When Isn't It Safe To Leave A Tree Stump Behind?
by Chiara Brun
Cutting down trees can be incredibly dangerous, but it's still a task many homeowners, unfortunately, attempt themselves. However, while removing a tree can pose many dangers, it's something that do-it-yourselfers can often accomplish with fairly common and affordable tools. On the other hand, removing a stump can be far more challenging without the right equipment and expertise.
As a result, people who choose to take on their own tree cutting will often leave behind numerous stumps on their property. While these remains may seem relatively harmless, they can pose numerous threats to your property and even your safety. If you have one or more stumps in your yard, here are three indications you may want to contact a professional for removal.
1. The Stump is Close to Healthy Trees
One of the most significant issues with leaving stumps in the ground is that dead and dying trees tend to be honey pots for many unwelcome visitors. These problematic pests can include insects, diseases, and fungus. If the stump is relatively close to healthy trees, you may be inviting health problems that can quickly spread to the parts of your property you want to save.
The old stump can also continue to affect the health of nearby plants in other ways. Stumps can still sprout, so the root system will continue to draw nutrients and water from the surrounding area. If you cut down the tree to support other nearby healthy trees, leaving the stump in place can potentially offset those benefits.
2. The Stump is Close to Your House
The problems with leaving a stump near healthy trees and plants can become even more significant if the stump is close to your home. For example, termites that infest the stump may eventually begin to branch out and look for other food sources, such as your home. Even pests that don't cause much damage can still be a nuisance if they migrate from the tree to your porch, sidewalk, or other inhabited areas.
Additionally, if you notice sprouts (or "suckers") appearing from the tree, it indicates that the root system is still growing. In other words, a stump near your home can continue to threaten your foundation and pipes. Given enough time, these suckers can develop into much larger plants that can cause as much damage as the original tree.
3. The Stump Presents an Obstacle
Stumps in a faraway corner of your property may not pose much of a threat, but stumps in more central locations can be dangerous obstacles. If you find that you routinely need to walk the stump or, even worse, drive your lawnmower around it, it's probably time to think about finally removing it. Stumps are large and heavy, and just tripping over one can be dangerous.
Ultimately, there are few advantages to leaving stumps on your property and many potential disadvantages and dangers. If you have a stump left behind from a do-it-yourself tree removal project, it's probably time to call the professionals for removal.
For more information on stump removal, contact a professional near you.
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About Me
I have always been one of those people who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty, which is why I started trimming my own trees. However, after doing it by myself for a few years, I realized that my yard was starting to look a little DIY, which wasn't the look that I was going for. To make things right, I decided to invest in a professional tree service who could come out and fix up my yard. They were amazing to work with, and they even came with all of their own equipment. This blog is all about the benefits of professional tree care, versus doing things on your own.