You’ve bid farewell to that tree in your yard, but now you’re left with an unsightly stump. Instead of calling a pro to remove it, you think you can do the job yourself. You search for tips on how to remove a big tree stump, pick up your chainsaw, and get to work.
Stop! Before you rev up that saw, know that DIY stump removal presents plenty of perils. Learn about the dangers of stump removal below, then call us.
Why Stump Removal Is a Smart Choice
Before we dive into the dangers of stump removal, why is removing a tree stump necessary in the first place? The first reason is that tree stumps are unattractive, and they become even more so as they start to decay. Speaking of decay, rot can invite pests and diseases to your yard, and they won’t waste time spreading to other plants.
Tree stumps also take up valuable space that you could use for some other purpose, like planting flowers. On top of that, they’re challenging to navigate around during yard work. For these reasons, experts recommend either stump removal or grinding after taking down a tree.
Dangers of Attempting DIY Stump Removal
You’ve read a few tutorials, maybe watched a video, and now you think you know all there is to know about how to remove a big tree stump. However, no matter how you go about it, removing that stump yourself is downright dangerous and challenging.
Some homeowners try manual removal through excavation, often with a shovel. But stumps are very tough and deceivingly deep, and you’ll likely hurt your back long before you dig out that stump. What about a chainsaw? Not a good idea, either. Spinning chainsaw blades can bounce off the stump and severely injure you.
Other homeowners opt for the burning method. They douse the stump in gasoline and set it ablaze. This has gained popularity through viral social media posts in recent years. This might work, but there’s a high risk of the fire spreading out of control, especially if the stump is surrounded by wood chips or vegetation.
What about renting a stump grinder? This isn’t necessarily the best idea either. The stump grinders available for homeowners to rent aren’t as powerful as the heavy machinery used by tree companies. And rental fees can be expensive. Many rental shops charge by the hour, and if you don’t know what you’re doing with stump grinding, the project could take longer than expected.
If you’re set on removing the stump yourself, chemical rotting is a fairly safe method. It involves treating the stump with Epsom salt or potassium nitrate to cause the stump to decompose faster. However, it can take months to fully kill the stump, so don’t expect fast results. Beyond the safety risks, improper removal methods can also cause root damage that impacts surrounding vegetation and underground systems.
Schedule Stump Removal in Watertown Today
You may think you know how to remove a big tree stump, but DIY stump removal is never worth the risk. It’s better to hire a professional company, such as Mr. Treeman, to handle it for you. To schedule stump removal or more, call our team at (203) 879-3645.
