After the expense or effort of tree removal, you may be tempted to leave the stumps where they are and simply consider them yard art. Unfortunately, that can often lead to more problems than it solves. The following will help you understand some of the issues tree stumps can cause, as well as your options for quick removal.
Tree Stump Problems
There are several problems that can result when tree stumps are left in the yard, which include the following:
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Sinkholes. Rot first occurs underground, which means that a void will appear where the roots were, which will then be followed by a larger hole as the entire stump finally deteriorates. If there were large roots, further sunken areas may also develop farther out from the stump.
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Pests. Rotting tree stumps can also harbor a variety of pests, including ants, termites, and other creepy crawlies you don't want in your yard. If the stump is hollow, animal pests, like skunks, may also come to call it home.
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Suckers. Some trees can survive being cut down if the stump still has living roots. They do this by sending up new stems from the roots radiating out from the stump, or from the stump itself. If given enough time, these stems form into trunks and a new tree appears. The weedy growth of suckers can be unattractive and troublesome.
Stump management options
Fortunately, you can avoid the above issues by simply having the stump removed. There are three main methods used by professionals that are generally safe. These include the following:
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Chemical stump killers: Holes are drilled into the stump and an herbicide is poured in. This completely kills the stump, so suckers will not be an issue. The herbicide also speeds up decomposition so that the stump can be chopped and pulled up within a few weeks to a couple of months. Any sinking occurs within a couple of months, so you can fill in low soil levels promptly.
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Digging. Removing the entire stump is time consuming and likely the most expensive option. It does mean there will be no suckers, and sinkholes will only be a problem if there were any large roots remaining in the ground after the main stump was removed.
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Grinding. Stump grinding is the most commonly used method simply because it is quick and cost effective. The stump must be ground down well below soil level to ensure there will be no suckers. This will also minimize, although not eliminate, sinking. Subterranean insects, like some termites, can also still be an issue.
Talk to a tree removal professional, such as those at Brown's Tree Service, if you need more help in deciding the best way to manage the stumps after your tree removals.
