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What happens if you don't grind a tree stump?

If left untouched, a tree stump and roots will start to rot and, over time, become home to pests, fungi, and other organisms. And sometime the roots will keep growing.

greenthumb-ottawa.com - Why You Shouldn't Leave a Tree Stump in the Ground

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The Top Reasons to Remove a Tree Stump from Your Yard

Stumps aren’t just an eyesore; they actually pose some serious risks. From property damage to safety concerns, there are many significant reasons to be rid of the stump in your yard. If you’re on the fence about leaving your tree stump or hiring a professional stump grinding service to remove it, read on to learn why you shouldn’t leave a tree stump in the ground.

WHAT HAPPENS TO A TREE STUMP AFTER TREE REMOVAL

Once a tree is removed, you can have both the stump and roots removed, have the stump ground out while leaving the roots, or you can leave the stump alone. If left untouched, a tree stump and roots will start to rot and, over time, become home to pests, fungi, and other organisms. And sometime the roots will keep growing.

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T LEAVE A TREE STUMP IN THE GROUND

When left in the ground, tree stumps can cause many problems and hazards, including:

Property Damage

Sometimes, the roots of the tree stump will continue growing even after the tree has been cut down. If this happens, the roots can eventually reach other areas of your landscape and even your home, wrapping around and cracking pipes, lifting pavement such patios, sidewalks, and driveways, and even cracking your home’s foundation. So it’s best to remove the stump before the roots have a chance to cause any damage to the nearby property.

Pests and Insect Infestations

When left in place, a tree stump will decompose with the help of organisms. Ant species will move in, such as carpenter ants, and start building nests in the stump. These ants will eventually start appearing elsewhere, including in other trees, plants, and even in your home. Termites, beetles, wood wasps, snakes, rodents, fungi, and diseases can also live in a tree stump and eventually spread to other trees, shrubs, and homes, becoming costly and time-consuming to get rid of.

Invasive

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Tree stumps are unsightly and invasive, obstructing the space in a yard and landscape. And other invasive plants may also start to grow on tree stumps. Though small in size, these plants can become unsightly and difficult to remove, often requiring chemicals to destroy them. Fungi, such as mushrooms, can also start to grow on tree stumps and from the stump roots, popping up throughout your yard. Depending on the type, these can be dangerous to animals who eat them, such as children and pets. And they can spread and infect other trees nearby.

Safety Hazards

Tree stumps are a safety hazard to anyone walking or playing in your yard, especially children. Along with being a tripping and toe-stubbing hazard, a tree stump can also injure someone who falls onto it. And when doing landscape maintenance, you’ll need to work around it, especially when using a lawnmower. Otherwise, you’ll risk damaging the lawnmower and hurting yourself if it comes into contact with the tree stump.

Aesthetics and Space

Tree stumps take up a lot of valuable yard space. And they are often considered eyesores that reduce the curb appeal and property value of your home. If you ever decide to sell, potential buyers may not be keen on buying a place with tripping-hazard stumps in the yard. But you can boost curb appeal by removing the stumps and repurposing the space with a flower bed, picnic table, or patio set. Or you can leave the space clear for an open, hazard-free area where kids can play safely.

Continued Tree Growth

Tree stumps can lead to new tree growth around the stump. These are difficult and costly to remove as new shoots often keep coming back. And small trees can also leech moisture and nutrients from plants nearby, preventing your garden and landscape from thriving. The tree can also grow back from the stump, producing a multi-trunked tree that is even harder to remove than the original tree stump.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A TREE STUMP

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There are two options for removing a tree stump—stump grinding and stump removal. For help removing a tree stump, contact a local arborist. They will have the skills and equipment to remove the stump safely for you.

Stump Grinding

Stump grinding is the less intensive and more efficient method for removing a tree stump. With this method, arborists use a machine with a rotating cutting disk to chip away at the tree stump, shredding it down into small wood chips—which can be used as mulch in your garden if you want. Though the tree roots are still left underground, they will die without the stump and naturally decay over time.

Stump Removal

Stumps can also be burned or dissolved with chemicals as a method for removal. However, the more common method for stump removal is to pull out the entire stump and root system from the ground. This labour-intensive option removes the stump and roots from the ground using heavy machinery to dig out the stump and roots. Though it tends to leave a large hole in the ground, once the hole is filled, the space is a blank slate for any landscaping plans.

THE TAKEAWAY

Though a tree stump may seem harmless, it can actually cause a lot of damage and headache if left in the ground. Not only will it take up valuable yard space, but it also poses a threat to you, your family, and your property. So consider removing that stump with the help of a professional stump grinding service, say goodbye to that eyesore, and say hello to a spacious, hazard-free yard.

greenthumb-ottawa.com - Why You Shouldn't Leave a Tree Stump in the Ground