When a tree has been cut down, many homeowners choose to leave the stump in place — especially if it’s tucked away out of sight. At first glance, this can seem like a practical decision. After all, if the stump isn’t in the way, does it really need to be removed? At NS Tree Surgery Billingshurst, we often get asked this very question, and the truth is that hidden stumps can still cause significant problems over time.
Why Hidden Stumps Can Still Be a Problem
Risk of Regrowth
Even when a stump is cut low and hidden by plants or soil, it can still attempt to regrow. These shoots drain energy and nutrients from the ground, leading to unsightly saplings and unwanted maintenance issues.
Attracts Pests and Disease
Old stumps slowly decay, and this process attracts wood-boring insects such as beetles and ants. In some cases, rotting wood can harbour fungi and diseases that may spread to nearby trees and plants.
Structural Damage to Surrounding Areas
If the tree’s root system remains active, it may continue to grow underground. This can interfere with paving, driveways, and garden structures over time, leading to costly repairs.
Benefits of Removing a Hidden Stump
Reclaims Space in Your Garden
By removing the stump, you gain back usable space that can be turned into a flower bed, lawn area, or a fresh planting site for a new tree.
Improves Safety
Even hidden stumps can pose a tripping hazard if they are in areas accessed by children, pets, or guests. Stump removal ensures your garden remains a safe, obstacle-free environment.
Promotes a Healthier Landscape
Removing the decaying stump prevents the spread of disease and stops regrowth from competing with other plants for water and nutrients.
Professional Stump Removal vs. Leaving It
While some homeowners attempt to dig stumps out themselves, this can be back-breaking work and may not remove the entire root system. Professional stump grinding, as offered by NS Tree Surgery Billingshurst, ensures a thorough job is done, grinding the stump below ground level and allowing the area to be levelled and re-used quickly.
Conclusion
Even if your tree stump is hidden, leaving it in place can lead to regrowth, pest problems, and potential damage to surrounding areas. Removing it is an investment in the health, safety, and appearance of your garden. NS Tree Surgery Billingshurst in Billingshurst, West Sussex, can safely and efficiently remove stumps of any size, helping you make the most of your outdoor space.
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