Trees, like all other living things, have a typical life expectancy. Many trees in your neighborhood may only be expected to live for about 15-20 years, while some will be good for 60 years or more. As a tree startes to deteriorate, it may grow noticeably less leaves as before or, in some circumstances, will simply blow over in a strong wind, or when covered in snow, ice or drenched in rain.
Another common reason for tree removal is disease. There are many different diseases and insects that will literally eat away at your trees. Many homeowners do not even notice the problem until it is too late to save the tree.
Sometimes, tree removal is not linked to age or disease. It may simply be that you want to change your landscape.
Tip: In many cases, tree removal does not have to mean the death of the tree; consider having the tree transplanted to another area.
Remember that tree removal can be dangerous. Consider hiring a reputable, insured tree removal service for your aged or dead trees.
Once your tree has been felled and the wood removed, what do you do about the rest? The tree stump typically remains firmly rooted in the ground. There are several options for mechanical tree stump removal:
- Professional tree maintenance services will normally offer stump grinding as part of their tree removal service.
- Gas-powered stump grinders can be rented. However, unless you’re grinding many stumps, or sharing the cost with a neighbor, it may be more cost effective simply to hire a professional
- Manual tree stump removal is less expensive but involves some hard labor. Dig as much soil from around the base of the tree as possible, exposing the roots. Chop at the roots with an ax and pry at the tree stump, until you’ve removed it entirely.
In addition to the above methods of tree stump removal, another alternative is to speed up the natural decay process. Avoid using toxic brush-killing chemicals like sulfur chlorate or ammonium sulphamate to do this.
If the tree being removed was in your back yard, you could cut the tree stump flush with the ground and situate your compost pile directly on top of it. The constant moisture, heat, and fungal activity of the compost pile can cut the decay process in half.
Alternaively, you can drill holes in the stump and apply high-nitrogen organic fertilizers to the stump periodically. Blood meal and fish meal are two organic fertilizers high in nitrogen that increase the activity of the bacteria involved in stump decay.
Finally, consider turning your tree stump into a pedestal for a birdbath or other garden ornament, or turn it into a flowerpot. Hollow out old stumps with an auger, and fill with potting soil. Use trailing specimens like ivy to create a rustic look that blends in with the garden.
