Trees are a huge selling point for most homes. Not only do they boost your curb appeal, but they also offer shade, act as privacy screens, and save energy expenses. In fact, treed backyards and streets can increase a home’s value from 3% to 15%.
But trees come down, whether from age, disease, or natural disasters. What remains are stumps strewn about in prominent places in your yard. And tree stumps aren’t just an eyesore, they pose some serious risks, such as:
- Property damage
- Pest and insect infestations
- Tripping hazard
- Damage to equipment
Whether your tree stump is in the middle of your lawn or near your fence, you can learn how to remove it. The question is, should you take the DIY route?
5 Pros of DIY Tree Stump Removal
Many handy homeowners might see tree stump removal as a fun weekend project. And while we strongly recommend hiring professional tree stump removal services, there’s no denying the pros of DIY tree stump removal. Here’s what they are.
1. Cost Savings
Hiring a professional tree stump removal service can be expensive, especially if you have multiple stumps to remove. It’s always a good idea to save instead of spend, and when it comes to DIY tree stump removal, that’s exactly the kind of cost-saving opportunity frugal homeowners love. Remove tree stumps yourself to keep your landscaping funds untouched- you won’t be disappointed.
2. Get Some Exercise and Fresh Air
Are you the type to hate being stuck in a cubicle all week? Do you crave the outdoors on your days off? Try taking out your tree stumps over the weekend! DIY tree stump removal can be a great way to get some nice fresh air and work your muscles as you chop, pull, and clean up your yard.
3. Flexibility and Convenience
Most tree stump removal companies require you to set up an appointment. While there’s nothing wrong with it, you might want a little more freedom with your landscaping work. Well, DIY stump removal allows you to work at your own pace without waiting for a professional to fit you into their schedule. You can pick any free weekend to get that pesky stump out of your yard.
4. Learning New Skills
Who doesn’t love learning a new skill? If it’s your first time removing a tree stump yourself, you’re bound to learn a few things along the way. Plus, you gain in-depth knowledge about tree anatomy, tools and equipment, and proper removal techniques.
5. Sense of Accomplishment
Finally, a successful DIY stump removal can be incredibly rewarding. Because removing a tree stump is no easy feat, you’re sure to feel a sense of achievement and satisfaction in completing a challenging task.
5 Cons of DIY Tree Stump Removal
That said, is DIY tree stump removal all rainbows and unicorns? Not quite. Let’s look at a few reasons why it may be best for you to call for expert stump removal services.
1. Underground Complications
The root system of a tree can be hard to figure out. In some cases, tree roots can lead below your home or out into public property on the outskirts of your lawn.
What’s more, you risk damaging underground utility lines, irrigation systems, or nearby structures when removing a tree stump without proper experience. This can lead to additional costs and safety hazards.
2. Dangerous Chemicals
Many homeowners opting for DIY stump removal choose chemical treatments to save on physical labor. Usually, this includes drilling holes in the stump and filling them with tree stump removers like potassium nitrate.
If you don’t know what you’re doing, the chemicals can run into other areas and damage your lawn. This, in turn, will cost you more in repair costs. It’s better to have a professional tree stump removal services expert handle everything from the beginning.
3. Time-Consuming
Needless to say, DIY tree stump removal takes more time than hiring professionals with equipment and expertise. You may need several hours or even days to complete the job, depending on the size and depth of the stump.
4. Unsafe Equipment Usage
Tree stump removal tools like stump grinders, chainsaws, and handsaws are specialized equipment meant to be handled by trained experts. They can cause intense jerks backward on the operator, causing them to lose their grip and drop the machine on their feet. We don’t need to tell you why that’s dangerous.
Safety is key. Your life depends on it. One wrong move, and you could lose a limb. If you’ve never used heavy-duty stump grinders, it’s best to bring the pros on board.
5. Breeding Ground for Pests
When tree stumps are not properly disposed of, they can start decaying, inviting unwanted pests like termites, fungi, and carpenter ants into your yard. Additionally, these pests may attack healthy plants and trees, creating a bigger mess.
Should You Go for DIY Stump Removal?
So, is DIY worth your time and effort? There’s no cut-and-dried answer to this question. If you’re dealing with a small stump, you may be able to take care of it on your own. But for larger or more complex stumps, consider consulting a professional with specialized training and equipment.
Reputable tree stump removal experts can take out pesky stumps quickly, safely, and with minimum disruption to your yard. They can also dispose of the debris, so you have nothing to worry about.
The Bottom Line
There you have it, the pros and cons of DIY tree stump removal! Remember, removing a tree stump is fairly complicated, something you wouldn’t want to attempt without proper expertise. Still, if you feel confident in your skills and physical capabilities, be sure to do enough research and have someone to help you on-site.
Or, call Utah Tree Co! We’re one of Utah’s leading stump removal service companies with decades of experience under our belts. Our pros can get rid of any unwanted stumps in your yard hassle-free. So go ahead and get in touch with us and we’d love to hear from you!