That Tree’s Gone… But the Stump Is Still a Risk

Why Stump Grinding Protects Your Home, Lawn, and Family

You finally had that old tree removed from your yard… problem solved, right? Not quite.

What many homeowners don’t realize is that the leftover stump can cause more problems than the tree ever did. At first, it might look harmless, even rustic. But in reality, that stump is a hidden danger: it’s a trip hazard, a pest magnet, a source of unwanted regrowth, and an obstacle for your lawn’s health and curb appeal.

At LS Trees, we’ve seen firsthand how ignoring stumps can create expensive headaches for homeowners across North Georgia. Here’s what you need to know about the risks of leaving a stump behind, and why professional stump grinding is the best long-term solution.

⚠️ 1. Trip Hazards for Families, Guests, and Equipment

Even small or partially buried stumps are dangerous. Children running through the yard, guests unfamiliar with the terrain, or lawn care crews operating equipment can easily trip over or collide with the stump.

A single fall could mean:

• Injury to family members or visitors

• Damage to lawnmowers or landscaping tools

• Costly liability claims if someone outside your household gets hurt

Bottom line: Leaving a stump is like leaving a rock in the middle of your yard. It’s only a matter of time before someone pays the price.

🐍 2. Pest Magnet: Termites, Ants, and Rodents

Decaying wood is nature’s invitation for pests. Stumps become a cozy home for:

• Termites and carpenter ants

• Beetles and wood-boring insects

• Mice, rats, and even snakes

The problem doesn’t stop at the stump. Termites, for example, can tunnel underground and spread into your home undetected, causing thousands of dollars in structural damage. Similarly, rodents can use the stump as shelter before migrating toward your house or garage.

Did you know? Termites cause more than $5 billion in damage to U.S. homes each year! Most infestations start silently, without obvious signs.

🌱 3. Unwanted Regrowth

Even after a tree is cut down, the root system beneath the soil may still be alive. Certain tree species send up suckers or shoots from the base of the stump, leading to weak, unstable saplings.

These sprouts:

• Compete with your grass, flowers, or landscaping

• Drain nutrients from your soil

• Require constant trimming to keep under control

Pro tip: Only stump grinding (and in some cases, full root removal) will permanently stop regrowth.

🛠️ 4. A Lawn Maintenance Headache

Anyone who’s mowed around a stump knows the frustration. You’re forced to weave your mower in awkward patterns, which takes longer and can leave uneven patches of grass.

Worse yet, mower blades that hit exposed roots or wood can become damaged. Over time, the stump’s presence increases the cost, time, and effort required for lawn care.

🏡 5. Curb Appeal (and Home Value) Killer

Your home can have a perfectly manicured lawn and beautiful flower beds, but a single rotting stump takes away from the entire look.

To buyers, guests, or even neighbors, it can make the yard feel unfinished or neglected. Removing the stump restores a clean, professional appearance and even improves property value when selling your home.

🪙 Bonus: What Is Stump Grinding?

Stump grinding is a process where professionals use a specialized machine to grind the stump several inches below ground level. This eliminates the hazard, prevents regrowth, and leaves a smooth surface that can be seeded, landscaped, or replanted.

At LS Trees, we offer:

• Quick, safe grinding with minimal disruption

• Mulching or hauling options for leftover wood

• Root system grinding when needed

📞 Why Calling 811 Before Stump Grinding Is Critical

Here’s where many homeowners make a dangerous mistake: they skip calling 811.

Even though stump grinding doesn’t dig deep like traditional excavation, it still involves cutting into the ground. Utility lines, like gas, water, power, and fiber internet, are often buried just a few inches below the surface.

Damaging one of these lines isn’t just expensive, it’s life-threatening. Striking a gas line, for example, can cause explosions or fires. Cutting a fiber optic cable can knock out internet and communication services for your entire neighborhood.

That’s why the law requires (and we always recommend) calling 811 before any underground work.

• It’s free.

• Utility companies send crews to mark underground lines with spray paint or flags.

• It ensures stump grinding can be done safely and without costly accidents.

This way, you and your yard are fully protected, and the work moves forward safely.

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I just let the stump rot naturally?

  • A: You could, but it can take 5–15 years, during which pests, fungi, and regrowth will likely occur.

• Q: Is stump grinding better than full stump removal?

  • A: For most homeowners, yes. Grinding is less invasive, faster, and leaves the area ready for landscaping. Full removal is only needed if you’re planning to build a structure or plant a new tree directly in the same spot.

• Q: Can I plant new grass or flowers after grinding?

  • A: Absolutely. Once leveled, the soil can be reseeded, or you can plant shrubs, flowers, or even install a new tree nearby.

• Q: How long does stump grinding take?

  • A: Most stumps can be ground in under two hours, depending on size and root spread.

• Q: Should I always call 811 before stump grinding?

  • A: Yes. No matter how small the stump seems, underground utilities could be at risk. Calling 811 prevents costly mistakes and ensures the safety of your property.

Why Choose LS Trees for Stump Grinding?

• ✅ Experience You Can Trust – 15+ years of safe, expert stump grinding in North Georgia.

• ✅ Advanced Equipment – Professional-grade grinders that handle all stump sizes.

• ✅ Customer-Focused Service – We treat your yard like our own, leaving it neat and ready for use.

• ✅ Fully Licensed and Insured – Protecting you and your property every step of the way.

Say Goodbye to Stumps for Good

Don’t let that leftover stump become a liability. Whether it’s tripping hazards, termites, or regrowth, waiting only makes the problem worse.

📞 Call LS Trees at (770) 616-6079 to schedule your stump grinding service.
💵 Mention this blog for $100 OFF stump grinding.

Smooth, safe, and stress-free, that’s the LS Trees way. 🌳