Common Tree Stump Removal Questions Answered

After the heavy lifting of removing a tree piece by piece is done, what’s left behind is the durable stump that once anchored the tree in place. That stump comes with lots of concerns about what to do next. Should you leave it in your yard untouched, or remove it in one fell swoop with the rest of your tree? Or, what about grinding the stump– how does that work? Here we offer some answers to typical questions about tree stump removal.

Yard Mowing More Difficult

An old tree stump may not cause issues at first, but the longer you let it remain, the more it can end up being a nuisance. Old stumps can obstruct the trimming your lawn or be a trip risk for you and your family. Plus, they make it difficult to plant a new tree when you’re prepared.

Tree Stumps Attract Pests

Shortly after they’re separated from the tree that use to stand in your backyard, stumps start an extremely sluggish decaying procedure. And yes, in time a rotting stump becomes a hub for home damaging pests like termites or carpenter ants.

While you can decide to leave the stump and let it rot, the critters that come along in the process might spread out to other plants and trees in your lawn or even attack your home. Eliminating the stump, or grinding it down, is the best method to prevent these pest issues.

Other Reasons To Remove A Stump

Scary critters aren’t the only argument for getting rid of a tree stump. You should likewise think about removing your stump due to the fact that:

– A decaying stump isn’t so appealing. It can throw off the whole appearance of your lawn and even impact your residential or commercial property value
– The area where the stump sits is off limits when mowing your lawn, and the stump or roots could harm your lawn mower if you accidentally roll over them
– Planting new trees nearby is a no go as long as the stump and far-reaching roots are in the way

Grind Or Remove

Stump grinding and stump removal both have their pros and cons. Selecting which path’s best for you mostly depends on the future plans you have for your landscape.

The stump removal procedure is the more intrusive of the two. It includes heaving up the bulky tree stump and after that digging out all the tree’s prevalent roots. As you can picture, it takes a great deal of time, elbow grease, and effective tools to do the job. The upside? After stump removal, you’re entrusted to a clean slate open to any new ideas you have for your landscape. What’s not so terrific is that stump removal leaves behind a large hole that can be an eyesore until it’s filled in. Stump grinding is much less extensive. Grinding is much more effective than stump removal, nevertheless, it does leave the tree’s roots behind.

What Happens To Roots After Grinding

While stump grinding takes care of the noticeable remains of the tree, the old tree’s roots are still spread out underground, often 4, 8 or 12 feet beyond where the stump stood. After grinding, these roots will naturally decay, however it’s a lengthy process. It can take 10-plus years for the roots to fully break down.

If you’re not exactly sure whether stump removal or grinding is best for you, an expert arborist can help. Companies such as Stockton Tree Service Experts in Stockton, CA provide certified arborists to manage every job.