Many homeowners choose to leave tree stumps after the removal of a tree. However, despite the additional cost, leaving the stump behind can be potentially detrimental. The job of removing a tree isn’t complete until the stump is completely removed.
Some reasons why removing tree stumps is important include:
- They’re unsightly – Stumps don’t add to the aesthetic value of any property. At best, they can actually diminish the resale value of the property, which can be problematic if you choose to sell your home. Stumps also take up valuable space which can be used for landscaping (e.g. building new structures or planting new trees).
- They can be hazardous – Leaving stumps on a lawn or yard creates a potential hazard. Children can easily trip over the stump or roots if they don’t look where they’re going. Visitors can also hurt themselves tripping over the stump. In extreme cases, these injuries can result in lawsuits against the homeowners. The stumps can also get in the way of yard care by damaging lawn mowers and other landscaping tools.
- They attract pests – When a stump decays, it attracts insects (e.g. termites, ants, beetles, etc). Once pests nest into the stump, it’s easier for them to reach other trees in your yard. In some cases, they can even reach your home. Removal often involves costly pest control services and repairs to your home.
- They can continue growing – Some species of tree can continue to generate sucker growth from the stump, or grow new saplings. These saplings are often poorly attached to the stump, creating future safety hazards. The stump’s roots may also continue growing underground. These roots can sap nutrients from nearby plants or destroy any healthy growth above them. If the roots reach far enough, they can affect the house’s foundation and damage underground sewer lines.
- They carry diseases – If a tree had to be removed because of disease, the leftover stump can still carry the bacteria. Any nearby trees are at risk of contracting these diseases. Avoid the spread of disease by removing the stumps of affected trees immediately.
Stump removal can be a difficult task, but it’s ultimately better than leaving them on the property. Tree stumps can affect the rest of your yard and cause significant long-term damage to a property. For best results when removing leftover stumps, contact a professional that provides tree stump grinding services.
Great Northern Regreenery Tree Service provides quality arborist services in the York-Simcoe area, including Alliston, Aurora, Bradford, and Newmarket. Call us today at (905) 775-7444 for a free inspection and assessment.