Despite their aesthetic value and environmental importance, trees can become nuisances or even hazards. This is especially true when they’re diseased or reaching the end of their lifespan. Sometimes it’s necessary to eliminate trees in order to protect your yard and property; however, when pursuing tree removal services, many homeowners are left with an important decision. What do you do with the stump?
The process of removing a stump is a lot different than removing the rest of the tree, and in some cases, it can be more difficult. It requires additional machines and equipment, as well as an entirely different skill set, so stump grinding usually carries extra costs. In fact, many tree removal companies don’t offer stump grinding to begin with, which is a major inconvenience for customers who do not want to juggle multiple contractors. As a result, it’s no surprise many homeowners decide to leave the stump as is.
However, leaving a stump simply to avoid extra fees or hassle isn’t always a good decision. Stumps in your yard can create serious problems over time, which is why our team at CFB Outdoors encourages homeowners to pursue stump grinding services. It’ll help keep your yard happy and healthy. Here are the reasons why:
1. Stumps Attract Pests
Tree stumps can serve as the ideal home for a number of unwanted insects and rodents, and they won’t stay confined to the tree stump for long. Once established, they can easily migrate to other nearby trees, shrubs, or even worse, your home. If you don’t want to risk damage to your property, it’s best to eliminate abandoned tree stumps as quickly as possible. Here are some common insects and rodents that like to make their homes in tree stumps:
- Termites
Termites make their way into tree stumps and begin to eat the wood from the inside out. If the tree stump appears to be hollow or you notice discarded wings or casings, chances are termites have taken over. If the tree stump is located near your home, you’ll want to take care of the problem before the termites move in. - Carpenter Ants
Another wood-destroying insect, carpenter ants often make their home inside leftover tree stumps. While they don’t eat the wood, they do make their nest in hollow wooden structures. They’re also difficult to get rid of once they make their nests inside the walls of your home. - Mice and Rats
An abandoned tree stump serves as a nice home for mice and rats, who will gladly set up a nest inside. Once winter sets in, it’s common for them to try to move somewhere warmer, like your basement or garage.
2. Leaving Tree Stumps Can Result In Harm To Neighboring Trees
If your tree stump is located near other trees, you’ll want to be careful. Pests and rodents that inhabit your tree stump can move on to nearby trees. Tree stumps are also prone to developing harmful fungi which can spread to nearby plants. Tree stumps also harbor disease, which can spread to other trees and plants. Leaving an abandoned tree stump sitting near other trees can result in the need to remove additional trees which can be a large expense. Remove the stump now before the problem gets worse.
3. Tree Stumps Are An Obstacle
Stump grinding helps you maintain a clear lawn, which not only looks good but allows you to maximize your use of the land. A large stump in the middle of your lawn consumes yard space and limits what you can do on the property.
Eliminating tree stumps will give your kids more room to play outside, and you won’t have to worry about trips or injuries. Grinding the stump will also make it easier to mow and maintain your lawn. If the stump is barely visible, it can damage your lawnmower or weed wacker and make lawn care burdensome. Additionally, it’s possible the roots underneath the stump could still grow, which can impact your sewer or foundation down the road.
4. Tree Stumps Can Be Unattractive
If your goal is a well-kept, tidy yard, an abandoned tree stump can create the opposite look. Tree stumps are an eyesore, especially when they begin to rot. When it comes time to sell your home, tree stumps in the yard will be very unappealing to potential buyers. If you want one of the best lawns in the neighborhood, eliminating tree stumps can actually help boost your curb appeal and property value.
5. Stumps Can Continue To Grow
Stumps don’t always immediately begin to decay. In fact, stumps can actually generate new tree growth. Rogue branches or unexpected tree sprouts can pop up around the stump, which can damage your landscaping and drain nutrients away from neighboring plants. Stump grinding or removal will guarantee no future growth.
How To Eliminate Tree Stumps From Your Yard
Grinding a stump is a common process for eliminating tree stumps. It is done with specialized machines that “grind” the stump down and ultimately transform it into mulch. The stump is only filed down a few inches beneath the surface, which means the portion of the stump below the ground and the root ball remains. However, the visible portion of the stump will be gone.
Full stump removal involves fully excavating the entire stump and roots from the ground. While this process eliminates everything (including the roots), it also leaves a massive hole in your yard, which can be unattractive and costly to repair. As a result, most homeowners prefer the stump grinding process which minimizes damage to your lawn.
Why You Should Always Trust A Professional
Stump grinding isn’t an easy process, and should only be done by a certified arborist. The process can be very dangerous and can also result in damage to nearby land and property. Arborists are trained and knowledgeable when it comes to stump grinding and are able to execute the job while limiting risk.
At CFB Outdoors, we have three ISA-certified Arborists on our staff and decades of experience when it comes to stump grinding. Plus, we offer both tree removal and stump grinding services so our clients don’t have to juggle multiple contractors. We’ll take care of the entire tree and stump all at once. If you have an unsightly tree stump in your yard, contact CFB Outdoors before it becomes a hazard.
