Once a tree reaches the end of its lifecycle, removal is necessary to preserve your landscaping and protect your property. Afterward, you’ll also need to decide what to do with the stump. Many tree removal companies don’t offer stump grinding services, and if they do, it’s usually an extra cost. Therefore, many people opt to leave it.
However, a leftover stump can become problematic overtime, especially when it’s located in a central part of your yard. In may cases, the problems outweigh the benefits. So what’s the best way to eliminate a stump? The team at CFB Outdoors is here to tell you everything you need to know about stump grinding services.
Should You Remove A Tree Stump?
While leaving a stump is usually a cheaper option, it’s not always a good idea. There are several ways an abandoned tree stump can become a nuisance. Therefore, it makes sense to remove it in most cases. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Stumps Can Be Hazards
A tree stump in the middle of your yard can be a tripping hazard, especially if you have kids running around. The last thing you want is for someone to fall and injure themselves while on your property. - Stumps Can Attract Pests
Wood-eating insects and rodents often make their homes in abandon tree stumps. If that stump is located near your home, it won’t be long before those pests find their way indoors. Eliminating it helps to keep unwanted guests away from your property. - Stumps Can Lead To Growth
When you leave a stump, you also leave the roots. Trees are highly resilient, so it’s totally possible that the roots will continue to grow, which can cause a portion of the tree to regenerate. As the roots grow underground, they can also cause issues with landscaping or nearby sewer lines. Grinding the stump stops all future growth. - Stumps Can Be An Eyesore
Stumps can negatively impact the aesthetic beauty of your landscaping by making your yard appear unkempt. A big stump in the middle of your yard can really stand-out in a negative way, and removing it allows you to reclaim usable surface area on your property.
Now that you know more about the importance of stump removal, how do you go about doing it?
Stump Grinding Is The Best Option For Removal
Grinding a stump is the most effective way to remove it. This process is done with a machine that has sharp rotating disks, which is able to shred the stump into mulch. The stump will be completely eliminated, including the portion below ground. Most stump grinders will go between 4 and 6 inches deep, so long as the tree isn’t in shallow soil or near concrete, brick, or other materials. It’s also important for your contractor to keep an eye out for any buried utility lines or cables.
After the stump is eliminated, the mulch can either be used to back fill the hole, spread across your garden, or hauled away. Stump mulch is high quality, so it can really be great for composting.
While there are many tree removal services in Central Florida, many don’t have a stump grinder or the skills necessary to do the work. This means many homeowners have to juggle multiple contractors, and it’s a common reason why stumps are often left behind.
Can I Replant A New Tree In The Same Spot?
Many homeowners want to replace the stump with a new tree, which can sometimes be problematic. Once the stump is gone, the root system should naturally die off; however, it will remain underground for some time and could interfere with the growth of the new tree. If the old tree was sick, remnants of the disease could still be present in the soil or nearby plants. While there may be challenges, it is possible. Tell your arborist ahead of time so they can try to evaluate the spot and remove as much of the root system as possible.
Whether it’s to save money or to commemorate a tree, some people prefer to leave the stump, which is perfectly fine. However, removing it can improve the beauty of your landscaping and save you some major headaches down the road.
If you’re looking to have a stump removed from your Central Florida property, the Arborists at CFB Outdoors would be happy to help. We provide both removal and stump grinding services, so we can take care of the whole tree in one visit.
