When customers ask me about having a tree removed, one of the things they often haven't thought about is what they want to happen to the stump afterwards.
The tree can be removed, but unless the stump is dealt with as part of the work, it will still be left in the ground.
I normally mention stump removal when discussing the job because, once customers understand the options, many decide that they would rather deal with the stump at the same time.
We use a stump grinder, which works by grinding the stump down into small woodchip-like pieces.
Some stumps are more straightforward to remove than others. A stump against a wall, path or house can make the job more difficult, while gravel and very stony ground can also cause problems because stones and concrete can damage or blunt the machine.
That doesn't necessarily mean the stump cannot be removed.
In ten years, I've never come across a stump that I haven't been able to remove. Sometimes we simply have to think more carefully about how we're going to get to it and what equipment we use.
Can a tree grow back from the stump?
One of the main reasons customers ask us to remove a stump is because they don't want the tree growing back.
Some customers assume that once a tree has been cut down, that's the end of it. That isn't always the case.
Trees such as sycamore, bay and sweet chestnut can regrow strongly from the stump. If the customer wants the tree gone rather than having to deal with new growth, removing the stump can be a better option than repeatedly cutting the growth back or using poison.
Sometimes it's simply about what you're left with once the tree has gone.
A stump can be an eyesore, take up useful space in the garden or create a trip hazard. Stumps can sometimes attract pests too.
Customers don't always picture the stump when they're thinking about having a tree removed, so it's worth deciding beforehand whether you're happy for it to stay where it is.
Removing one tree doesn't always mean you want the space to remain empty.
When we're removing trees, I will often ask customers whether they have thought about replanting. Quite often they haven't considered it until I mention it.
Some people choose to leave the old stump and plant another tree next to it. However, the old stump and roots are still taking up space underground.
Removing the old stump creates more room when planning where the replacement tree will go and gives its roots more space to establish.
So if you're already thinking about replacing the tree, it is worth discussing that before deciding what happens to the stump.
No, and there are times when I'll tell a customer that I don't think stump removal is worth the additional cost.
If the stump is already starting to rot away and isn't causing a problem, it may make more sense simply to let nature take its course.
Access can affect the cost too.
For example, if we had to get through a house with a smaller hired stump grinder and board out the route to protect the property from damage, the amount of extra work involved might outweigh the benefit of removing the stump.
We'll still be able to explain what's possible, but just because a stump can be removed doesn't automatically mean that I will recommend spending the money to do it.
If you're considering having a tree removed, think about what you want the finished space to look like once the tree has gone.
You might be perfectly happy to leave the stump where it is. You might want it gone to prevent regrowth, remove a trip hazard or tidy the space. Or you might already be thinking about planting another tree.
The important thing is to consider the stump as part of the job rather than remembering it after the tree has already been removed.
If you need advice about removing a tree or an existing tree stump, find out more about Troy's Tree & Hedge Services on thebestof Eastbourne and get in touch to discuss what would work best for your garden.
