What is the Easiest Way to Remove a Tree Stump?

Although removing a tree stump isn’t always necessary, many homeowners desire a more aesthetically pleasing landscape in their front or back yard. This is where stump removal comes into play. For the most part, people want to remove tree stumps simply because they look bad; while in other cases, stumps that are dead need to be removed for the betterment of the surrounding landscape. Either way, tree stump removal is not an easy job for anyone, and it requires patience, timing, tools, and technique. Continue reading to learn the easiest way for homeowners to remove unsightly tree stumps from their beloved personal properties.

Dead Tree Stumps

When a tree stump is dead, it is a target for all types of unwanted pests. Bugs like termites, ants, beetles, spiders, and more are attracted to rotting tree bark and are common visitors to areas such as these. On top of a potential pest problem, a rotting tree trunk can take decades to decompose completely; leaving an ugly chunk of tree in the middle of your yard for years to come.

Live Tree Stumps

In the case that a tree stump is alive, there are still reasons to remove them. Homeowners grow tired of maneuvering around tree trunks while mowing or landscaping, and sometimes the roots can be to extensive causing damages to the underground piping of a home. Either way, tree trunks in this position are ready for removal. Sometimes, a person wishes to remove a tree trunk that is very close to the exterior of a house. Unfortunately, this is not recommended because it can interfere with the structural foundation of a property. In these cases, it is best to consult a professional tree care company for accurate and reliable advice.

Tree Stump Removal

There are several options when it comes to removing tree trunks. These options depend on whether or not you choose to remove the tree stump yourself, or hire a professional tree care company for help. If you choose to hire a tree care company, you have chosen the least stressful and physically exerting option. They retain all the necessary licenses, tools, equipment, training, and experience to facilitate a professional-grade tree job in as little as one afternoon. They are the most reliable option for stump removal outside of a DIY approach. These companies also come insured in case an accident or mishap occurs. If you still decide to remove the stump on your own, here are some tips for the easiest approach to tree stump removal:

  • Dig the Stump Up

This method is not always viable because tree roots can be extensive without a person’s knowledge. If it is a younger tree, then chances are you can dig it up; however, a more mature tree can cost a lot of time, money, and stress trying to dig it up from the ground.

  • Burn the Stump

You can set fire to a tree stump until it is completely burned to the ground; however, it is important to check with your local fire department for assistance, information, and at times, permission. It is not recommended to use this approach as a novice because outdoor fires can get out of hand and out of control, fast.

  • Use Chemical Agents to Break Down the Stump

Many homeowners use chemicals to break down the tree stump over time. This process involves drilling holes into the trunk of the tree, then pouring the store-bought chemical tree stump remover in them. This is all the work that is involved, but it takes months for the trunk to completely die, decompose, and disintegrate.

  • Rent a Stump Grinder

Another option is to rent a stump grinding machine. Professional tree care companies use similar machines; but their machines are often professional-grade and state-of-the-art. The grinders you can rent from your local home goods store will not be the same quality, but can still get the job done. Stump grinders work great because they properly grind up roots, deep root flares, and more. Once the trunk is ground, it is easy to remove the remaining stump pieces. A tool like this usually costs around $250 to rent.

Indianapolis Tree Stump Removal

For more information about tree stump removal in Indianapolis, Indiana, call 317-590-1842 today. Budget Tree Care is owned and operated by Curt Scott, who has more than 30 years of experience in the tree care industry. Our teams of highly trained and qualified tree removal technicians are motivated to provide the highest level of tree care in Indiana. We are locally owned and operated, offering tree removal services all over Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We offer stump removal, tree disease control, pest removal, tree restoration, trimming, shaping, pruning, and much more! Call 317-590-1842 today for a free estimate on stump grinding and tree stump removal in Indianapolis, IN and its nearby counties.

Stump Removal Options and Alternatives

Unwanted tree stumps in the ground can also be unsightly, depending on whom you ask. If it’s the homeowners, they would certainly agree that their stumps are an eye sore. Not only are tree stumps an unattractive feature, they can be problematic as well. Roots can hinder underground piping and cause structural damages, improper natural decay can attract nuisance pests like termites, and they are so difficult to mow around! There are several ways to remove tree stumps on residential or commercial properties, some of which are even natural. Continue reading to take a closer look at all the options you have when it comes to getting rid of tree stumps for good.

Stump Grinding

Stump grinding is the fastest and most effective approach to removing tree stumps. The only catch is that is has to be facilitated by a professional tree care company that retains the proper equipment and technologies to safely execute the job. Stump grinding is too dangerous for a novice because it requires heavy machinery and acute industry knowledge. They cannot simply be “dug up” and removed. Stump grinding is the process in which a mechanical grinder grinds the stump down below grade level, so that new grass can grow over it. Once all parts of the stump are ground up, they can easily be removed manually. Although a more expensive option, it is the quickest, safest, and most guaranteed.

Stump Removal Chemicals

Another approach to tree stump removal is using a chemical solution. A person can purchase stump removal solutions and chemicals at their local home goods or gardening store. It is specially formulated to break down the bark and dissolve the wood, overtime. Typically, a person will drill holes into the stump and the pour the solution into the holes. The downfall to this option is that it takes several months to completely get rid of stumps. Even if the stumps eventually atrophy, the roots will still remain underground which can pose problems in the future. This is not the most recommended alternative to tree stump removal, but it is a choice amongst some Hoosiers.

Natural Tree Stump Removal

If a person was looking for a more holistic approach to getting rid of tree stumps, then soil is their answer. Covering a tree stump with garden soil will eventually promote natural decay and rot. Because the stump is covered in soil, pests or insects cannot gain access to the organic compost and will eventually leave. This approach will work best for smaller stumps, and unfortunately, takes a very long time.

For more information about tree stump removal and stump grinding, call Budget Tree Care in Indianapolis at 317-590-1842 today! You can reach the owner, Curt Scott, and his team of licensed and qualified tree care specialists, day or night. They are happy to answer any questions you have about tree removal, stump grinding, costs, discounts, and more. For more than 30 years, Budget Tree Care has served Indiana with safe, effective, and reliable tree work. Call Curt Scott at 317-590-1842 for quality tree care in Indianapolis, IN.