Do you have a tree stump – or more than one – on your property? Whether it was there at the time you bought your house, or after you cut down a tree because it was dead or declining, you might be “stump blind” – that is, you’re accustomed to ignoring it. However, continuing to overlook a tree stump is detrimental for many reasons – but we’ll focus on the top six.
1. They’re unsightly
A tree stump in the middle of your lawn may be invisible to you, but it’s an eyesore to everyone else! No matter how well-landscaped your yard is, a tree stump sticks out like the proverbial sore thumb.
2. They can have a negative effect on your property value
So maybe you’re not the type who cares about what the neighbors think. However, you could feel differently if you put your house up for sale! A tree stump in your yard can decrease the value of your property and keep potential buyers away. If you’ve neglected to remove it, house hunters will wonder if you’ve also slacked off in other areas – such as maintenance and repairs. Moreover, homebuyers see one or more stumps as an expense they’ll have to incur for removal. Add that to the other repairs and needed updates they’re noting during the open house, and you can expect most people to continue their search.
Speaking of people anticipating extra expenses because of a tree stump, consider that the roots are still very much alive. They continue to grow, with the potential to invade underground pipes, as well as undermine driveways, sidewalks or decks.
3. They’re a safety hazard
Children who run and play are typically caught up in the moment and don’t notice obstacles in their path. Adults with mobility issues may also be susceptible to tripping over a stump. Not to mention the risks of operating machinery around it – such as a mishap with a riding mower. In addition to the stump itself, soil around the stump can settle, leaving depressions in the ground that can cause trip-and-fall injuries.
Aside from the pain of injury to yourself, a family member, friend or neighbor, our society today is very litigious. A visitor who goes to the emergency room because of a broken bone caused by tripping over your stump might sue.
Keep in mind that although laws vary from state to state, even someone who is on your property without your knowledge or permission can sue for negligence. The parents of children who are on your property with or without your permission can sue if their youngsters are injured, as well. Even if your homeowners insurance policy covers such incidents, it’s an unpleasant situation best avoided.
4. They’re vulnerable to insect infestations and diseases
A decaying tree stump is vulnerable to insects and diseases. It can attract ants, spiders, grubs, termites and other insects in hordes. Once these insects start living in your yard, they can eventually enter your home. A tree stump is also home to various tree diseases, which can quickly spread to healthy trees.
If the tree was removed because of a fungal disease, leaving the stump could allow the disease to spread and infect other trees and plants. Fungus also is dangerous to children and pets.
In the rather macabre – yet accurate – words of Tree Images, “Having a decapitated tree sitting in your yard is sort of like having an open, festering wound. Infections spread. Bacteria spread. Tending to this wound in your yard will benefit the health of all greenery that surrounds it.”
5. They waste space in your yard
A tree stump can hinder your plans for getting the best use and enjoyment from your yard. It could have a negative impact on landscaping plans by preventing you from planting new trees, ornamental shrubs, flower beds or even a pond in the area in which the stump sits.
6. They can cause new, unwanted growth
New trees can come up around the stump, which is not just unsightly, but can leech the nutrients meant for nearby healthy plants. Also, new roots around the stump can make the removal process even more difficult. Such new growth is typically not attractive, and unlikely to become good landscape trees.
As mentioned earlier, there’s also the very high possibility that the stump’s roots will continue to grow. Depending upon its location on your property, roots may grow in an already-damaged water pipe – causing it to burst – or weaken the foundation of your home. As you can imagine, either situation will entail very expensive repairs that might require you and your family to find temporary quarters until the work is complete.
What’s the Difference Between Stump Removal and Stump Grinding?
Now that you know why your tree stump shouldn’t stay put, you may be researching removal methods. There are two terms you’ll encounter: stump removal and stump grinding. Here’s the difference between them:
Stump removal – This method involves digging out the stump, exposing the root ball and taproot. The taproot is then cut with an ax or bowsaw. It is typically used for small-to-medium-size stumps. This can be performed manually, but removing the stump of a large, mature tree often requires heavy machinery using massive force to pull it out of the ground, because tree roots spread far and wide underground. This method tends to tear up yards in the process, typically leaving a gaping hole where the stump used to be. Stump removal is usually recommended only if you’re clearing the area for construction (such as an addition to your house), or an in-ground swimming pool.
Stump grinding – This method involves using a piece of machinery that is straightforwardly known as a stump grinder. There are several different types to fit a variety of jobs. However, all stump grinders use a powerful, rotating blade that rips into the wood as it turns. The blade’s teeth cut the stump wood into small pieces. The operator guides the blade over the entire stump as the blade reduces the wood to chips, and takes the stump down to well below ground level.
As our blog post – “Why You Should Remove Tree Stumps From Your Property” – covers, advantages of stump grinding include:
- Takes the stump down to below ground level.
- Reduces stump to wood chips, which can be used for mulch.
- Kills the root system, preventing continued growth and possible intrusion into sewer pipes and damage to driveways and the house foundation.
One disadvantage to this method is if you plan to build over the site of the stump. Because a tree stump is wood – an organic material – it will eventually decompose. This means that it isn’t a stable base material for construction, as any foundations, footings or rigid materials will move over time.
Why You Need to Leave Tree Stump Removal to the Pros
We at The Paint Manager understand that you may want to save money by tackling the job yourself. However, this is better left to the professionals who remove stumps on a regular basis, and have the proper equipment and protective gear – as well as the experience – to perform this task efficiently and safely. It doesn’t take much imagination to consider all that can go wrong with DIY stump removal – not to mention the amount of time and labor involved.
Now that you’re ready to look for a professional tree stump removal service, you can begin and end your search with us! The Paint Manager is proud to offer professional stump removal services at competitive pricing. If you become a member of The Paint Manager, you can receive a discount of up to 25%.
Our team has the heavy-duty equipment that large stumps require – as well as the experience and skill to remove them safely. You don’t have to try to figure out how deep the root system goes, rent (and haul) equipment or put yourself (and/or others) at risk. One call truly does it all!
Before you call to schedule our tree stump removal service, please do the following:
- Know the locations of your water pipes and utilities near the stump. Call 811 at least one week beforehand. This free national service will take information about your project and notify appropriate utility companies to mark buried lines so they can be avoided while digging.
- Measure the height and width of the stump.
- Remove surrounding grass if you want it to be replaced afterward.
- If we need to access your property through a gate, be sure it provides a minimum three-foot (36-inch) opening.
- Please note that we cannot remove stumps located on a hill or slope.
Visit our stump removal services page on our website, and contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment.
The Paint Manager has been proudly serving Central Florida for more than 20 years with experienced, dedicated and professional services that include full-service commercial painting, exterior and interior house painting, roof repair and cleaning, drywall repair, popcorn ceiling texture removal and cabinet refinishing – just to mention a few! We look forward to helping you improve your property!