There are many reasons for taking down a tree on your property. The tree might be sick, dead, or interfering with overhead utility lines or underground pipes. It could be so close to the house that its roots are damaging your foundation. Whenever a tree, especially a large, old one is taken down, it leaves a stump. These stumps are not only ugly but also trip-and-fall hazards. There are right and wrong ways to remove stumps, and a professional tree service knows the right ways. Early fall is one of the best times to remove tree stumps since the ground is still workable, and many trees are beginning to go dormant. Here are a few of the best practices when it comes to taking out a stump.
Decide What You Want to Do With the Area
It’s important to tell your arborist what you plan to do with the area where the stump is located. This lets them know how much of the stump and the roots beneath the ground they’ll need to remove.
For example, if you want an in-ground swimming pool or even plan to put in another tree, the arborist is going to need to grind out a lot of material. The root system of a great, old tree can be as big as its crown. However, stump removal doesn’t need to be so extensive if you just want a safe, level, grass-covered area on your lawn.
Call 811
The nationwide number to call before you have a tree stump removed or you plan to do any other kind of heavy-duty digging is 811. This number lets you and the arborist know if and where there are any utility lines in the area around or beneath the stump.
Use of the Right Tools
Not every tree stump is removed the same way. The large stump of a centuries-old sycamore needs different equipment than one of a tree that was only a few years old. Generally, tools can include rakes; shovels; protective screens to make sure flying debris doesn’t cause damage to people or property; and a stump grinder, preferably one with a brand-new set of teeth. The arborists should also adhere to Z133 safety protocols put forward by the American National Standards Institute.
Call Us for More Information About Tree Stump Removal
Removing a tree stump, even if it’s small, supports the beauty and safety of your grounds. A yard that’s free of tree stumps also improves the value of your property. If you need unsightly tree stumps ground out, don’t hesitate to call our professional arborists at Central Arbor Tree Care of Peoria, IL.
