Why Is Stump Removal Important?

Serving San Ramon | San Jose | Fremont | Los Gatos

tree stump in otherwise beautiful front yard shows just one reason why stump grinding is important

After you have a tree cut down, is stump removal important? 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 opting for stump removal or stump grinding is still important for many reasons.

Benefits of Stump Removal

  • Leftover tree stumps are an eyesore
  • Stop the regrowth or spread of roots
  • Various safety issues
  • Termite and pest prevention
  • Free mulch!
  • Space to plant a new tree
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Top 5 Reasons Why Tree Stump Removal Is Important

Many homeowners believe the only benefit of stump grinding or 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Stump removal helps prevent pests (including termites)

tree stump removal in san jose-san ramon is important for preventing pests like these subterranean termites
Subterranean termites living in an old tree stump on a property in the San Ramon area.

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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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Leave your information below, and we’ll give you a call back as soon as possible!

What Are the Common Reasons People Don’t Remove Tree Stumps?

Some people choose to skip stump removal because they think it’s not necessary. While it’s always your choice, we disagree with the thought process. Let’s go over the most common reasons some people skip stump removal service with a quick explanation as to why it’s not as good 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 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 investment in the long-term health and safety of your property.

Got questions? If you’re ready to get started with stump grinding service, the experienced team at Majestic Tree Service is standing by to help. We offer free estimates, so give us a call today and speak with a friendly expert. 

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