When you cut down a tree in your yard, that's not the end of the story. You may have gotten rid of the tree, but now you're stuck with a tree stump. Tree stumps may seem harmless, but they can cause a lot of issues. Check out these five facts you should know about tree stumps in your yard.
They Affect the Beauty of Your Yard
In some yards, a decorated stump can look lovely, but in well-manicured suburban lawns, they can distract from the beauty of your yard. Even if your yard is nearly flawless, a stump will stand out like a sore thumb. Plus, if you have a small yard, that stump can take up space you could better use. Without the stump, you could plant some vibrant flowers or lush shrubs. Last, stumps get in the way. Mowing or working around a stump is difficult. You have to maneuver around it. If it's too annoying, you may end up not caring for your yard in that area, allowing weeds or grass to overgrow around the stump, further impacting the beauty of your yard.
Stumps Can Be Dangerous
Stumps can also become a hazard. Of course, you and your family may fall victim to tripping over a stump, but you also have to worry about guests. Guests walking through your yard may trip over the stump, injuring themselves. Depending on where you live and the exact situation, if you invite someone onto your property, and they get hurt when tripping over your tree stump, they may be able to sue. This is because you have a responsibility to fix any potential hazards to guests on your property. If the court determines that you should have removed the stump, you could end up responsible for someone's injuries and compensation.
They Promote New Growth
If you have a tree stump in your yard, it's probably because you cut down a tree you didn't want in that spot. However, if you leave the tree stump there, it may promote new growth. Tree sprouts may start to shoot up around the stump, and these aren't always simple to remove. They tend to keep returning. If left untreated, they can start to steal nutrients from surrounding plants that you actually want, or they can begin to grow into a new tree. In some cases, you'll have to use chemicals to completely kill these sprouts.
Insects Love Tree Stumps
Eventually, your tree stump will rot away naturally. However, that takes a long time, and while it's rotting, it becomes a haven to insects. Beetles, termites and ants will move into the stump. If they just remain in the stump, that would be fine, but if you've ever had pests before, you know they like to spread. Eventually, the pests may start to invade your home, especially if the tree stump is close to your house. Wood-boring pests like termites can cause damage to your home, and even if you hire a pest remover to kill them all, they may come back if you keep the rotting stump.
Stumps Are Difficult to Remove Yourself
Stumps are not easy to remove. You could choose to dig up the stump, but depending on the size, that could be a huge challenge. Remember that you'll also need to dig up the roots, and they could spread several feet in every direction. Another option is to rent a stump grinder, but if you don't know what you're doing, that could be dangerous. Another option is to use chemicals to kill the stump quickly, but many people don't like pouring dangerous chemicals into their yard, especially if they have kids or pets.
If you have a stump in your yard, you should remove it because it can cause many problems. However, removing it yourself can be a nightmare. If you do want to get rid a stump, contact a professional from a company like Hudson Tree Service. They can get rid of your stump quickly and safely.
