When a tree has been removed from your yard, leaving only the stump behind, the headaches may not be over. Leaving the stump behind means still having problems to deal with. Tree roots and shoots can continue to grow from these stumps. This root growth can damage patios and pipes and can create a perennial tripping hazard. Having to deal with endless new shoot growth can cause a recurring nightmare of dealing with a zombie tree that just won’t ever quite die. Finally tackling issues with leftover stumps can put these issues to rest and let you spend your time in other, much more pleasant ways.
Professional Stump Removal
Obviously, the gold standard in terms of dealing with old stumps is to call in the pros from your local stump removal service (like those of us from Tree Images here in Cincinnati). We can take out a stump, once and for all, usually in a single afternoon. (And no, we don’t leave a giant hole behind for you to trip in for forever.) Stump grinding is an excellent option that prevents any further growth without leaving a crater in your yard. The safest way to do stump grinding is to leave it to a professional (and you might be surprised at how cost-effective this option can be).
But professional stump removal services aren’t in everyone’s price range (although we try our best to be budget-friendly). In that case, there are other, DIY options for dealing with zombie stumps.
Rent a Grinder
If hiring a professional is not feasible for you, it might work for you to rent a grinder and grind the stump yourself. This is not for everyone, but it can be an option if you feel up to taking on this challenge. You’ll need to use the grinder to cut up the stump thoroughly and separate the roots from where they meet the trunk.
Cutting the Roots
Even if you can’t rent a stump grinder (or don’t want to take that challenge on), you can use a chainsaw or even an axe to cut the connection between the stump and the roots. Be sure to check for rocks close to the roots before you start your work (especially with a chainsaw).
Burning the Stump
This is only legal in some areas, but burning the stump can be a successful option for making sure a stump doesn’t come back. To do this successfully, start by getting approval from your local authorities, and then make some holes or gauge some lines in the stump with a chainsaw or axe. Then light a fire with small wood on top of the stump, allowing it to eventually burn down into the wood of the stump. Take a lot of care to make sure that the fire doesn’t spread beyond the intended area, and keep some fire extinguishing supplies nearby, in case things get out of hand.
Herbicide
In some areas, herbicide is a viable option for removing the stump. If you decide to go this route, be sure to use a special formula intended specifically for this purpose. Be very careful to only apply the herbicide in the appropriate amounts, and in the specified way: usually by drilling holes into the stump and applying the herbicide into the holes. Use appropriate protective gear for yourself during application, and keep pets and children away from the area for the duration of the treatment.
Dig Out the Stump
If the stump isn’t large, digging it out might be a viable option, but it will most likely leave a sizable hole in the ground after you’re done. This isn’t the best option in terms of final results, and it isn’t usually reasonable or realistic for most people if the stump is large. Due to the large hole left behind, this method will require another step because the hole will need to be filled in. This is probably not the best option available to you, but you can always check with us for a professional opinion.
Removing the stump after a tree removal is an essential part of the process. Hiring a tree removal company to remove the tree will often take care of the issue (because they will probably remove the stump as part of the process). But if you truly want to take the challenge on yourself, there are better and worse ways to handle it. Make sure you educate yourself on your options and take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your yard.
