Tree Stump Removal
How Long Do Tree Stumps Take To Rot?
Leftover stumps can be tough to remove on your own once a tree is cut down. Some specimens have the possibility of maintaining their root growth even after the rest of the tree is gone. Depending on the species and how well they were taken care of, tree stumps generally last for over 10 years before completely dying.
A tree stump doesn’t seem like a problem at first but it can spell trouble for the rest of the plants on your property. Leftover stumps can end up competing with other plants for nutrients which can impede their growth. Dying stumps also attract pests like termites and even fungi or bacteria if left untouched.
A Tree Stump Will Attempt To Survive
The exact time it takes for a leftover stump to die may hinge on a few factors. The speed of the rot usually depends on the conditions in your yard and on the species of tree in question. While you may think a stump will die immediately, that simply isn’t the case.
Even without the rest of its body, a stump can still survive on its own because of its roots. There have been cases where spots near the roots grow new tree shoots and leaves to gather sunlight for energy. If the shoots can grow new leaves, there’s a chance that a stump will prolong its life. If not, the stump will most likely perish in a matter of weeks.
Also, some studies suggest that tree stumps can absorb nutrients from neighboring trees to survive. While only a hypothesis, it is also implied that some trees have underground networks that let them connect with one another to get nutrients.
There are plenty of tree species that can last for a long time before completely rotting away. Trees like these are resistant to rotting and often lose at least 80 percent of their mass after only seven years. Examples include the black locust, red mulberry, osage orange, and many others. Other species of trees aren’t as resistant to rot and lose their mass just four years after being cut.
If you have a stump on your property that you want to get rid of, there are ways you can speed up the removal process. You can still wait for a tree stump to rot away naturally or if you want it removed immediately, you can hire a professional arborist to do it. With their help, you won’t have to deal with a stump taking nutrients from the other plants in your garden or attracting unwanted pests.
Get Stump Removal Help from the Tree Care Experts
If you need the help of certified arborists, contact Johnson Ops Tree care in La Crosse, WI. We offer high-quality tree care, lumber, and stump removal for our valued clients. We’ll help you every step of the way.
