Tree stumps may seem like innocuous natural remnants in your yard but, in many cases, it is a good idea to get them removed. They can cause all sorts of damage to your lawn and also be a safety hazard. If you recently moved into a home that has stumps around the yard, you need to be aware of the issues that accompany the presence of these leftover parts of a felled tree. The following guide explains why you should remove tree stumps from your property.
Pests and Diseases
You may not realize it, but a harmless-looking tree stump can actually harbor diseases and pests that can wreak havoc on your lawn and infest your ornamental plants and healthy trees. Stumps provide shelter for numerous types of harmful insects, including termites. The small bugs will nest in the tree, and once a population is established, spread to other structures, including your home.
Beetles that spread diseases also like to breed and feed on tree stumps. The trunk provides a great hiding place for beetles that can spread diseases and infect other trees, including those in neighboring yards.
When you notice sawdust-like materials and tiny holes in the stump, you probably have a beetle infestation in your yard. Stinging insects like wasps and hornets also like to nest in stumps. In addition, root rot is another threat that you may need to manage when you have tree stumps in your yard.
Numerous types of fungus can cause root rot. A telltale sign of root rot is the presence of shelf-like mushrooms on the stump and on roots that protrude from the soil. When you hire a professional to remove the stump, make sure that they excavate the roots as well.
Unwanted New Growth
When you cut down a tree, the remaining stump may still generate new growth. This new growth is generally in the form of suckers around the base of the stump and on exposed roots. Since suckers usually crop up on tree wounds, a stump is the perfect home for them.
Over time, suckers can actually lead to the growth of new trees, which you probably do not want if your lawn's landscaping has been carefully planned. The growths are also unsightly and can mar the aesthetics of your manicured lawn. Suckers also leech nutrients from the soil and prevent the plants that you want to grow from getting enough nutrition.
In the short term, you can get rid of the suckers by putting rock salt or Epsom salt on the growths. You can also purchase chemical growth retardants from garden shops to kill the suckers. A permanent solution is to simply get the stump and its roots removed from your yard.
Safety Hazards
If you have kids or love to spend time in your yard, a tree stump can be a safety hazard. Young kids may trip over the leftover tree parts when they are playing outside. If you mow your own lawn, the exposed roots of stumps can cause severe damage to your mower's blades.
It is also inconvenient to have to maneuver around stumps when you are performing lawn maintenance. In addition, the wounds created by the lawn mower only create more entry places for pests and diseases.
Poor Aesthetics
If you put a lot of time and effort into making your yard look great, you probably do not like the sight of stumps. They stick out like a sore thumb and can hamper your efforts to beautify your property.
Not only are stumps ugly, they take up precious lawn space that you could use for other plants, a decorative flower band, a bird bath, or simply a new spot of grass. Once you get the stump removed your yard will look neater and flatter. Contact a stump removal service in your area for assistance.
