That Tree May Be Gone - But the Risk Isn’t
You finally removed that old tree from your yard. Problem solved, right? Not quite.
What many homeowners don’t realize is that leaving the stump behind can lead to more problems than the tree ever did. It may seem harmless, even rustic—but that leftover stump is more than an eyesore. It’s a safety hazard, pest magnet, and a potential threat to your home and lawn.
In this post, we’ll uncover the hidden dangers of tree stumps and explain why professional stump grinding is the smart, proactive choice.
⚠️ 1. Trip Hazard for Families, Guests, and Equipment
Even small or partially buried stumps create a dangerous tripping hazard, especially for:
Children playing in the yard
Visitors unfamiliar with the terrain
Lawn care professionals and equipment
A single fall can cause serious injury or property damage—and might even open the door to a costly liability claim.
🚫 Bottom Line: That stump could cost you far more than a removal ever would.
🐜 2. Pest Magnet: Termites, Ants & Rodents Love Rotting Wood
Stumps naturally decay over time—and that decaying wood becomes a cozy home for unwanted guests:
Termites and carpenter ants
Rats and mice
Beetles and wood-boring insects
Snakes, both poisonous and nonvenomous
Worse yet, those pests don’t always stay in the stump. They can spread to nearby healthy trees or even into your home’s structure, leading to expensive treatments and repairs.
🔍 Did You Know? Termites can travel underground and enter your home without visible warning signs.
🌱 3. Unwanted Regrowth and New Tree Sprouts
Some species of trees continue to sprout suckers or new shoots from the stump base—especially if the roots remain active in the soil.
These sprouts:
Drain nutrients from the soil
Create weak, unstable saplings
Lead to a cycle of constant trimming and regrowth
🌿 Pro Tip: Grinding the stump and root system is the only effective way to prevent long-term regrowth.
🛠️ 4. Lawn Maintenance Headache
Ever tried to mow around a stump? It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and puts your mower blades at risk.
Stumps can:
Damage lawn care equipment
Block efficient mowing patterns
Create patchy, uneven grass growth around the area
📉 Over time, it creates more yard work—not less.
🏡 5. Kills Your Curb Appeal
No matter how green your lawn or beautiful your home, a rotting, half-covered stump distracts from the overall look of your property.
It sends the message like, “This yard is unfinished.”
Whether you’re hosting guests, preparing to sell, or just want your home to feel its best, a clean, level yard free of stumps makes a powerful difference in how your home is perceived.
🔁 Bonus: What Is Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding is a specialized service that uses powerful equipment to grind the tree stump below ground level, leaving your yard smooth and ready for landscaping, reseeding, or new planting.
At LS Trees, we offer:
Fast, clean grinding with minimal disruption
Hauling or mulching options for leftover wood
Complete stump and root removal (if needed)
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I just leave the stump and let it rot on its own?
A: Yes, but it could take 5–15 years to fully decompose—and invite pests and fungi the entire time.
Q: What’s the difference between stump grinding and stump removal?
A: Grinding shaves the stump down below ground level. Full removal includes root ball extraction, which is more invasive and may not be necessary unless replanting or building on the site.
Q: Can I plant new grass or landscape where the stump was?
A: Absolutely! Once ground, the area can be leveled, seeded, or even replanted with a new tree or flower bed.
FAQs continued
Q: Are there any stumps you can’t grind?
A: Yes—certain stumps are too close to structures or located in tight spaces that prevent equipment access. We’ll assess the area first and recommend the safest option.
Q: Should I call 811 before stump grinding?
A: Yes! Always call 811 before you dig. They’ll mark underground utilities to avoid damaging water, power, or internet lines during stump removal. It’s free and highly recommended.
📞 Say goodbye to that stump for good and Schedule a Stump Grinding Service Today! Call LS Trees at (770) 616-6079 and mention this blog for $100 OFF your stump grinding service!