Stump Removal: Effective Techniques for Denver Homeowners
americanarbor October 30, 2024

When a tree falls or is removed, oftentimes, a stump is left behind. There are plenty of reasons to want a stump removed from your property, but most homeowners don’t have the tools or knowledge to do it themselves. In most cases, we recommend a professional to handle your stump removal project. That way, you can avoid accidents and you can rest assured that the entire stump will be taken care of.

Why Stump Removal is Necessary

A stump can be an unsightly part of your landscape, and removing it can add precious square footage to your space. Stump removal creates a better looking lawn that’s easier to mow and work with. 

Aside from appearance, many homeowners opt to have stumps removed because they can be a host for harmful pest infestations and diseases. Without proper removal, these pests and diseases can affect the surrounding plants in your yard. Most often, homeowners have their stumps removed to improve their curb appeal and keep their lawn looking and growing its best.

Stump Removal Techniques

There are several techniques that arborists use to remove stumps. Although many techniques can be tried at home, we never recommend that you DIY this project. Stumps can be stubborn to remove, and it requires proper tools and chemicals to get the job done safely, efficiently, and effectively.

Manually

If you want to remove a stump yourself, you can do so with a chainsaw, shovel, and an axe. This method is best for smaller trees and those that have been affected by disease. Simply dig out the base of the trunk until the roots are exposed, chop them off with the axe, and carefully uproot the stump.

Chemically

Chemically removing a stump is very effective, but it’s a job that’s best left to the pros. There are certain environmental hazards and local restrictions that must be considered before you opt for this method. Your local arborist will have access to the right chemicals and will know how to apply them correctly without posing a danger to your family or your lawn.

Grinding 

Grinding a stump is the quickest way to remove it, but it requires the right tools and skills. A stump grinder makes quick work of digging up an old stump, roots and all. Best of all, this method creates compost out of your old stump, which can be used for mulch around the plants in your yard. Stump grinders are available to rent at your local hardware store, but it’s best to leave this job to the pros. They know how to use the equipment safely and effectively.

Rotting

Rotting is a method where an arborist creates holes in your stump and fills them with a chemical that helps the stump decompose more quickly. Then, they pour water in the holes and chip away pieces of stump that have rotted away. Once the stump is removed, the area is filled with soil so that new grass or plants can grow. This method takes a lot of time, but it works very well to remove an entire stump.

Burning

Some people choose to burn their stumps as a method of removal. Although it works effectively, it’s not the most eco-friendly way to remove a stump, and it’s certainly not the safest.

Trust American Arbor Care With Your Stump Removal

Stump removal is a common service that most arborists perform. At American Arbor Care, we have the tools and skills to remove stumps of all shapes and sizes in the Denver area. If you’re interested in having a stump removed from your property, call today to schedule an appointment.

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