You’ve had the sad responsibility of having a tree removed from your property. Maybe it was incurably sick or dying, or so close to your house that it was interfering with the foundation or the sewer line. Now there’s a stump, and it’s ugly. Not only is it unattractive, but it has decreased your property’s value. If it’s in front of your home, it ruins your home’s curb appeal.
Why Stumps Are So Unappealing
This devaluation comes not just from the stump’s looks. The stump is a trip and fall hazard. It can become a home for pests that might leave the stump and migrate into your house. A stump makes taking care of the lawn and entertaining outdoors difficult. People in the market for a new home are apt to pass on a place with a stump or stumps on their lawn. Though removal can be pricey, it’s in your property’s best interest to have it done.
How Stump Removal Helps Your Property Value
According to some experts, the removal of a stump can raise the value of your property between 1% and 5%. This may not sound impressive, but if your home is valued at $500,000, that means an extra $5,000 to $25,000. The value increases even more if the stump is removed from the front of the property.
Stump removal also gets rid of a convenient home for pests, such as termites, ants, tree-damaging beetles, and even larger problems such as mice and rats. When these creatures invade your home and cause damage there, this further decreases the value of your property.
A stump, especially one that’s half-hidden in tall grass, is also a trip and fall hazard. This not only lowers property values. If someone is injured by the stump, you could be on the hook for their medical bills. If the injured party is yourself or a member of your household, you certainly will be on the hook for medical bills. Stumps can also damage expensive yard equipment that will have to be replaced.
How to Remove a Stump
The stump can be ground out, which is the most popular type of removal. An arborist can also remove the stump by adding chemicals, but this can take months and might poison living things in the vicinity.
The third way the stump can be removed is to simply dig it out along with the roots. This is a daunting proposition as the roots of large, old trees can be as big around as their crown. Digging this out can cause damage to your property. However, it may be the only option if the stump and its roots are extensive.
Get in Touch With Us for Stump Removal
No one’s in a hurry to buy a property full of ugly stumps. If you need stump removal services to protect your Charleston, SC, property’s value, give our professional arborists at Charleston Stump Stompers a call.
