How Long is too Long? The Dangers of Keeping Your Dead Tree Stump

Besides being unsightly, there are many other reasons you should remove your dead tree stump. If left for too long, it can become hazardous, attract pests, damage your yard, and more. If you notice any of these issues are happening around your yard, then it’s time to remove that dead tree stump.

Attracts Pests

As your dead tree stump decomposes, it becomes dark, damp, and cool inside. The perfect home for pests to nest in. A dead tree stump can attract critters like carpenter ants, beetles, termites, snakes, and rodents. If you notice more pests in your yard or home than normal, you should consider removing any tree stumps on your property.

Spreads Disease

Along with attracting pests, a dead tree stump also attracts fungi. While most fungi are a beneficial and necessary part of decomposition, some of them can be harmful. As your dead tree stump decomposes, it’s left exposed to fungi which could spread disease and infect surrounding plants. To prevent this, it’s best to remove your dead tree stump as soon as you can.

A Hazard to You and Your Property

Another reason you should remove your dead tree stump is it can be dangerous to yourself, your home, and others. A dead tree stump can become a tripping hazard to you or someone else. It could also become an obstacle to equipment like lawnmowers and weed whackers.

In the worst-case scenario, the roots underneath the stump can continue to grow and potentially damage your property. You might see busted pipes, uneven pavement, or cracks in your home’s foundation. Before your dead tree stump can cost you any more money, we recommend having it professionally removed.

What to Do About It

Now that you know why you should dispose of your dead tree stump, the next step is how. There are many methods of tree stump disposal. You can find which technique works best for you depending on your location, the type of tree, and the materials you have at hand. Here are some of the tried and true methods you can try.

Accelerate the Rotting Process

One way to dispose of your dead tree stump is to make it decompose faster. For this technique, you’ll drill holes into the stump and fill it with your compound of choice. You can use one of these two compounds to accelerate the process:

Chemical Solution

you’ll want a nitrogen-rich solution to speed up the decomposition

Salt

for a more natural option, you can use rock salt or Epsom salt

One benefit is that it could be good for your soil quality, but one drawback is that it could attract more pests. This method also takes the longest out of the four, so if you’re looking for more immediate results, you might want to try a different tactic.

Burn the Stump

For a complete and quick dead tree stump disposal, burning the stump is your best DIY option. Like the previous method, you’ll begin by drilling holes, but instead of filling the drilled holes with salt or a high-nitrogen solution, you’d use kerosene. Diesel might work in a pinch, but don’t attempt this method if you are in a drier area or an area that is prone to wildfires.

Pull it Out Manually

If you’re not averse to getting your hands dirty, this method works best for smaller, sick, or dying trees. You’ll need a pick mattock, shovel, or digging bar to dig up and expose the roots. Then with an axe, you’ll dislodge the stump from the roots until it’s free. For some extra support, you can also chain the dead tree stump to a four-wheel drive truck to free it.

Stump Grinding

For the most effective and efficient removal we recommend stump grinding. If you want to do it yourself, you can rent a stump grinder. This method can be cost-effective if you have several stumps to remove, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. We recommend hiring a professional stump grinding service to remove your dead tree stump.

Now’s the Time

So how long is too long? If you’re experiencing issues caused by your dead tree stump, then its removal is overdue. Get your dead tree stump removed now with our stump grinding services. Contact us at Progressive Lawn and Landscaping for a quote on your stump removal.