Why Is Stump Grinding Important?

After you have a tree removed or cut down, what are you supposed to do with the stump? Many property owners opt for stump grinding to remove the tree stump, but not everyone. Some say they don’t mind leaving the stump because they don’t plan on planting a new tree to replace it, or they want to save money, or simply let nature take its course. 

But stump grinding is still important, even if you don’t plan on replanting. Here’s why:

• Leftover tree stumps are an eyesore
• Termite and pest prevention
• Stop the regrowth or spread of roots
• Various safety issues
• Free mulch!
• Space to plant a new tree

Benefits of Stump Grinding

Many homeowners believe the only benefit of stump grinding and stump removal is aesthetic. If they don’t mind looking out the window and seeing a big, ugly stump there, it’s no big deal. Right? 

Not exactly. There are many other reasons to remove a dead tree stump ASAP.

Stump grinding helps prevent pests (including termites)

A rotting or decaying tree stump attracts pests like an all-inclusive resort. It provides them a comfortable place to live and lots of resources… until they run out. That’s the problem – eventually, they will run out. So, where do those pests go when they run out of resources? Often, they go into your house.

Having a dead tree stump in your yard makes it much more likely you’ll eventually have a pest infestation in your house. And that’s especially true for two very destructive pests: carpenter ants and termites. Termites often build colonies in tree stumps, and when next spring’s swarming season rolls around, don’t be surprised if they try to move into your house.

Dead tree stumps can also attract other pests like wasps and beetles. Even rodents like rats and mice may decide to make your leftover stump their home.

Stump removal stops the spread of roots and root rot

When you leave a stump in the ground, the roots may continue to grow. This can cause a variety of issues, from making planting more difficult to renegade roots infiltrating your water main, which is one of the most common causes of major plumbing problems.

Leaving your stump in the ground can also lead to root rot, which affects the overall health of your soil and nearby vegetation. With professional stump removal, you no longer have to worry about this risk.

Dead tree stumps can cause a variety of safety issues

Nobody wants their yard to be a danger zone, but that’s exactly what tree stumps can create. These leftover obstacles are surprisingly easy to miss, especially when they’re hiding under grass or covered by fallen leaves in autumn or snow in winter. When someone inevitably trips over one, the results can range from embarrassing to genuinely dangerous.

It’s not just your family at risk either – delivery drivers, landscapers, mail carriers, and guests all navigate your property without knowing where every stump lurks. And if someone gets hurt on your property because of a stump you left behind, you could be legally liable for their injuries and medical bills.

Additionally, tree stumps can be hidden hazards for lawn mowers. If you’ve ever hit a stump with your mower, you know the heart-stopping sound of metal meeting wood at high speed. It’s the sound of an expensive blade replacement.

Free mulch!

When you get your stump grinding from Majestic, we turn your old stump into high-quality organic mulch. With an appearance similar to wood chips, this mulch looks great on your property and provides nutrients to nearby plants.

Space to Plant a New Tree

You may or may not be planning on planting a new tree, but if you are, stump grinding will enable you to do so within a few weeks. As soon as the area dries out, you are free to use the land however you like. Think of it like a blank canvas.

Common Reasons Some People Don’t Get Stump Grinding

Some people choose to skip stump removal because they think it’s not necessary. While it’s always your choice and we understand their reasons, we disagree with the thought process. So let’s share the most common reasons people skip stump grinding service with a quick explanation as to why it’s not as good of a reason as they might think.

• Cost considerations: While stump removal has upfront costs, leaving stumps often costs more long term. You’ll face ongoing expenses from lawn mower repairs, potential pest control treatments, and possible property damage. Plus, stumps typically become harder and more expensive to remove as they settle and root systems spread.
• Landscape plans: Some people say they want to incorporate their stump into their landscaping design. Here’s the thing: Most landscape designs work better without old stumps. Even if you want to incorporate natural elements, a controlled planting or decorative feature will look better than a deteriorating stump. 
• “Good enough” mindset: This approach ignores escalating risks. What seems manageable now – mowing around it, remembering where it is – becomes more problematic as the stump settles, grass grows over it, or your circumstances change. Safety hazards shouldn’t be low-priority items. “Good enough” often leads to “wish I’d handled this sooner.” 
• Let nature take its course: Some say that they’d prefer to leave the stump there and let nature take its course. After all, the decaying stump will provide lots of nutrients to the land. The problem is that’s not the only way nature will take its course. In the meantime, the stump will attract pests of all types, and its rot can adversely affect the surrounding environment.

Ready to Schedule Your Stump Removal Service?

So, why is stump grinding important? We hope that after this explainer, the answer is clear and you’re no longer stumped. While it may seem like an unnecessary cost at first, it’s anything but. It’s an important long-term investment in the long-term health and safety of your property.

Got questions about our stump grinding service? Ready to get started? The experienced team at Majestic Tree Service is standing by to help. We offer free estimates on stump grinding and other tree services, so give us a call today and speak with a friendly expert.