Palm trees are one of the most decorative and unique trees that you'll find in the warmer, more tropical climates. When properly cared for, these trees can be beautiful and full of foliage. However, knowing how to care for them isn't always easy. That's probably why you're here. If it is, then you're in the right place. This site is dedicated to the care and maintenance of all sorts of trees, including tropical varieties like palm trees. The information on this page can help you to understand which of the basic care steps you can do yourself and which steps are best done by a local tree service.
Same Peterson
Tree removal involves more than just cutting the tree down, you also need to handle the remaining stump. This is one task you shouldn't DIY, and the following reasons will show.
1. Equipment Hazards
The most effective way to remove a tree stump is with a stump grinder. Although many hardware stores will rent these out, they can be quite hazardous to use if you are a novice. A stump grinder consists of mechanized grinding wheels that are lowered onto the stump. They grind the wood into sawdust. Accidents can happen and injuries may occur if the device isn't used correctly, so it isn't the best option for DIY removal if you have never been trained on a grinder's use.
2. Ineffective Alternatives
There are alternatives if you want to DIY without the dangers of a grinder. If the stump is small, you may be able to dig it out, but this isn't usually a suitable option for a mature tree. Chemical stump removers are another option. These kill the stump and speed up decomposition. The drawback is that chemical removers may require several applications, and it can take weeks to even months for them to effectively kill the stump so you can break it up and remove it.
3. Underground Utilities
Depending on the stump location, there could be utility lines like gas and water running underneath or nearby. If you aren't careful with removal, particularly with a grinder or digging method, you could damage the utility lines. This could be a nuisance in the event of water or dangerous if you hit a gas or electric line. Professional stump removal services will check for line locations and take steps to avoid them if they are present.
4. Growth Issues
Some trees are more stubborn than others when it comes to removal. You can cut them down, but the roots will continue to send up fresh shoots for months or even years. The only way to stop this is to either dig out the stump and all of its roots or to grind it down sufficiently so that the stump is too dead for the outlying roots to survive. A professional knows which tree types pose this issue and they have the know-how to grind a stump sufficiently to make sure it's dead.
5. Clean Up Challenges
Stump removal is more than just grinding it down. After the grinding is complete, you will be left with a hole and a lot of sawdust. This can be a pain to clean up and remedy so that you can begin landscape recovery. Bringing in a professional means you can have the sawdust hauled off and the stump hole filled and leveled.
Contact a professional tree and stump removal service instead of attempting removal on your own.