When a large tree is cut down, dies or is otherwise removed, what to do with the stump is often a problem that needs to be dealt with. The larger the tree, the greater and more expensive the problem that a tree stump can be as we will see below.
Not only can a tree grow back from a stump that is left intact, the roots can continue to grow underground which can create problems for the surrounding area as they spread. Moss and other vegetation can grow and rotting wood may attract unwanted pests.
Below we will discuss pros and cons of leaving a tree stump intact and options you have for removal.
Why leave a tree stump intact instead of removing it?
Tree removal and tree stump remediation are expensive jobs and more so as the tree gets larger. Part of the cost of tree removal is cutting the tree down and hauling away the wood but stump removal is another story. Removing a large stump is a difficult job for large trees and adds significantly to the cost.
While some tree service firms charge on a flat rate basis, others may charge by the hour for a job they expect will take more time.
This is why you often see tree stumps left in the ground rather than having them pulled out of the ground completely. It can be costly.
Some people also don’t really care about the look and leave the stump as is. If you don’t have kids or animals to worry about or have a tree stump in a part of your yard that doesn’t concern you, you might just leave it intact.
Others choose to do something to hide the stump or find a use for it. You could put a planter on top, turn it into a table or grow a garden of flowers or shrubs around it, basically turning the stump into a natural centerpiece.
What happens when you leave a tree stump in the ground?
There are a number of things to consider when you leave a tree stump intact rather than removing it.
Common considerations include:
Bad look – A tree stump generally doesn’t look good and looks worse when it starts to rot, grow moss, fungus or weeds. Grass and weeds that grow around a tree stump can be difficult to remove with a lawnmower and use of a whipper snipper can be dangerous if you accidentally hit the stump.
Tripping danger – Tree stumps can be a danger particularly for kids or animals. If it’s the middle of the lawn, it can also present dangers when mowing the lawn to either yourself or your lawnmower.
Loss of space – Tree stumps take up space in your yard that could otherwise be used for grass, a garden or other uses. Roots can continue to grow both above and below ground which creates new problems.
Risk of attracting pests – Rotting wood can attract insects like termites, ants, and beetles which can impact your house or surrounding plants and vegetation.
Root damage – If the roots on your stump continue to grow which they can, this may eventually cause trouble for underground pipes, other plants in the vicinity or patios or decks that all be negatively impacted. Roots that grow above ground can start to dig up the lawn making mowing even more difficult.
The tree might grow back – If you cut a tree down to the stump, the tree or other sprouts may eventually grow back. And as mentioned above, roots can continue to grow below ground.
What options are available to deal with a tree stump?
The two main ways to get rid of an unwanted tree stump are to do one of the following:
- Remove the tree stump from the ground.
- Grind the tree stump.
The table below discusses an overview and comparison of each choice and why you might choose one option over the other.
| Tree stump removal | Tree stump grinding | |
| Benefits | Removing a tree stump completely ensures the tree won’t grow back. You can then fill the hole in or plant a new tree. It effectively solves the problem and enables you to move on and deal with the resulting hole as you like. | Grinding the stump may prevent the tree from growing back but it’s not guaranteed. It’s less work than physically removing a stump. You can also choose how high/low the stump should be i.e. down as far as 1′ below the ground. You also end up with wooden mulch you can use in your garden if desired. |
| Downsides | Requires more work than stump grinding so it’ll tend to be more expensive. Requires large, heavy machinery for larger stumps. Leaves a large hole which can be good or bad depending on your perspective. | Doesn’t completely remove the stump although it will tend to die off eventually. As such, the tree may grow back in the future. |
| Cost | Tends to be more expensive than tree stump grinding given the additional work to remove the tree from the ground and then dispose of everything including the stump. Average online costs suggest around $520 for tree and stump removal. | Tends to be less expensive than tree stump removal since there is less work involved. Average online costs suggest around $250 for stump grinding. |
| Difficulty | More time-consuming and labor intensive than tree stump grinding for the tree removal practitioner. Then the homeowner has to do something with the gaping hole that is left. | Less time-consuming and labor intensive than tree stump removal for the tree removal practitioner. No gaping hole is left so there is is also less work for the homeowner. |
| Considerations | Completely removes the tree, stump and roots and guarantees the tree won’t grow back. | Stump and roots remain and while they will tend to rot and die over time, you may see some tree sprouts growing from the stump. The tree could also grow back. |
One final thought: Stump grinding is generally considered to be more environmentally friendly since it is less invasive. It tends to leave the area around the tree stump with less damage than stump removal which not only leaves a big hole but can damage the area around where the stump is located.
