Stump Removal

Eliminating the stumps in your yard is one of the most important aspects of tree maintenance and should be executed carefully. If you have second thoughts about eliminating stumps, here are some advantages for carrying out this task:

• Tree growth: Leaving the stump unattended will generate the growth of other smaller trees around it. These trees will then prove costly to eliminate if left for too long. Also, the trees strip other surrounding plants of their nutrients, causing the plants to wither or die.

• Safety: It is important to note that these stumps are hazardous and accidents can occur when children or others stumble over them. Stumps can also damage certain appliances, such as the mower.

• Pests and diseases: Insects like carpenter ants, beetles, and termites are attracted to decaying tree stumps, and these pests can pose an environmental concern for other trees and your home. In addition, the untreated stump may harbor diseases or fungi, and this puts other plants at risk.

• Aesthetics: While a tree is a perfect enhancement for your home, a stump creates the opposite effect. Tree stumps with weeds or molds growing on or near them can be an eyesore.

Stump grinding is an intricate process that excavates the stump of the tree without removing the root. In this situation, a stump grinder is employed to mechanically grind out the stump, leaving fine sawdust as a residue. The advantage of tree stump grinding is that the stump is ground down to your desired height. The grinding can be just 1 inch below the soil level or as low as 12 inches underground.

Since the stump is ground, it eventually mixes with the soil. This levels the ground and eliminates the need for extra filling. If, however, the stump is infected with honey fungus, which can kill the roots of perennial plants, it is advisable to dispose of the mulch and the residual sawdust.