Did you recently have a tree rot on your property? Perhaps the tree fell or got cut down, but there is likely still a tree stump. You may not view the left behind stump as an eyesore, but there are a number of reasons you should consider getting the stump removed. For example, a tree stump can pose a safety issue because someone could trip over it and injure themselves. It is also wise to understand what causes trees to rot if you have more trees on your property. The following information can help you understand more about rotting trees so that you do not have to have a yard full of stumps.
Appearance
A sick or dead tree is not always easily discernible. Some people do not realize they have trees that are rotting until an event such as a large branch falling occurs. The issue with this is that fallen branches can cause injuries and property damage. If you have a tree that starts to produce fewer leaves than it did in prior years, it may be due to it rotting internally.
Insect Activity
You may also notice activity from carpenter ants or termites. The ants may invade the lower portion of the tree, and they often remain there and thrive on the stump if the tree is cut down or falls down. The issue with this is that at some point the carpenter ants or termites may invade your home and attempt to feast on the building materials.
Fungi
Some people think that mushrooms growing from trees make them look more like they are out in nature. Although the appearance may be flattering, shelf fungi are an indicator that a tree is likely rotting. These fungi can invade trees when they have damage to them such as a chip in the bark. The fungi require moisture to thrive, and once they invade they cause trees to rot by pulling moisture from trees.
A tree service is a good resource to use for tips on keeping your trees healthy and the importance of complete tree removals. They can also inspect trees on your property to determine if rotting portions are present and prune them accordingly. Unfortunately, if significant tree rot has invaded the tree, the safest and best option will likely be cutting the tree down and removing the stump to prevent future issues. For example, some tree stumps have roots that are still intact and alive. This means that they can absorb moisture from the soil that you should aim to preserve for healthy trees and plants on your property.
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