Tree stumps might seem harmless or even rustic at first glance but leaving them in your yard in Collinsville, IL comes with a host of drawbacks. While removing a tree is often a necessary task due to disease, damage, or landscaping plans, stopping short of full stump removal can lead to bigger issues down the road.
A Breeding Ground for Pests
Pests can be attracted to stumps in your yard. As the stump decays, it becomes an ideal habitat for insects like termites, ants, beetles, and even carpenter bees. These pests aren’t just a threat to the stump, they can eventually make their way to your home or other healthy trees nearby. Once they spread, exterminating them can become a costly and time-consuming ordeal.
Unwanted Plant Growth
Some tree stumps will try to regrow, sending out shots from the base of the stump. These shoots are not only unsightly, but they also draw nutrients from nearby plants and grass. In some cases, a network of roots remains alive underground, fueling unwanted growth that’s difficult to control without repeated treatments or full stump removal.
A Trip Hazard and Liability Risk
From a safety perspective, stumps can quickly turn into a hazardous obstacle. Whether you have children running around the yard, guests visiting, or you’re just doing yard work, a stump can be an easy obstacle to trip over. If someone does get hurt on your property because of a stump, you could be held liable. This turns what might seem like a minor eyesore into a potential legal and financial risk.
Damage to Lawn Equipment
Your lawn equipment can be damaged if it runs into a tree stump. This can cause costly repairs and you might even need to buy new equipment. The uneven ground around the stump can also make mowing harder and put extra strain on your equipment.
Decreases Curb Appeal
Curb appeal matters, especially if you’re considering selling your Collinsville, IL home or just take pride in maintaining a clean yard. Rotting stumps can hurt your landscaping. Over time, it will become discolored, possibly attract fungi, and stand out as a clear blemish on your landscape design.
Slows Future Landscaping Projects
If you plan to replant, build a patio, or redesign the yard in the future, that stump is going to get in the way. Digging around it or trying to build over it can be incredibly difficult and may require you to remove it later anyway, potentially at a higher cost due to further root spread or decay.
Call Merritt’s Tree Service today if you have a tree stump in your yard you would like to have removed.