Tree Stump Removal
You had a beautiful, 100-year-old native pecan tree in the backyard. I provided shade for the grandkid’s swing set, sandbox, and your family picnic table. Then the snow apocalypse of 2021 killed it, most of it fell in the backyard and some on top of the garage. You and some buddies got it cut up and hauled off, but there is still that tree stump removal to be done.
Your wife has found decorative ideas to use the tree stump, removal wouldn’t be necessary then. But is it better to leave that tree stump there? Arborists will tell you that it is best to follow through with tree stump removal, either professionally or DIY. Not sure why, keep reading:
- Property Damage: Frequently the tree roots will continue to grow, eventually reaching out to other areas of your lawn. They can spread and reach your home, getting wrapped around plumbing, and lifting the driveway, patio, walkways, and other pavement areas.
- Infestations: Skip the tree stump removal, the organisms will begin to decompose the remainder, and insects and pests begin moving in, build nests, and start scouting around the other trees, your plants, and even your home.
- Invasive: Tree stump removal will get rid of the unsightly appearance of that invasive obstruction in your yard. This can encourage other plants to grow that are just as invasive, unsightly, and a challenge to remove. Mushrooms and other fungi, will start growing on the tree stump, starting at the roots, and begin showing up throughout your landscaping. Some mushrooms like these can be dangerous, even deadly to animals, children, and other trees.
- Safety Hazards: Tree stump removal eliminates a safety hazard for any children playing in the yard. It also makes landscape maintenance easier!
- Aesthetics: Tree stump removal will give you valuable lawn space and eliminate the eyesore a tree stump can be.
Need a tree stump removed? Give Tree Spark a call at (817) 717-7737.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a tree stump?
It is recommended to have any tree stump removal in Fort Worth, TX done professionally by an arborist. They will use a stump grinding method in most cases. It is the more efficient and less intensive method using a rotating cutting disk piece of equipment that shreds the tree stump into small wood chips. This still leaves the roots in the ground, but those will decay naturally over time.
Another method of tree stump removal is to either burn it or apply chemicals designated for tree stump removal. You can also have the stump pulled up, but this will leave a hole in the ground.
Can a tree stump removal be done with DIY?
Use lamp oil or kerosene poured over the cut part of the tree stump and allow it to sit and soak in. It will soak through the stump and into the root. After a week, pour more over the open tree stump, and within another week, with the approval of the fire department and safety measures, you’ll be able to burn the tree stump out.
Will salt or vinegar get rid of a tree stump?
There are a few household items that can be used to accelerate the demise of the tree stump for tree stump removal to be completed. Those items include oil, salt, or vinegar. However, the larger the tree stump, the longer it takes these to work.
What is the most effective tree stump killer?
The chemical potassium nitrate has a high concentration of nitrogen. Poured directly on the tree stump, it will accelerate the decomposition process making tree stump removal easier.
In Closing
What if you decide you want to keep the tree stump after all? Fortunately, just as there are products and ways for tree stump removal, there are ways to preserve them too with these steps:
- Prepare the tree stump by removing any branches and leaves and sanding the areas smooth, removing the stop layer. Next, using a saw, remove any other pieces of the tree still attached. Now drill holes evenly spaced into the tree stump about an inch deep.
- Allow the stump to dry thoroughly. Then using a wire brush, remove any debris, dirt, or dead bark from the surface and drill holes in the sides of the stump to help it decompose faster.
- Mixing water and vinegar, fill the holes, and then cover the tree stump with plastic sheeting or tarp. After this has sat for a while, fill the holes with sand and then fill any gaps and imperfections, sanding them down to a smooth surface. Now, your once-ugly tree stump is ready to be painted and decorated!
In some cases, you may want to leave the rugged appearance of the bark, as well as any gaps and imperfections. This is a personal decision and is your tree stump to do as you want! You should check with any homeowner association rules and restrictions before going through this process though. Ready to get old stumps removed? Call (817) 717-7737 to set an appointment today.