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Stump Stumbles: Why Removing Stumps is Essential for Safety

A safety hazard you can't afford to ignore.

By Adney VerscaPublished about a year ago 4 min read
Stump grinder in action, removing a tree stump.

Have you ever fallen over a concealed stump in your backyard? This is something with which too many people are familiar. It can be pretty painful, too. But do you know that stump removals are not only for aesthetic purposes but also for safety?

These range from tripping accidents to fire hazards. In this article, we shall consider some dangers of leaving stumps untouched and also point out some benefits of opting for stump grinding services near you.

Safety risks posed by stumps

Stumps can pose several safety risks, including:

  • Trip hazards: Stumps are a significant source of tripping and falling among children and aged people. Their irregular surfaces are hardly visible, even during broad daylight. A simple fall might result in severe injuries like fractures or even head trauma.
  • Fire hazards: Dry stumps become flammable and can be quite a fire hazard, especially in the dry seasons. The mere drop of a spark from the mower, a thrown cigarette, or even a strike from lightning might ignite a stump and spread to other vegetation. This may threaten your property, neighbours, and even wildlife.
  • Obstruction and Hazards: Stumps have the potential to obstruct pathways and create hazards for pedestrians and vehicle traffic. They can significantly hinder smooth passage across the yard and increase the likelihood of accidents.
  • Root hazard: A stump's roots can still grow even after the tree has been taken down. These roots damage the underground pipes, cables and foundations. They can also be hazardous to other flora, competing for water and nutrients.
  • Pests and disease risks: Stumps may carry insects and other pests. Many stumps may also allow diseases to grow within them and gradually spread to other trees and plants, contributing to a less sustainable gardening revolution.
  • Environmental risk: Stumps may also become an environmental hazard. They might obstruct waterways and would not allow fish to pass. They might be used as a breeding site for mosquitoes and other insects, which can spread disease.

However, the size and location of the stump modify variables associated with the risks. Larger ones can be a trip hazard, and those near property and other structures are more likely to damage them.

Having a stump on your property necessitates emergency removal. Stump grinding is effective and safe, minimising the risks associated with stumps.

Property value impact

The stumps could also severely affect your property's value. A junky yard with debris all over the place may be unappealing to prospective buyers, and this may lower the value of your property. Stump removal will not only make your property look good but will also raise its curb appeal.

Besides making the property more attractive to buyers, stump removal can increase its functionality. Stumps occupy space that could be utilised in several ways. Removing them can free this space for more open and practical functions.

Finally, stump removal can prevent property damage. Rotting stumps and their roots can damage underground pipes, cables, and building structural foundations. Make sure stump grinding helps protect your property from costly repairs.

Avoiding accidents: The advantages of stump grinding

Stump grinding is a very effective and safe way of stump removal, hence leaving your outdoors much safer. The following are some of the benefits of stump grinding:

  • Removing tripping hazards: Stumps can be among the worst, especially for children and older adults. Removing stumps eliminates this risk, making your outdoors much safer.
  • Reduces fire hazard: Highly flammable stumps can be significant fire hazards. Removing stumps will lessen the occurrence of a fire starting on your property.
  • Improves property appearance: Stumps must be lighter and detract from your yard's general view and appeal. By removing stumps, you will enhance the overall aesthetics of your property and make it much more enjoyable to spend time in.
  • Improves the value of property: A well-kept yard raises the value of your property. This way, you can include stump removal to make your yard attractive to buyers or increase its value.
  • Create space: Stumps occupy a significant proportion of your yard space. Removing them gives space for whatever you have in mind for gardening, playing, or entertainment.

Removing stumps reduces the potential for property damage, as stumps may decay over time and damage underground pipes, cables, and foundations.

How to choose a stump grinding service

With many stump grinding services competing for space in the market, choosing the best may be a challenging task; here is how to go about it:

  • Experience: Find a firm with extensive experience in stump grinding. This will ensure the work is done safely and effectively, and such professionals will be better equipped to tackle any challenges that may arise while working.
  • Insurance: Make sure that the company is adequately insured. This will cover you if any accident occurs during the operation or damage to anything occurs. If something goes wrong, you will be covered by its insurance.
  • Equipment: The company should employ the right equipment for the job. A powerful stump grinder that can handle large and small stumps is necessary for such operations.
  • Safety: Stump grinding could also be a hazardous occupation. The company must take all precautions concerning safety for your protection and your property.
  • Quotes: Before making your choice, you should obtain quotes from several companies. This will help you find the most economical price that goes hand in hand with good services. Make sure to ask about the company's experience, insurance, equipment, safety practices, and pricing policies.

Conclusion

Leaving the stumps in place is a natural safety hazard in many ways, besides being an aesthetic detractor from the value of your property. Applying stump grinding services, or as some may call it, calling in the tree doctor, will put you in a better position to leave your outdoors much safer and more appealing. Well, don't let those ugly stumps go on being a hazard; take action today and make them gone.

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