If you have a tree stump in your yard, you may be tempted to remove it yourself. But this is easier said than done. Compared to cutting down a tree, tree stump removal involves more work, and it also requires knowledge, skills, expertise and the right excavator equipment.
Even if you think you can attempt a DIY tree stump removal, if you don’t have the necessary skills, know-how and equipment to do it right, things could go horribly wrong. Hiring experts to get the job done will ensure that everything goes smoothly and safely.
Why remove a tree stump?
Here are a few reasons why you should remove a tree stump from your yard:
- Its roots are problematic – Tree roots can wrap around and crack water pipes and foundations, as well as lift pavement.
- It’s an eyesore – A lone, old tree stump in your yard can be unsightly, especially if there are weeds and other plants growing on it.
- It takes up valuable space – A stump can get in the way of you having a wide, clear yard, and removing it enables you to make space to expand your home or to landscape the area.
- It’s hazardous – If a tree stump is hidden by grass, weeds or other plants, you could trip over it or stub your toe. Even worse, if you live in a bushfire-prone area, a stump close to your home can pose a fire hazard.
The costs and dangers of removing a tree stump yourself
Many people have tried removing tree stumps without professional help, putting themselves, their property, and other people at risk. Yanking a stump out of the ground with a rope or strap attached to your car or using machinery you don’t know how to operate properly is dangerous.
For example, you could end up dismantling your car, the tree stump could fly straight into the rear windshield or damage the top of your car, or the rope/strap could rip apart and hit someone or something nearby. The stump might even fly over or across the fence, hit somebody or break a window in your home. You could also injure yourself or someone else with the equipment you’re using. Moreover, buying the right equipment can be expensive.
All of this can cost you more than if you had your tree stump professionally removed. Removing a stump is cheaper than cutting down a tree, so it’s important to consider hiring a professional to do the job for you and avoid paying more for machinery and damages caused as a result of doing it yourself.
Reasons for leaving tree stump removal to the experts
Experience
Hiring a professional arborist ensures that you’re not only getting someone who can physically remove a tree stump, but who also has experience in handling the safe removal of tree stumps without endangering your life and property. Safely removing a tree stump requires making precise cuts and carefully guiding the stump grinder, which you can’t find in an instruction manual.
Knowledge
An arborist can give you expert advice on what is the best course of action to take based on your individual circumstances and whether you need to get permission from your local council to remove your tree stump. They also have the knowledge to deal with tricky situations such as live electrical wires and gas lines that can become entangled in the cutting machine.
Equipment
Not only can it be difficult to find and get the right equipment, but it can also be risky to operate it and daunting to figure out how to use it correctly and safely. A professional arborist will have all the specialist equipment required to remove a tree stump, which can include a handheld machine and a stump grinder. An experienced operator can carefully grind and remove your tree stump.
Safety
Removing tree stumps is a difficult and dangerous task, and is best left to professional arborists who have all the training and specialised equipment to do it properly and safely. They can assess your tree stump and figure out the safest way to remove it with no risk to anyone or anything nearby. They will then be able to remove the stump bit by bit without injuring people or damaging your property. They’ll also conduct a job safety analysis to look for any potential hazards.
Cleaning
After removing a tree stump, there will be some stump debris and shavings to get rid of, which many rubbish collectors won’t pick up. You’ll either have to wait for a rubbish removal company or find some other way to dispose of the debris, which could waste your time and energy. You could also risk endangering yourself if you’re using machinery to cut large tree roots. A professional arborist will clean up your yard afterwards in a prompt, efficient and safe manner, leaving your property free of debris.