What It Means If You See A Tree Stump With Round, White Markings

Proper tree removal is a multi-step process, which involves undercutting, backcutting, and stump removal. Sometimes the stumps aren't removed right away, and there are a number of ways to get rid of them. This is why you might find yourself "stumped" to find a leftover tree stump with white circular markings. Rather than being left forgotten by the original cutter of the tree, if you see these round, white markings, they actually indicate that the stump is in the process of being removed with the help of certain chemicals.

It's important to learn everything you need to know to cut trees in your yard, including proper stump removal. The white dots you might see on a tree stump are plugs designed to help get rid of the remainder of the tree without having to physically remove it. Also known as "ecoplugs," these stump killer inserts are made out of plastic and are inserted into cut tree stumps. Users typically drill holes into the stump and then insert the plugs. Aside from the goal of killing the remaining tree stump, these plugs are also designed to help prevent any tree regrowth. Some companies even promise an effective rate of at least 95%, when used as directed, though these products are more expensive than herbicide sprays and they can take up to several months to take full effect.

While there are a number of physical and chemical-based tree stump removal methods available, tree stump inserts are marketed for both their safety and efficacy. These plugs typically contain glyphosate, a type of commercial weed killer that is used in products such as Round-Up. While there are certainly safer store-bought weed killer alternatives to glyphosate available, the glyphosate-containing plugs are kept sealed in place. The glyphosate in tree stump inserts may be either granular or crystalline form. When used as directed, this feature can protect other foliage around the tree stump, as well as the humans who use the product. What's more, the plugs can also indicate to other people who come across the tree stump that herbicidal treatment is in place.

Tree stump plugs have several more advantages over other stump removal methods. First, unlike chemical sprays, the plugs can safely be used in all types of weather conditions and without the risk of run-off to water sources. These are also purportedly safe to use at any time of the year. Tree stump plugs can be more affordable when compared to using a stump grinding machine, and you don't have to mess with the physical labor of trying to use an axe and crowbar to dig it out yourself. Nevertheless, some experts argue that professional machine-based tree stump removal is the safest and most effective method. Now that you know what these small round markings on a tree stump indicate, you can leave them alone for your safety and also consider other common mistakes people make when removing tree stumps.