Whether you’ve recently removed a tree from your property or did so in the past, you’re not fully rid of it until its stump is gone. While some trees reliably die after getting cut down, others are more stubborn – especially when their roots are left unaddressed.

It might only take a few months for new sprouts to spring up from a stump left to its own devices. Over a long enough period, a new tree as big as the old one may take its place!

A few tree species that commonly sprout from their stumps include the following:

  • Ash
  • Beech
  • Boxelder
  • Linden
  • Maple
  • Poplar
  • Red Oak
  • Willow

Even if your tree stump is certifiably dead, it can still be a nuisance on your property. Pests love dead wood – especially those who like to eat it, such as termites and wood-boring beetles. If these insects hollow out enough room for larger critters like rodents to occupy, that can lead to other problems.

I Cut Down a Tree – Now What?

So, you cut down a tree and want to make sure it’s gone for good. You know you need to get rid of the stump, but how? There are a few ways to do it: Dig it out, grind it down, or accelerate its decay.

Digging Out A Tree Stump

A pretty quick way to get rid of a tree stump is to dig it out. Depending on its size and the extent of its roots, heavy machinery might be called in to get the job done. While removing a stump by digging it out can be quick, it can be quite destructive to your property. Extractions can destroy a decent portion of your lawn or other landscaping within several feet of the stump.

Grinding Down A Tree Stump

Stump grinding is Purple Care’s recommended method for removing a tree stump. This method is much less invasive and destructive than digging out a tree stump and it doesn’t require the use of any potentially harmful chemicals.

While many property owners choose extraction because they want to be sure tree roots are gone, what most don’t realize is that stump grinding takes care of roots, too. Because our team is careful to remove as much sawdust and wood from the area as possible, you won’t have to worry about pests invading the area.

Chemical Stump Removal

Lastly, another way property owners can remove stumps is by accelerating their natural decay with chemicals. There’s a difference between a chemical stump remover and a chemical stump killer. The former is typically a mixture that you can use without worrying too much about harming non-woody plants nearby; the latter is an herbicide that will kill any plant life with which it comes into contact.

A significant drawback to both is their toxicity, which can make them dangerous to store and use. If you chemically treat a stump on your property, it’s important to keep children and pets away from the area until the stump is gone. You’ll also want to make sure you’re using gloves, safety eyewear, and a respirator mask when applying chemicals. Storing them in a safe, secure location is also essential when it comes to avoiding an accident.

Let Purple Care Take Care of Your Stump

At Purple Care, we’re stump removal experts who know that stump grinding is the safest option for your property and people. We can help you ensure that any tree removed from your property is gone for good by ensuring its stump goes with it.

If you’re interested in learning more about our stump removal services, contact us online.