If you have a yard that has trees in it, sooner or later something will happen to damage or kill one of your trees. It could be a lightning strike, a drought, a pest infestation, or bad weather that finally takes your tree down. But then what? What’s the right call when it comes to removing the remaining stump, or just leaving it where it is?
Just Leave it?
Many people are shocked at the cost of having a tree stump removed, and this sticker shock can make it tempting to ignore the problem and hope it goes away … but is that a good idea?
There are a few very specific situations where you can safely leave a tree stump. If the tree was very small, it’s in an out-of-the-way part of your yard, and it’s not near any other trees that could be affected as it decomposes, you can probably leave it and work around it. (Although we’ll also point out that this type of stump is also the cheapest to have removed, so that might help you to change your mind.)
It’s Got to Go
In most cases, the best course of action is a complete stump removal with professional help from your local tree removal service. Here’s why:
Pests (and “Pets”)
As a tree stump naturally decomposes and breaks down, it becomes home to a variety of creatures, small and large. Some of these are basically harmless, but some can cause problems for people and property. Carpenter ants, bees, and termites can often make a home in your rotting stump, and though you may be fine with sharing your old tree with them, you might find yourself significantly less happy if they decide to expand from the stump to your surrounding yard, or even to your home. Larger animals, like foxes and raccoons, can also move in to tree stumps with hollow areas in or under them. And although a new pet can be a great idea … these might not be quite what you had in mind.
Mold and Fun Guys … Make That Fungi
And it’s not just critters that can inhabit a rotting stump … mold and fungi can, too. Although some types of mold and fungus can be beautiful or fascinating, they can also pose a health threat to people (especially kids) and pets who might encounter them in the yard.
Damage From Roots
One of the most common reasons for tree removal is concern about a tree growing too large or too close to a home or other structure. And we agree — this is a valid reason to remove a tree! But homeowners often don’t consider that the tree roots can also pose a threat — damaging foundations, causing uneven ground or upsetting patio tiles, siphoning water away from other plants, and even causing or exacerbating damaged underground pipes. These problems become even more relevant when you consider that tree roots can continue to grow, even after the tree has been removed! Stump removal can put a stop to the root growth, saving you a massive amount of hassle down the road.
Tripping Hazard
Whether it’s kids playing tag at dusk or an aging grandparent making their way across the lawn, the risk of a trip and fall over an old stump is just too high. It’s another great reason to get rid of it!
Curb Un-appeal
Let’s face it, a rotting, moldy, pest-infested stump is an eyesore. A yucky stump can reduce the aesthetic appeal of your home, and even diminish the value of your property. Do yourself a favor and get it taken care of, sooner rather than later.
Taking Up Space
The spot where that old stump is sitting could, instead, be the home of a lovely new tree, bush, or other garden feature. And now that there’s an old stump in your yard, you have to work around it when mowing … for years. It takes years, or even decades, for stumps to break down on their own, so you’ll be dealing with the inconvenience of it for a long time if you don’t take action to have it removed. It’s a much nicer idea to get rid of the old and make space for the new.
As you can see, your local tree service company is almost certainly going to recommend removing the stump — and for good reason! If you’re local to us, and looking for the best tree service in Cincinnati, give us a call and we’ll come out, give you a free estimate, and answer all of your questions about stump removal, or any other tree service questions you might have.
