Why Have Tree Stumps Removed Versus Burning Them Out?
If you have a tree stumps or several stumps on your property, you might assume you can or should just burn them out; this means setting the stump on fire and then stoking the flame so that the wood burns out and gets destroyed. While this may seem like a simple solution to unwanted tree stumps, you might consider having it professionally removed instead. Note why this is the better idea no matter how many stumps you have on your property.
1. Harm to the ground
Are you thinking of planting a new tree or putting sod over the area once the tree stump is removed? Burning out the stump typically means damaging the surrounding soil and burning away nutrients that are needed for new planting. Materials that would otherwise feed a new tree or new grass, including decomposing leaves and debris, are burned up and removed so that your new vegetation cannot get the nutrients it may need to thrive. Burning can also dry out the ground so that there is not enough moisture to support a new tree or new sod.
2. Recycling of wood
Not only does burning potentially cause harm to the ground, but it also means a waste of that wood. When a professional landscaper removes a stump, they can often grind or chip that wood and then have it recycled. It can be used to make plywood or other wood materials that mix wood chips with glue and adhesives, or it can be used as pulp to make paper. Wood chips are also used in cleaning up spills and in other such applications. Rather than waste the wood by burning it away, it's good to call a professional who can ensure the wood is put to good use.
3. Safety
It may seem like you can easily and safely start a fire on a stump as long as you're always there to mind the flames, but remember that burning a stump is not like burning a campfire. That wood goes underground and is attached to tree roots that are also flammable. If there are any small pockets of any type of gas underground, they can easily ignite and this can be very damaging to your property. If the fire were to spread along exposed roots, this might cause it to burn uncontrollably.
Rather than assume that a tree stump is easy to control when on fire, call a professional (like Waratah Tree Services) to remove it safely.