Trees filter our water, clean the air, and slow flooding. They even help cool urban areas by as much as 10 degrees, reducing heat-related deaths. However, there comes a time when a tree reaches the end of its lifespan.
When trees die, and homeowners call for removal, the stump is often left behind. Some people like the look of the stump, while most may not want to pay the additional price.
The problem is that leaving tree stumps in your yard causes several safety issues. Plus, they’re not aesthetically pleasing, which may impact your curb appeal. Here’s why you should remove tree stumps from your yard.
Tree Stumps Negatively Affect Your Home’s Value
While mature trees can do wonders for your home’s value, dead trees have the opposite effect. Even leaving a tree stump makes your yard look less attractive. Most people dislike the look of a stump, as it can appear shabby.
Whether true or not, a clean and well-kept yard is often considered a sign of a tidy and well-maintained home. First impressions matter whether you plan on selling your home or not.
A recent RE/MAX Twitter poll revealed that 46.2% of people find a shabby exterior an instant turn-off when looking at homes. As you might expect, keeping the yard in good shape will positively affect the neighborhood value. That always benefits homeowners, whether they want to sell or stay in place.
Of course, the opposite is also true. Unkempt yards negatively affect the neighborhood value. Leaving those tree stumps may be doing more harm than good.
They Take up Yard Space
Yard work and landscaping are much more difficult around a tree stump, especially on small lawns. A tree stump takes up a lot of room, which could be used to plant new grass and flowers or to place features.
Some people wait for the stumps to rot, but that can take years. Others attempt to incorporate them into their landscaping by planting flowers on or around them. And yet they still stand out and, in many cases, are still an eyesore.
Yard stump removal gives you much more room. You can even plant a new tree, which will provide many advantages as it matures.
If you have kids, yard stump removal frees up much more room in the yard where they can safely play.
There Is a Risk of Root Growth
Some people may not know that cutting down a tree doesn’t prevent new growth. Roots can grow inside damaged pipes, which may cause them to burst. Roots that are too close to a building can also cause foundation damage.
Roots also lift pavement, cracking and ruining your patios, sidewalks, and driveway.
These roots can sap water and nutrients, which becomes a problem for grass and other greenery. Do you really want a tree stump to take nutrients from your other plant life?
Grinding a stump removes the root system. The process prevents suckering growth or “zombie trees,” which are costly to remove once they form roots and establish themselves.
It’s a Safety Hazard
Tree stumps are a safety hazard to both your family and visitors. Kids playing in the yard may trip and fall over a tree stump or the roots. Stumps also become a liability if a friend, neighbor, or visitor falls or injures themselves.
When an accident occurs on your property, and you’re liable, you may face a personal injury lawsuit.
It’s best to protect yourself, your family, and your guests by removing the stump and making your yard safer.
Pests Live in Tree Stumps
A tree stump is a perfect place for unwanted pests to take up residence. Termites, rodents, wood-boring insects, carpenter ants, and more can live comfortably there.
These pests will also spread to other areas in your yard, such as to healthy trees. Eventually, they make their way to your home.
Termites and wood-boring insects will damage your property. They eat away at the wood, which often results in structural damage. A more serious infestation can even continue inside the house, damaging your walls and furniture.
Pests like rodents present more issues, as they can carry diseases. You don’t want any rodents posing a health risk to you or your family.
Fungi also thrive on dead tree stumps. Animals or children that eat these mushrooms or fungi may get very sick. Mushroom poisoning can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, liver and kidney failure, and more.
The mushrooms on your tree stump will likely spread to other areas of your yard as well, becoming both an eyesore and a hazard.
Tree Stumps Can Damage Lawn Equipment
Tree stumps take up space, and working around them to care for the yard can also be a risk. When performing regular lawn care, you might trip and fall over the stump or the roots. If you’re carrying or working with sharp tools or equipment, this poses a serious risk.
Additionally, tree stumps will damage a lawnmower if you get too close. You may also hurt yourself if the mower comes into contact with the stump.
Not only is it riskier to work around a tree stump, but it also makes basic gardening and upkeep more difficult. It’s more time-consuming to mow and weed around a tree stump.
A Safer Yard Begins Here – Yard Stump Removal
There are many benefits to removing tree stumps, such as having more yard space and improving the look of your home’s exterior. Additionally, you avoid any costly lawsuits or damages caused by the roots.
If you need a tree or stump removed in the Kokomo, IN, area, give us a call or contact us here at Grace Tree Service.