After removing a tree that just not working on your yard, what’s next that you need to deal with is the sturdy stump that once anchored the tree in place. Tree stumps should be removed for a variety of reasons. However, the most obvious reason is for aesthetic reasons. Tree stumps not only take up a lot of valuable yard area, but they're also a real eyesore. Tree stumps that have been left to decay in the ground can often regenerate, making removal much more expensive and difficult.
Safety is a huge reason as well. Pedestrians are at risk of tripping over them. They can also snare automobiles and lawn mowers. Pipes and sewer lines can potentially be harmed by tree roots. Tree stumps, if left neglected, can produce compounds that hinder the growth of neighboring plants. That’s why, tree stump removal is essential.
However, tree stump removal is a no easy task. But don't worry, we've got you covered if you need to know how to remove a tree stump. While you may decide to hire a professional in the end, you do have options. Here are some ways on how to get rid of tree stumps.
Boring holes in the stump and filling them with salt (rock salt) and boiling water may be a simpler approach. This will aid in the dissolution of the salt, allowing it to penetrate deep into the stump and eventually kill it. Chemicals are also frequently used to reduce sucker growth caused by tree stump roots. This can be done with a non-selective herbicide placed at the sucker's base on fresh cuttings, or by cutting into the root itself and applying the herbicide. Often, more than one application is required, but this will eventually solve the problem.
Burning can be used to remove tree stumps, but only experienced landscapers and tree removalists employ this procedure. Tree stumps can take up to a week or two to completely burn, and in most regions, burning them is prohibited owing to fire laws. This method should not be used near other people's homes or in wooded areas.
Digging tree stumps out of the ground (by professionals) is typically recommended as the quickest and easiest option. Though it is costly, it may be completed in a matter of hours, if not minutes, utilizing specialized technology such as stump grinders. A spade shovel or pick axe can be used to dig out smaller stumps.
Another way to get rid of a tree stump is to let it rot or deteriorate. Keeping the stump moist, but not wet, and fertilizing it with nitrogen fertilizer can encourage fungus, which will aid in its deterioration, especially in warmer temperatures, such as 60 to 90 degrees F. (15-32 degrees Celsius).