Picture this: you have a tree in your yard that has got to go. It has been cut down and now you are left with an eyesore of a stump. This stump will likely leave you with a lot of questions about what to do next. Should you leave it alone, grind it down, or remove it entirely? Just like any decision for homeowners, it tends to be a “case-by-case” scenario. Stump grinding and removal each have their pros and cons.

In this blog, we will go over both tree stump grinding and removal. Keep reading for answers to common questions regarding both.

Can you leave a tree stump in the ground?

Yes, you can. However, over time the tree stump will likely begin to decay. For most people, the initial desire to remove a tree stump is fueled by aesthetic appeal. As time passes on, it becomes an issue of health for their yard and safety.

If part of the stump begins to decay it is only a matter of time before it spreads. It is best to get the entire stump removed to prevent decay, mold, or infected wood from spreading. (mrtreeservices.com)

 Do tree stumps attract termites?

After being removed, the stump begins to decay. As this decaying progresses, your tree stump becomes the ideal habitat for pests that feed on decaying wood, like termites. While you may leave the stump to decay naturally, you need to be careful about pests spreading to other plants and trees in your yard. Furthermore, these pests can invade your home too. Removing the stump, or grinding it down, is the best way to avoid these pest problems. (blog.davey.com)

Why else should I remove a tree stump?

Pests are one of the many arguments for removing a tree stump from your yard. In addition to that, you might consider parting ways with the tree stump because:

• Aesthetics! A tree stump is often seen as an eyesore in an otherwise maintained lawn. Speaking of aesthetics, what if you put your house on the market, and an unsightly stump turns buyers away because it diminishes your home’s curb appeal? (redstreeservice.com)
• The stump and roots associated with it can pose a danger to your lawnmower.
• Landscapers will tell you that a tree stump consumes more yard space than you would imagine. It prevents you from being able to place better, more appealing plants in that space.
• It can also cause soft, sunken spots in the surrounding lawn or garden as it decomposes. (americanclimbers.com)

Is it better to grind a stump or remove it?

As mentioned previously, both removing and grinding a tree stump have pros and cons. As a property owner, you need to understand both to be able to make an informed decision.

Removing a stump is significantly more intrusive than grinding it. This process involves lifting the tree stump and digging up all of the roots of the tree. Stump removal requires a lot of manual labor and powerful tools. Following that, there is a large gaping hole in the yard that needs to be filled in. However, after the tree removal process is over, then you have a clean slate for whatever you want to do with your yard in that area next.

On the other hand, stump grinding is much more efficient than removing it entirely. A certified arborist can use a machine to shred the stump down into little wood chips. This process leaves some of the root systems of the tree behind. It can create an obstacle for future plants in the yard. Grinding a stump does leave a hole, which we can fill in with dirt and the wood chips created. (greenvistava.com) The wood chips from the stump can be used in landscaping around the yard as mulch.

Talk to an Expert

At Warner Tree Service, we know this can be a tough decision to make. Our experts are here to help you make the decision that is best for your yard. We have worked with all kinds of trees and can answer any questions you may have regarding the process. For a free written estimate contact us by phone at 727-946-7098 or here, today.