Why Stump Removal is Important for your Garden

stump removal

If you’re felling or dismantling a tree, it can be easy to forget about the stump. It’s often not until a tree surgeon has packed up and left a stump behind that people realise that stump removal is not always automatically included in tree removal jobs.

So if you’re removing a tree, it’s worth thinking about what you want to do with the stump before you get the job done.

Read on to learn why tree stumps are usually removed and the best ways to do it.

Why do I need stump removal services?

You don’t have to get rid of your tree stump, but there are several reasons why it’s a good idea. Top reasons include:

They’re hazardous

Tree stumps are easy to trip over, especially once they’ve become camouflaged by grass and weeds growing on them.

They can look ugly

Lots of people think tree stumps are a bit of an eyesore, especially in well-manicured gardens.

The longer you leave them the harder they are to get out

If a tree stump isn’t completely dead it can grow new shoots, which makes it harder to get out

They can host diseases

Dead stumps can develop diseases like honey fungus, which can spread to other plants.

What’s the best way to remove a tree stump?

There are several ways to remove a tree stump. The best way for your tree stump depends on its size and your skills and experience.

Dig it out

You can usually dig a stump out if it’s small enough. If it has a diameter of around 12cm or less it’s certainly worth a try.
Firstly, dig a trench around the stump. Then separate as many of the roots from the stump as possible using an axe or a similar tool. You should then be able to work the stump out by rocking it and digging more if needed.

Use stump killer

If you have a bigger stump you can try using stump killer. There are a range of these available in garden centres and online. Treating your stump with a suitable chemical product should make it soft and pulpy over time. This will make it easier to dig or pull out.

Grind it out

If you have a relatively big stump and want a fairly instant result, grinding is the way to go. A stump grinder works by chopping away at a stump, breaking it into small chips or sawdust. You can grind it down to ground level or up to around 30cm below this if you prefer.

Stump grinders are available for hire if you’re keen on DIY. However, they can be difficult to use and very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. The best thing to do is to hire a professional who can do the work safely and efficiently.

Whatever way you choose to get rid of your stump, if you’re doing it at the same time as getting the rest of the tree removed it’s a good idea to seek professional advice.

If you’re investigating stump removal because you’re felling or dismantling a tree, speak to your tree surgeon or arborist. They might include stump removal in their tree removal quote or give you a cheaper rate. Or if you want to dig it out yourself they should be able to leave a stump that’s tall enough to make the job easier for you.

Price

£50-£100

Time

1 day