If you’ve recently had a tree removed from your property, more than likely you also had the chance to remove the stump along with the trunk of the tree. But, if you have a property that already has a stump or two, you’re probably wondering whether or not you should get rid of the stump.
There are two reasons you would want to invest in stump removal, whether the tree was recently removed or not: it can be hazardous and it can be unsightly.
A tree stump can be hazardous in a few different ways. Most of the time a stump and its roots aren’t flush with the rest of the ground, creating a tripping hazard. If you have children, this stump can be the cause of many skinned knees, but if the stump is close to public areas, it can cause others to trip and fall, leaving you open to liability. It can also put your lawn mower at risk, as accidentally mowing over the stump can cause damage.
A stump that’s not removed can also encourage unwanted new growth. Even though the trunk of the tree has been removed, the roots still may promote growth, causing new shoots to pop up around the leftover stump. Removing these shoots, and even the stump, once they’ve started growing can prove more difficult than regular stump removal.
Leaving the stump to rot out in your yard can bring insects and disease to your yard. A stump can attract termites, which can then move over to your home, causing even more destruction. Fungus can also grow on or near the stump, easily moving toward nearby plants.
In addition to the hazardous issues that come along with keeping a stump intact, it can also be an eyesore in your yard. It also takes up space that can be used in more functional ways. Removing the stump would allow for better consistency within your landscaping and provide you with more space for entertaining or simply enjoying your yard.