Common problems when removal tree stumps
Here’s a table highlighting some common problems encountered in stump removal and suggested fixes or usual procedures to address them:
| Problem in Stump Removal | Suggested Fix or Usual Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1. Stubborn Roots | Fix: Use a reciprocating saw or chainsaw to cut through stubborn roots. Additionally, applying a stump removal chemical can help weaken the roots over time. |
| 2. Large Stumps | Procedure: For larger stumps, consider using a mechanical stump grinder. These machines can quickly and effectively grind down even substantial stumps below ground level. |
| 3. Rocks and Debris | Fix: Clear the area of rocks, debris, or any foreign objects around the stump. These can damage grinding equipment or create safety hazards. |
| 4. Inadequate Equipment | Procedure: Ensure you have the right equipment for the job. Stump grinders or hand tools should be appropriate for the stump’s size and location. |
| 5. Risk to Utility Lines | Procedure: Prior to removal, contact local utility companies to locate and mark any underground lines. Avoid cutting through utility lines while grinding or excavating. |
| 6. Re-Growth | Fix: To prevent re-growth, apply a commercial stump killer to the exposed surface, or cover the area with a tarp to block sunlight and water. |
| 7. Environmental Impact | Procedure: In sensitive environments, consider using environmentally friendly, organic methods to encourage stump decomposition rather than grinding. |
| 8. Unpredictable Rotting | Fix: Monitor the rate of decay in rotting stumps. If the stump isn’t decaying as expected, consider introducing nitrogen-rich materials to speed up the process. |
| 9. Safety Hazards | Procedure: Always follow safety guidelines and wear protective gear during stump removal. If you’re uncertain about any aspect of the process, seek professional help. |
| 10. Residual Debris | Fix: Clear any remaining debris and fill the hole left by the stump with topsoil to level the ground. Plant grass or other vegetation as needed. |
Stump removal can be a challenging task, and the approach may vary depending on the size of the stump, equipment available, and environmental factors. Safety precautions and proper equipment are essential for successful stump removal.
Personal anecdotes regarding tree and stump removal
During a large rain and wind storm, a 15 year old tree in my mum’s backyard got uprooted and had to be removed. The tree basically snapped and fell on its side but the roots and stump remained in the ground. She was quoted wildly ranging prices for tree removal, from $250 – $750 from several tree service companies over the phone, sight unseen.
In the end, she got help from my brother in law to cut the tree down and then got a company to remove the stump at a cost. She then had to replace the tree as per rules from the HOA in her area.
On the other hand, I had an issue in a rental home I was living in when a tree grew out of control and the landlord thought it best to remove it. They hired a tree service firm to cut the tree down and grind the stump slightly below ground.
Within months of the work, multiple small sprouts from this tree were growing back out of the ground directly above the stump. I pulled them out (they were already quite strong and difficult to remove) and weeks later, new sprouts would appear. This continued until I moved out of the house.
So in this case, cutting down the tree with stump grinding got rid of the tree for awhile but didn’t prevent it from growing back.
Summary
A tree can grow back from a tree stump that is left in place as can other small trees, moss and other vegetation. If you have a tree stump from a lost tree, you have several options available to deal with it.
While leaving the tree stump in place is one option, this can lead to a number of problems not the least of which is that the tree can eventually grow back.
If you want to remove the tree stump, the two most common ways are to remove the stump completely or grind the stump.
While tree and stump removal will ensure the tree doesn’t grow back, it also tends to be the most time-consuming and most expensive option.
Tree grinding on the other hand is less work and expensive but leaves part of the stump in place. While you have some say in how deep the stump is ground down, you will still have some stump remaining. Over time the stump and roots tend to die but it may not be immediate.