If for any reason you have a tree stump in your garden or on your land, it may look unsightly. But sometimes the problems can go beyond tree stumps causing a bad view. There can be an active risk to the health of your garden and the safety of within your garden.
There are cases where tree stump removal or grinding services are completely necessary to maintain your outdoor space’s overall wellbeing, and to keep your garden hazard-free and blooming. And if you recognise the signs of potential deterioration, you should take prompt action to prevent the issues.
Signs that a Tree Stump may be Rotten
- An unpleasant smell: Decaying wood can give off a distinctive, unpleasant smell which may be sour or musty. This is a result of bacteria and fungus breaking down the wood. This odour can be unpleasant and detract from your enjoyment of your garden!
- Spongy or soft wood: While healthy wood feels firm when you touch it, rotten wood is spongy and soft. So, feel different areas of the stump to identify decaying spots. These may also crumble readily under your fingers, which means decomposition has progressed.
- Growth of fungi: This is one of the most obvious indications of a rotting stump. Any fungal growth, such as mushrooms around the base, clearly shows that rot has set in. These growths thrive on damp, decaying wood and so are reliable indicators. This is natural and expected, but unpleasant and can be a risk to those playing in the garden.
- Pests and insects: Once a stump starts to rot, ants, beetles and termites frequently move in. It’s true that some creatures will naturally make tree remains their home, but take notice if the number seems to be growing.
Why might you need to Remove a Tree Stump?
As mentioned, there are any number of reasons why tree stump removal could be the best way forward. So, while it may seem the easiest option to just leave it, getting rid of a stump completely could be more beneficial than you realised.
It looks better
Quite apart from anything else, taking away a rotten stump can enhance the appearance of the surrounding area. Your garden will appear cleaner, less cluttered and spaces enjoyed.
Potential safety problems
A rotten stump can be a trip or slip hazard, especially when the roots eventually become exposed. This could be a particular concern if children, the elderly or less mobile people live with you or visit regularly.
Stop fungal diseases from spreading
When you get rid of a tree stump, it obviously becomes impossible for fungi to spread to any nearby healthy plants or trees. So, stump removal is a good protective move, since the resulting diseases could spread and kill or weaken other trees or woody shrubs which are otherwise thriving.
You may be pleasantly surprised at how straightforward removing a tree stump can be – but it is always a job for the stump professionals, since it is unlikely you have the necessary kit or experience to do it yourself.
Hire a Professional for Tree Stump Removal or Stump Grinding
At StumpBusters, we are the UK’s leading specialists in tree stump removal and stump grinding. Customer-focused and comprehensively insured with full accreditation, we have been providing these tree stump services for more than 30 years nationally, for both domestic and commercial customers including tree surgeons, landscapers, golf courses, builders and more.
What is more, our extensive line-up of modern equipment means we can clear any size of stump with remarkable precision, no matter how tricky access is.
With local operators across the UK, we have a national reach. Finally, we typically provide quotes over the phone, so contact your local StumpBuster today.