Should I remove a rotting tree stump?

A stump left in the ground after arboriculture work is a reminder that the job was not done properly.

A rotting tree stump that has not been removed is an accident waiting to happen. Not long after the arborist has left your property, the stump will begin to take on a life of its own and list of serious problems can arise at ground level.  

In this latest Tree Peaks blog we will be explaining some of the dangers of leaving stumps in the ground after surgery. 

1. Tree stumps are a slip, trip and fall hazard for people and an insurance claim waiting to happen 

Camouflaged by grass or light moss it doesn’t take the stump long to blend into its environment and become a dangerous trip hazard. This can result in serious falls and in turn public liability (duty of care) insurance claims. There are little to no benefits of keeping a stump in the ground. 

2. Tree stumps can damage garden machinery  

When a lawnmower hits a stump, there’s only ever going to be one winner. Thousands of lawnmowers are scrapped every year because of bent crankshafts. 

3. Tree stumps make garden maintenance hard work 

For many gardeners, maintenance is hard work. Why make it harder for yourself by having to manoeuvre round stumps left in the ground. This makes the overall job more time consuming and potentially dangerous for any elderly, disabled or young gardeners. 

4. Tree stumps can steal nutrients and create unwanted new growth 

Tree stumps that are still in the ground will be taking your new rose beds nutrients without you even knowing it, stunting growth for the rest of your garden.  

5. Property values and damage 

Stumps left in the ground still have root systems, and if they are getting nutrients they will grow and potentially damage other parts of your property. A garden surveyor will take this into account when valuating your property for sale. And will potentially lower the valuation of your properties if there are stumps that haven’t been properly removed. 

6. Garden space 

Very few people have too much space in their garden. We are always looking to see what we can change or adapt to make the best use of our spaces. Stumps could be the thing standing in the way of a new picnic or patio area. 

7. Unwanted fungi and insects 

​Decaying wood in abandoned stumps is a brilliant breeding ground for toxic fungi and nuisance insects and pests. Certain fungi can spread rapidly to other parts of your garden. Certain types will even kill the roots of plants nearby.  

Tree Peaks have seen many unfortunate stump situations over the years, it really is a case of getting it removed as soon as possible and leaving the cleanest canvas for your garden to grow on. 

To find out more about our stump removal services please contact us today by clicking here. 
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Bertie @ Tree Peaks
​#TreePeaks