After a tree is seriously damaged from disease, bad weather or other unfortunate circumstances, it’s common to chop it down and leave the stump in the ground. This stump is an eyesore that detracts from your yard’s appearance, but this isn’t the only concern. A tree stump poses health and safety risks for your household members and visitors, and it can even lead to property damage. These are some of the risks of keeping a tree stump in your yard.
Pest Infestations
While the bulk of the tree may be gone, the stump continues to attract pests. In fact, a stump can be a home or food source for beetles, carpenter ants, termites and even rodents. When these pests are close to your home, they are more likely to eventually spread inside your house. This can lead to the spread of diseases as well as potential pest-related property damage.
Tripping Hazard
Even a tree stump cut very low to the ground is a tripping hazard. You might be aware of the stump’s presence and avoid it while outdoors, but that doesn’t mean others will pay attention to it. Kids running through your yard could trip on it. Delivery drivers, friends, neighbors and others might also venture across the yard and ultimately find themselves stumbling headfirst onto the ground. A tree stump is a major liability risk. If you have one, you need to remove it promptly.
Fungal Diseases
As tree stumps rot, they are prone to fungal growth. Stumps don’t always contain such growth, however. It can spread to other vegetation nearby, potentially devastating it. Some types of fungus may also make their way to the exterior of your home and grow on siding and other surfaces. Even worse, tree and stump fungus can result in serious health risks for humans and pets alike. Exposure could result in allergic reactions, skin infections and respiratory issues.
Property Damage
In some cases, tree roots continue to grow underground even though the tree’s trunk, branches and leaves are gone. These roots can spread across the yard and cause extensive property damage. For example, roots can grow into sewer lines, upheave sidewalks, damage flowerbeds and affect your home’s foundation. Removing the tree stump is the only way to ensure that the roots don’t cause serious property damage.
As you can see, a tree stump in your yard is more than an eyesore, and you need experienced professionals to remove it promptly. For tree stump grinding in Carson City, NV, make an appointment with American Arborists today.