Fungal growth, pest infestations, unwanted sprouts, and uneven turf are all signs that a tree stump is causing lawn damage. A decomposing stump will also deplete the soil of valuable nutrients.
Fungal Disease
A rotting stump is the perfect breeding ground for fungi that can harm your lawn. Watch for fairy rings. These are circles of mushrooms that usually indicate the presence of fungi around decaying stumps. The mushrooms aren’t harmful, but the fungal growth can cause dead patches of grass in a ring formation.
Decaying tree roots can spread serious fungal infections, too. This includes root rot, which can spread to healthy trees and shrubs. The most obvious signs of fungal growth include visible mushrooms, conks, or other fungi growing on the stump.
Pest Infestation
The decaying wood of a tree stump can attract a variety of pests. These can spread to your home, garden, and other plants. For example, termites find rotting wood to be an irresistible food source. A colony of termites that starts in a stump can migrate to your home’s foundation and other wooden structures.
Wood-boring beetles and carpenter ants nest in soft, decaying wood. You’ll know they’re there if you see piles of fine sawdust or small holes in the stump. The hollowed-out spaces under and within a rotting stump can also provide shelter for small animals like mice, rats, and snakes.
Uneven Ground and Equipment Damage
The root system of a tree may continue to cause issues long after the trunk is removed. As the large, buried roots and central stump decay, they create air pockets in your soil. These cause the ground to sink and become uneven. As a result, you’ll have a bumpy, hazardous lawn.
A rotting stump or the exposed roots can also pose a safety risk for anyone walking in your yard. If the stump is hidden by grass, it can destroy lawnmower blades and other maintenance equipment.
Competition for Nutrients and Water
A dead or dying stump and its root system can harm the health of your lawn. The process of decomposition by fungi and bacteria consumes a large amount of nitrogen from the surrounding soil. This deprives nearby grass of this vital nutrient. Eventually, your lawn could become pale, yellow, and thin.
It’s possible for some tree species to continue to send up new shoots and suckers from the remaining stump and root system. This unwanted growth also competes with your grass and other plants for resources such as water.
If you notice any of these signs, you need to have the stump removed. Contact American Arborists in Carson City, NV today to schedule your stump removal.