Stumps

Have you ever successfully cut down a tree but then you have the stump left and don’t know what to do with it? There is a good chance that if you don’t do something about the stump then the tree will try to grow back! There are a few good options to control the underground portion of a leftover tree.              

The first method is to use the chemical approach, or a “stump killer” chemical.  This will be applied lightly around the outside edges of the tree soon after a fresh cut has been made.  The chemical will go down into the root system and finish off all those living roots.  You have to be careful when using this method because if there is a tree you want to keep next to the one you removed, there may be a chance that the roots touch under the ground and the chemical can be transferred into the tree you want to keep alive.              

Another common method used is the use of a stump grinder or stump cutter.  This is a machine that has a large metal wheel on the front of it with some metal teeth that will grind the stump into pieces.  This method works really fast and once the trunk is turned into a dirty mulch pile, the excess can be removed and new topsoil placed with grass seed over it to make a nice flat area where your tree was.  The limitations of this method is that it can’t get too close to buildings and sometimes it can’t get into backyard or on really steep hills.  This method also doesn’t get rid of the roots of a tree, only the main stump and possibly above surface roots.             

Then there is the old method of waiting out the stump… Eventually a dead stump will decay and rot away.  A lot of people ask about putting a copper nail or drilling some holes into the stump.  Those methods can help speed up the process, but there is still a REALLY long wait after that.  It could take up to 10 years for the stump to degrade.              

The method you decide will depend on your landscape needs and the location of the stump.  Whatever your choice is, we can assist you in the process.  Ask about your options and find out what best fits your timeline and needs.