Is Removing A Tree Stump The Right Choice For You? Here Are The Alternatives

When a tree needs to be removed because it is dead, dying, or damaged, you will be left with the stump. A common option for dealing with the part of the tree that is left behind is to have the stump removed, but there are also alternative methods for removing tree stumps. There are advantages and drawbacks to each method, whether you remove the entire stump, grind it, or accelerate natural decay with chemicals.

According to Angi, the cost of stump removal could be between $195 and $609, depending on the size of the stump, type of tree, and accessibility. The affordable way to remove a tree stump is manually. This method involves digging around the stump, cutting the roots, and removing the stump piece by piece. In addition to saving money by doing the work yourself, the advantages of removing the entire stump include having fresh ground for planting grass, a garden, or another tree.

The disadvantages of tree stump removal include the expense, time, and labor required to get the job done. After the stump is gone, you will be left with a large hole in the ground that will need to be filled. Leaving stumps in the ground isn't really an option because an old stump is unsightly, a tripping hazard, and provides a place for termites and other insects to move in. Fortunately, there are alternatives to removing the stump yourself or paying someone else hundreds of dollars to handle the job.

There are things to consider when removing a tree stump from your yard, including the challenges and best methods for getting rid of them. Stump grinding is a common alternative to stump removal. This method involves using a stump grinder to grind the stump and turn it into wood chips. These chips can be used as mulch for your landscaping beds or hauled away. The stump is ground down to a little below ground level, so you can plant grass on that spot.

When the stump has been reduced to ground level, the roots remain in the ground, where they will slowly decay over time. This could take several years, especially if you removed large trees with extensive root systems. The biggest downside of this is that the use of the ground where the tree was removed will be limited. You may not be able to install landscape beds or plant a new tree or a garden in place of the old tree.

Stump grinding requires specialized equipment known as a stump grinder. There are smaller and larger grinders to handle trees of all sizes on residential and commercial properties. A stump grinder is expensive equipment, so you will either need to hire a professional to grind the stump for you or rent the machinery. It's important to use a stump grinder properly, so ensure you feel comfortable after receiving instructions from the rental company before tackling the job.

Stump removal and grinding are not the only options for eliminating unwanted stumps from your yard. If removing a tree stump doesn't feel like the right choice for you, there are less labor-intensive alternatives to consider. You could use a method to help facilitate the natural decay process to encourage the stump to rot faster, so it will be easier to get out of the ground.

One method is to use a stump remover chemical to help speed up the decay process. You will need to drill holes in the top of the stump to help the chemical seep into the wood. After applying the chemical, you can cover the stump with a tarp to help keep the chemical from washing away. In a month or so, the stump will become soft and be easier to cut apart.

If you hate the idea of harsh chemicals around your kids or pets, the easiest way to remove a tree stump from your yard uses Epsom salts. The process is similar to the chemical method, starting with drilling holes into the tree stump. Fill the holes with Epsom salts, and then pour water into the holes before covering the stump with dirt and a tarp. This method may need to be repeated several times, and the process will take a year or longer, compared with a month for the chemical method.