Whether you’re dealing with a fallen tree, or simply want to remove an existing stump, there are a few things that you should know before attempting to do so. Stumps can be unsightly, they’re often dangerous for kids and pets who may run or jump over them, and they take up space that could be used for other purposes. Additionally, a rotting stump attracts pests and can potentially spread disease to other plants in your yard or even invade your home.
Stump removal can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost of the job. For starters, you can opt for chemical or natural methods of stump removal rather than a professional machine. You should also avoid attempting to remove a stump at the beginning of winter or during rainy weather, as this can make the task more difficult and hazardous. Finally, you should try to remove the stump as soon as possible after the tree is cut down.
Complete removal involves digging out the entire stump and its roots, which is much more labor-intensive and expensive than grinding. It can also disrupt underground utilities or cause other problems like soil erosion. Moreover, it leaves behind a hole in the ground that will be harder to fill in than the small hole left by stump grinding.
Removing the stump completely also allows you to plant a new tree in that spot, which is ideal if the original tree was unhealthy or had to be removed for safety reasons. However, this option is not without its drawbacks, mainly that it takes a long time and requires heavy machinery. Moreover, it also can disturb the surrounding landscape, leading to soil erosion and changes in the water flow in your property.
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective and safer method of removing a stump, you can use rock salt to kill it. To do so, you’ll need to drill deep holes in the stump and then pour rock salt into them. The salt will soak into the stump and kill it within a few weeks, after which you can dig out the remains and dispose of them accordingly.
You can also use wood chips to cover the stump and prevent it from sprouting new roots, which will make it look more attractive. It’s important to note that this method won’t work as well if the stump has extensive roots that run deep into the ground.
Stumps that are surrounded by other trees or shrubs are more likely to rot faster than those with only grass around them. This rotting can lead to various health and safety issues, including the spreading of diseases and fungi that can affect other plants in your yard or even invade your house. Stumps that have been left to rot can also attract pests that can spread to other parts of your yard and into your home, including termites and carpenter ants. In addition, they can encourage the growth of weeds and other unwanted plants that can damage your lawn.