Cutting down a tree is important in keeping your landscape look good and vigorous. When you have a dead or diseased tree, it should be removed immediately before it can cause any trouble. Once you’re done with the tree removal, you might be wondering what’s next? Do you know what happens to the unsightly tree’s roots and stump?
We have compiled all the answers to these questions about tree maintenance post-removal. To help you decide the best solution for your landscape, take note of these simple tips you can try to handle stumps and get rid of that tripping hazard.
What is involved with tree removal?
During tree removal, the trunk is cut down to become mulch and wood chips. The branches and excess wood will be cut into smaller logs before they get hauled away. After this, you have the option to have the roots removed for an additional fee. If left untouched, the roots will start to decompose and become a breeding ground for various pests and other organisms.
Can the roots survive the loss of the tree?
When a tree falls down, root spouts may emerge all over your yard. This may cause your tree to start growing back gradually even after the tree removal. The remaining nutrients, type of species, weather, and soil conditions are some of the factors that favor tree stump regrowth. So, the answer is yes. Some species of trees may survive for some period after the removal.
Why should the tree stump and its roots be removed?
Tree stumps are dangerous.
Roots remain in the ground until they decompose over a long period of time. When the tree stumps are sticking out of the ground, they become a tripping and toe-stubbing hazard. This can be dangerous when you have children or pets who like walking or running around your backyard. To avoid unnecessary injuries and similar liabilities, have it removed as soon as possible.
Tree stumps make your landscape look messy.
Let’s be honest: tree stumps can be an eyesore. These unsightly roots take up valuable yard space that you otherwise could use better. Most importantly, they ruin the aesthetic, curb appeal, and value of your property. If you are planning to sell your home, potential homebuyers might not be keen on purchasing a landscape with unsightly stumps.
The good news is you can hire a professional arborist to remove the roots and stumps for a hazard-free backyard. You can use the space as an outdoor living room for family and guests.
Leftover stumps may damage your property.
Even after the tree has been cut down, roots can sometimes continue spreading and growing. Eventually, these roots will become part of zombie trees. They can reach underground pipes and wrap around them. These aggressive and invasive roots will cause your pipes and foundation to crack and burst. The only way to get rid of a zombie tree is by removing the tree stump before new sprouts appear.
They will cause pest infestation.
Tree stumps in the decomposition state usually invite unwanted guests like pests and bugs. These wood-boring insects, termites, beetles, wood wasps, carpenter ants, and other organisms will thrive there for a very long time. Eventually, they will spread to other trees and plants. The worst thing that could happen is they will transfer to your home and cause costly structural damage. Moreover, they will also become a breathing system for fungi and other invasive plants.
How to deal with leftover tree stumps and roots?
Tree Stump Removal
This method is probably the hardest and most intensive because you need to pull the stump itself. You will be needing heavy machinery, mechanical tools, a chainsaw, a shovel, and protective gear to be able to dig out the stump. Tree stump removal will leave a large hole, which you may still use for your other landscaping projects.
Tree Stump Grinding
Used only for non-aggressive root species, this technique is done using a machine with a rotating blade to shred and cut the wood into small wood chips. After the procedure, the tree roots will be left in the ground to die and decompose. Tree stump grinding is preferred by the majority of homeowners because it is safe, cost-efficient, and less intensive. In addition, there won’t be any waste since the wood chips are turned into mulch.
Chemical Stump Removal
For this method, you need to make holes on the ground using a hand drill. You will then pour potassium nitrate on top of the holes and let the stump absorb the chemical. After this, you will fill the holes with water. Once the chemical is absorbed by the stump, the wood will eventually become spongy. The stump will rot after four to six weeks. Quickly remove them once the stump has softened completely.
Natural Decay
If you don’t want to hire a tree expert, you may still opt to let the tree stump decay on its own. It takes less to no effort, but the decay time will be much longer. You will have to wait up to one decade for the stump and roots to be gone completely.
By just leaving your stump and root system in the ground eventually over the course of many years it will decay on its own. This is obviously the easiest and least costly method.
Talk to Your Go-To Partner for Tree Service Lancaster PA
Let Tree Removal Lancaster handle any unwanted stumps and tree spouts existing in your backyard. We have the knowledge and best possible approach to get rid of ugly stumps and roots. Reach out to us today for more details!