To Remove or Not Remove the Stump: Why remove a tree stump?

Trees add beauty to your landscape, increase property value, provides shade from the hot summer sun, and improves air quality. However, dead trees can be an eyesore and need to be removed immediately. When you have a tree removed, the stump is often left behind.

Compared to the arduous job of cutting down a tree, tree stump removal involves even more work. Tree stump removal requires different tools and skills. It requires knowledge, skills, expertise and the right excavator equipment.

The leftover tree stumps pose several problems to the health of your lawn and the safety of your property. Dealing with the tree stump that is left behind is where you can run some difficulties. Although a tree stump may look harmless, it is highly recommended to remove it immediately as it can quickly become a safety hazard on your property.

Attempting to remove a stump yourself can be difficult and very dangerous. Hiring a local tree stump removal specialist is the safest way to remove a stump. A professional will fully remove the tree stump and root system to prevent decay from spreading.

Why remove a tree stump? Here are a few reasons why you should remove a tree stump from your yard.

1. Roots are Problematic

Tree roots can wrap around and crack water pipes and foundations, as well as lift pavement. Roots can spread and grow into underground pipes to seek out water. This causes them to crack and burst, contaminating your water supply and flooding your home. Aggressive tree roots remain unnoticed until problems become apparent.

A tree stump will never lose its ability to sprout new growth again. New sprouts emanating from the stump can ruin your landscape and are costly to remove after their roots have already established themselves. If you do not want a “zombie tree” to grow back, the most effective solution is to completely remove the tree stump and its roots.

2. It’s an Eyesore

A lone, old tree stump in your yard can be unsightly, especially if there are weeds and other plants growing on it. No one wants to see a less attractive and old tree stump in a property they want to invest in. Since having a lovely outdoor space is crucial when putting your property on the market, an ugly stump in your yard may lower your property’s value.

Even if you find a tree stump charming, your neighbors might think it unsightly, especially once it begins to rot. Stump removal will help improve your curb appeal and the overall appearance of your landscape. Also, having a tree stump around can potentially damage the mower and makes mowing, as well as weeding harder.

3. It Takes up Valuable Space

Eliminating the tree stump can free up some valuable space. A stump can get in the way of you having a wide, clear yard, and removing it enables you to make space to expand your home or to landscape the area. If you have a small yard (or even a large yard), you probably want to take advantage of every inch.

Removing the stump allows you to plant a new tree or to make it a safe area where kids can play and run around freely. You can plan a whole new project for your landscaping around that area or you can just be happy knowing that lush grass can grow where the stump was. It is necessary to remove the tree base and roots so that you can pursue your next project.

4. It’s a Hazard

When you remove a stump, you eliminate future accidents for yourself and your family.  Children playing in the yard can potentially trip over or stumble into the stump or roots, causing injuries to your little ones. If a tree stump is hidden by grass, weeds or other plants, anyone could trip over it. A tree stump is a liability, especially if a neighbor or visitor trips, falls, or otherwise injure themselves. You could end up facing a time-consuming and costly lawsuit.

If you live in a fire-prone area, a stump close to your home can pose a fire hazard.  And don’t forget that lawnmowers are not cheap, and hitting a stump with your lawnmower can completely destroy it.

5. Pests

Tree stumps and their root systems will often rot and decay over time. A rotting tree stump will invite pests, but even a stump that has yet to start decaying will provide a cozy habitat for termites, ants, beetles, and other insects. Pests, such as carpenter ants, termites, and other wood-boring insects, are naturally attracted to tree stumps.

Once infected, healthy trees and shrubs are at risk of infestation and disease. These harmful pests might even cause costly structural damage to the wooden parts of your home. Then, you could be stuck with some added extermination costs if they make their way from the front-yard stump to the inside of your home.

Professional tree stump grinding is one of the most effective ways to ensure the permanent removal of a stump. It uses a stump grinding machine to destroy the stump and its root system. It is designed to grind up the material to a depth of about a foot beneath the ground.

Safely removing a tree stump requires making precise cuts and carefully guiding the stump grinder. Hiring a professional ensures that you’re not only getting someone who can physically remove a tree stump, but who also has experience in handling the safe removal of tree stumps without endangering your life and property.

Remember that the key to a safe and successful tree stump removal in and around the Asheville area is proper technique. Hire a licensed arborist who knows the tricks of the trade when it comes to removing your stump permanently.