After professionals remove a tree from your property, you need to decide what to do with the remaining stump. Arborists offering tree services in Buford, GA, usually recommend grinding, but you may want to try an alternative option. Are there risks in burying a tree stump? Below, we go over the pros and cons of this method.
How Tree Stump Burial Works
The most common method for burying a stump involves drilling holes into the wood, adding a nitrogen-rich material such as fertilizer or manure, and covering it with soil to help retain moisture and encourage decomposition. You can expect to wait a year or two for the stump to rot, though anything on the larger side could take three or more years.
Advantages of Burying an Old Stump
Burying tree stumps offers a few advantages. Some people appreciate how the rotting wood adds nutrients to the soil in the area. Also, the wood will rot much faster when buried in moist soil than when left standing in the yard.
The biggest advantage for most people is the lower cost compared to other methods. If you have the patience and aren’t all that concerned about a visible mound on your property, it may be an option to consider.
Disadvantages of Burying Tree Stumps
Burying a stump comes with quite a few disadvantages. One of the biggest is the increased possibility of infestations, as decaying matter is like a welcome mat for unwanted pests.
As the stump rots underground, termites may take it as an invitation to move right on in. The moisture in the soil and the wood in the stump combine to give termites a perfect breeding area. After the colony grows large enough, the termites might invade other trees on your property or even attempt to damage your house.
Another issue is that, over time, buried stumps can result in sinkholes, which are dangerous and unpredictable. Because of this potential hazard, some locations have laws against stump burial.
The best way to avoid all of the above issues is to hire a professional. With the right equipment and experience, a local tree service company can grind your stump to below ground level. You can then fill in the hole with soil for an even appearance and use the leftover wood chips as mulch for your property.
Count on the Experts at Georgia Tree Company for Help With Tree Removal and Stump Grinding
Although people might choose to bury a stump, our professionals at Georgia Tree Company would suggest a better alternative. We normally recommend stump grinding, as it quickly eliminates the problem while reducing the risk of damage to your yard and landscaping.
Removing a tree stump is not a job most homeowners should try to tackle on their own. Georgia Tree Company’s team has the expertise and equipment to create a stress-free experience. For a free cost estimate, call us today at (404) 990-0010 to learn more and schedule service.