It’s a sad day when a majestic tree has to be removed due to death or disease. While it may be tempting to cut it down and leave the stump, the stump can cause problems. You want to avoid the consequences of neglecting stump removal in Bedford and Hollis, NH, areas so that your property remains attractive and safe.
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If Your Tree Was Diseased
If the tree that was removed suffered from a disease, chances are good that the remaining trees could be infected. Root disease can spread to nearby trees through the ground. Trees communicate via their roots and a fungal system, and pathogens can travel along these communication routes. Stump and large root removal is a proven disease control method used in densely wooded areas. Even if the tree was relatively isolated from other trees, the stump could harbor fungal spores that contain bacteria or viruses; these pathogens can be transmitted through the air, or through water (heavy rains and snowmelt). In short, if your downed tree was diseased, do not take chances. Remove the stump and large roots to preserve the health of other trees in the area.
If Your Tree Died Because of Storm Damage
A tree that was felled because of storm damage could still have a strong root system. Surprisingly, it may continue to grow and before you know it, new shoots emerge from the stump. If this particular tree had previously caused damage, such as lifting a section of driveway, or a walkway or sidewalk, keep in mind that the roots could continue to grow and continue causing damage to the property! Just because a tree has been felled, doesn’t mean that it won’t regenerate.
If Your Tree Died of Old Age
A dead tree in the forest can be left alone to provide housing for birds and small animals. However, a dead tree near the home poses obvious problems, especially if the tree was close to the home. Most homeowners don’t hesitate to remove a dead tree that sits close to their home. However, unless the stump is also removed, it will invite pests such as carpenter ants, termites, and beetles. Wood-boring insects are irresistibly attracted to rotting wood, and stumps rot quickly. Ants and termites quickly form massive colonies. Once they’ve outgrown their tree stump home, they will easily migrate to the home.
Safety Issues
Aside from a tripping hazard, rotting stumps can also promote the growth of mold and mildew. For sensitive individuals, this can be a significant problem.
Fresh stumps are an attractive obstacle for children and yes, they can make great pedestals for potted plants. But as rot sets in, the stump can become slick with mildew; and stepping onto rotting wood could mean a twisted ankle, or worse.
Curb Appeal
Even a fresh stump makes an otherwise tidy landscape look unkempt, and the looks of the stump won’t improve over the years.
Leave It to the Pros!
It’s important to carefully remove not only the stump but major roots without causing damage to the landscape. Stumps are incredibly heavy and it takes more than a chainsaw and a friend with a pickup truck to safely remove them. Trained stump removal professionals put safety first, and depending on the situation (such as proximity to the home) they’ll either remove the stump as a whole, or grind down the stump and major roots using a stump grinder to make your landscape attractive and safe again.
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