What Happens if You Don’t Remove a Tree Stump?

When a tree company removes a tree on your property, you may wonder whether you can simply leave the stump behind and work around it moving forward. What happens if you don’t remove a tree stump? Will it pose a problem later on? 

Many people never remove stumps, choosing instead to let them decompose over time. But this can lead to a few consequences you should consider before deciding whether or not to schedule removal. 

If you want a professional’s opinion, schedule tree services in Littleton, CO.

Old tree stump left in a residential yard with decay, new growth, and surrounding overgrowth showing potential problems from not removing a stump | What Happens if You Don't Remove a Tree Stump?

Potential Problems Caused by Leaving a Tree Stump  

Tree stumps left behind after removals aren’t an uncommon sight in Littleton. Professional removal often requires an additional expense, leading many homeowners to accept their stumps as new fixtures of their yards. 

However, leaving a stump behind poses a few risks to your property that you should consider:

  • Tripping hazards: If your backyard sees a lot of activity from neighborhood kids or social gatherings, the stump can pose a serious tripping hazard. In the worst-case scenario, it could lead to an accident that leaves you liable for damages. 
  • Habitats for pests: As tree stumps start to decompose, they become ideal breeding grounds for pests like termites, beetles, carpenter ants, and other wood-boring insects. These pests can quickly move from the stump to your home and lead to costly infestations. 
  • Lawn diseases and fungal growth: Rotting tree stumps can also harbor mold and other fungi. The fungal growth can spread to other areas of your lawn, causing diseases that harm your landscape and can even prove toxic to children and pets. 
  • Lawn care obstacles: On a less serious note, leaving the stump behind means you still need to maneuver around it when mowing, without the shade and other benefits the tree provided. 
  • Limited room for new landscaping: As long as your tree stump remains an eyesore on your property, you won’t have the opportunity to plant new bushes, shrubs, flowers, or other landscaping features in that spot. It can also detract from the rest of your landscaping efforts. 

Easy Stump Removal Methods To Consider 

What happens if you don’t remove a tree stump? If you want to avoid the risks of leaving a tree stump behind, removing it may be a good idea. You can explore several options for stump removal, but the easiest and most convenient option is to enlist professionals. 

A tree company can perform stump grinding, which involves mulching the stump to a few inches below ground level and backfilling the hole. This leaves behind a level surface where you can plant grass seed or other shallow plants. Stump grinding usually takes only a few hours and is safer than any of the DIY removal methods you might see online. 

Schedule Stump Grinding With Bear Creek Tree Service 

Now that you know what happens if you don’t remove a tree stump and the advantages of stump grinding, it’s time to consider scheduling service. Bear Creek Tree Service would be happy to provide a free estimate for stump grinding in Littleton; call (720) 299-1409

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