After a tree removal service, the bottom part of the tree always remains. The stump is an eyesore and tripping hazard. Removing the stump can be done through grinding or digging. These procedures can be daunting for some tree owners.
One other option is to bury the last remnants on the ground instead of removing them completely. However, this is a mistake for several reasons. Keep reading to find out why burying your tree stump might be a bad decision that you could make.
What Happens When You Bury a Stump?
Burying a stump will cause the wood to continue decomposing. This will soon result in several changes to the surrounding soil. Over time, the soil above may fill the air pockets created by decomposing wood and create a sinkhole or other issues. Likewise, stumps will simply continue to sprout from the remaining portions of the tree.
Cheap Solution
If you don’t want to spend money on hiring a tree expert, you might think that burying the stump is the best possible solution. Let’s face it—covering a tree stump with topsoil is a cheaper fix. However, you might be wrong. In the long, this will cause several issues that can cost you hundreds of dollars.
Laws on Burying Tree Stumps
Some states and counties prohibit the act of burying tree stumps, while others require a permit. There are some jurisdictions that allow stump burying with the approval of a state engineer. When conducting a legal stump burying, there should be a detailed site plan with the help of law enforcement personnel.
If you are caught in the act, you will be told to cease stump burying until proper permissions are obtained or face a fine depending on the damage. Before you grab your shovel, get official permission first and speak with your local government authorities.
Problems Caused by Stump Burying
- Subsidence
When you bury a stump, it will continue to rot under the ground. As tree stumps decompose, they can cause sinkholes or subsidence. This phenomenon is the sinking of the ground because of underground material movement. Buried tree stumps alter the soil surrounding the stump to the point that the ground falls under pressure.
No matter how small they are, sinkholes can harm a lot of people. To avoid any damage, it’s best to consult with tree specialists and arborists to remove the entire stump along with the tree. Removal is a much easier process than dealing with a much bigger hole.
- Insect Attack
Termites, insects, and pests love to feast on rotten wood. In fact, most pests like to eat the remaining stumps when they are sealed under the ground. If you decide to bury tree stumps, brace yourself for any termites and pests that could infest your home.
Instead of taking this risk, we recommend that you hire a stump grinding service to remove it for you. They will not just remove the stump but also the remaining roots that might spread in several directions. Don’t let your buried tree stump cause problems in the future.
- Groundwater Contamination
This issue happens when the rotting tree stump gets into the groundwater. Pollutants from the tree stump affect the groundwater quality, causing it to become unsafe. This can be a concern for areas that rely on groundwater sources and wells.
Consult With a Tree Professional
Before you proceed with burying the stump, think about the effects it might have on you and other people in the future. Burying it might be the best option if you’re running low on budget. But there are more cost-effective methods to solve your tree stump problem.
Professionals like Tree Removal Lancaster can provide you with a list of techniques to remove the annoying stump in your backyard. We are committed to helping homeowners and businesses owners with their tree service needs. Let our licensed and certified arborists offer a personalized solution that can eliminate your tree stump woes.
Give us a call today so that you can get a free quote. Feel free to contact our staff for details about our comprehensive tree services.