Trees are an asset to your property—when they’re alive, sturdy, and flourishing. Dead or dying trees and tree stumps are an eyesore and pose various hazards. Believe it or not, tree stumps are as dangerous as dead trees that can lose branches or fall over at any moment. But what makes tree stumps so terrible? Here are some critical reasons why you need to get rid of that tree stump.
Poses a Safety Hazard
First and foremost, you should remove tree stumps because they pose a safety hazard. If you or your neighbors have children, the possibility is high that a child could trip over the stump or its exposed roots and obtain an injury. If a neighbor or other visitor sustains an injury from the stump and decides to press charges, you could face an expensive lawsuit.
Spreads Disease
Fungi love dead stumps. If ingested, these organisms could prove harmful or deadly to children, pets, and other foliage. In addition, the mold that may grow in the stump could pose a health hazard in itself by spreading its spores. Preventing illness and disease is a critical reason to remove a tree stump.
Reduces Property Value
If you are trying to sell your home, tree stumps will not aid in a sale. When people see a tree stump, they typically think it’s an eyesore, safety hazard, expensive to remove. And when someone is on the market to purchase a home, the last thing they want to worry about is falling over or removing a tree stump.
Causes Property Damage
Did you know that roots can still grow from a tree stump? Alive and well, these roots spread out in search of water. Often, roots will gravitate towards pipes and cause them to burst. This can lead to harmful water contamination.
Comes Back From the Dead
Yes, there is such a thing as a zombie tree. As long as a tree stump is present, so is the ability to sprout new growth. These new sprouts—which are often numerous—can present an entirely new problem as their roots start to grow. This is a critical reason why tree stump removal is so important.
Attracts Pests
Decaying tree stumps attract insects, and these insects are not ones you want around your home (as they will eventually come inside). These insects include the incredibly destructive termite.
What Can You Do?
Don’t panic if you have a tree stump on your property and want to remove it immediately. There are a few things you can do to remove it. Depending on your skill set and comfort level, there are two routes you can take: remove it yourself or hire a professional. If you need to get rid of that tree stump yourself, you will want to ensure you have the right equipment, including renting a skid steer and the right attachment.