only a few hours.
While it is cheaper than using a stump grinder to grind the stump, it takes longer to do the job effectively. Professionals will drill holes in the stump to insert potassium nitrate. It will take time for the potassium nitrate to penetrate the stump completely, so this can take up to several days.
Your professional will then light the chemical mixture using a lighter. The flame will not cause large flames but instead will smolder into an easily manageable flame. Once it cools down, the stump will be easy to remove.
It doesn’t matter what method you use to remove your stump, it is best to hire professional tree removal services to do the job.
This post was written by Cody O’Connor, owner of Arbor Wise Professional Tree Care. Robert Miller is the owner of Arbor Wise, a locally owned and operated tree service company that offers superb lawn care by the most experienced Arborists. Arbor Wise Tree Services is a tree removal company that offers stump removal, tree pruning, stump grinding, fertilization, and tree restoration. We have an extraordinary lawn care industry notoriety covering the Pinellas county area.