So many of my clients are surprised that the little sapling they planted is now a huge tree. It's important when you plan your garden and start planting trees to understand how big they will grow and to keep them maintained in a way that supports how you use your garden. Arborists can help your tree grow in the shape and direction that you want so that the garden is perfect for your family. My blog has tips for the home owner on keeping your tree healthy and, of course, tips on when to use an arborist to get the perfect result.
Homeowners will cut down a tree on their property for various reasons. Most commonly, this is because the tree is dying, is posing a risk of property damage or has started leaning to one side. When faced with the prospect of tree removal, some people may opt to have the tree cut down and a stump left in its place. Tree cutting is less time consuming than complete tree removal; however, in some situations, it would be essential to consider the complete elimination of the tree including its root system. Here are some of the dangers that would be posed by leaving the root system intact.
The stump will promote the development of decay and pest infestations
One of the main concerns of leaving a stump and root system in place is that they pose the risk of causing the gradual decline of your yard. If the tree that was felled was decaying, chances are this decay will have spread into the trunk. Therefore, leaving a stump behind simple translates into still having the decaying organic matter on your property. As the stump and root system steadily rot, they start to attract a host of pests that will thrive in the decaying parts. If not addressed, the pests can then begin to spread to the other plants in your yard. They even stand the chance of making their way into your residence. It is always best to be on the safe side and have the entire tree removed by the roots to prevent any unsavoury parts being left behind.
The stump and roots can cause accidents
As the grass grows in your yard, the stump and the root system of the tree can gradually become camouflaged. At the offset, this may seem great for the kerb appeal of your property. You should also keep in mind that this now makes the stump and root system a tripping hazard. It should especially be of concern if you have smaller children who could easily fall while playing in the yard. The stump and roots also become hazardous to garden equipment as you could end up damaging the blades of your lawn mower as you trim the grass.
The roots can damage your plumbing
An often-overlooked aspect of tree felling is that the roots can continue to thrive even after the tree has been cut down. Since the roots are what take up the nutrients and hydration to nourish the tree, they will still be getting nourishment even if it is not being directed to a growing tree. As such, the roots keep growing and could eventually pierce your sewer lines, leading to a severe plumbing emergency.
Share4 April 2017
