When a tree falls, it can leave a mess in its wake. You’ll have a lot of debris to remove from your property, and you’ll be left with an unsightly stump as well. That stump can pose a safety hazard for a few different reasons, which we’ll describe below, so it’s important to have professionals grind it down.

Tripping Hazards

A tree stump can cause people to trip and fall on your property. Your guests are especially at risk since they may be unaware of the stump, and you may be liable for their injuries. You might also stumble over the stump when you’re distracted, even though you know it’s there.

An Obstruction for Drivers

In some situations, a tree stump might get in the way of drivers who are making maneuvers on your property. Along with dents or scratches, a tree stump could cause a flat tire, alignment problems, or suspension issues.

A Home for Pests

A rotting tree stump can provide food and shelter to pests like ants, beetles, and termites. Once they find a place to thrive, these pests may start to spread out into other areas. They could then infect other vegetation or even come into your home. When you have pest eating away at your home, you may have to address structural complications, among other things. It’s best to prevent the pests from proliferating on your property by removing tree stumps that they would find attractive.

A Home for Fungi

The rotting wood in a tree stump could also be a place for fungi to thrive. Some fungi can be poisonous to people and animals, so you need to be especially cautious if you have children or pets in your household. There’s also the possibility that the fungi could start to spread to nearby plants and threaten their health, leaving you with a major problem that could be time-consuming to resolve.

Root Issues

After a tree falls, its roots can continue to grow, even if all that remains is the stump. Roots can be surprisingly strong and damaging, and they could start to affect your driveway, your landscaping, and potentially your foundation and plumbing. Having your tree stump ground down can reduce the chance of those roots continuing to grow.

For the reasons we’ve described here, it’s best to eliminate any tree stumps on your property. A professional team like ours has the right equipment to safely and efficiently grind down a stump for you. If you’re located in San Carlos, CA, reach out to us at West Coast Tree Care to set up a stump grinding appointment.