If you have trees on your property with aggressive roots, diseases, or other issues that warrant their removal, cutting them down is the first step toward resolution. Grinding the stumps of problematic trees is often the best way to keep future issues at bay. Read on to discover some of the important cost-saving benefits of prompt stump removal.

Prevent Tree Root Intrusion

Did you know that tree stumps can maintain active root systems for many years? Depending upon a tree’s species and size, it could maintain active roots for five years or more. Worse still, stump roots aggressively seek out moisture and nutrients as stumps struggle to “survive”. Stump roots will exploit any open pathways and sewer pipe cracks to access what they require.

Primary roots will send out secondary “hair” roots that can enter sewer pipes through cracks that are just millimeters wide. If you’re cutting down a tree to protect your sewer pipe or other underground utilities, you won’t get the results you want unless you remove its stump, too.

While stump grinding doesn’t remove all roots, it does sever roots from their primary connections. For most tree species, this limits root growth and minimizes the risk of utility encroachment.

Avoid Pest Infestations

Decaying tree stumps are incredibly attractive to beetles, ants, and termites. Stump grinding brings stumps level with the earth and allows for ample soil coverage. If you cut down your tree and skip stump grinding, you could have termites flocking to your yard during the next swarming season.

Stump grinding is an excellent form of proactive pest management. It deters insects that naturally thrive in the region from congregating on or near properties. Anything that you do to keep termites from colonizing the wood on or around your home will help you save money.

Limit the Risk of Injuries and Premises Liability Claims

No matter how sure-footed you and your guests may be, unground stumps are serious trip and fall hazards. Stump-grinding eliminates these hazards by creating flat, level terrain that’s easy to traverse. With professional care, low-sitting stumps don’t result in painful injuries and costly premises liability claims.

Prevent New Growth

Active root systems aren’t the only thing to worry about if you have freshly cut trees in your yard. Some tree species can quickly resprout from stumps. Other tree species can resprout within four to five years of cutting. Stump grinding will ensure that you don’t have to revisit this project again in the near future.

Stop the Spread of Disease

If you chopped down a tree to stop the spread of disease, grinding its stump could be key for prevention. Diseased stumps can spread sickness to other trees via:

• Soil-borne fungi
• Active root systems
• Airborne spores
• Ants, beetles, termites, and other insects

For some diseases, tree removal experts might recommend additional interventions to minimize the risk of contamination.

While cutting down problematic trees can be an important step in preventing costly issues, grinding their stumps is often equally vital. For professional stump grinding in San Carlos, CA, contact West Coast Tree Care Inc. now!