Maybe you've already had a tree cut down on your property, but the stump was left behind. Now you're wondering: why should I remove the tree stump? Isn't it just an old piece of wood, after all? Well... not exactly.
Because leaving a stump in the ground is a bit like keeping an old decayed tooth in your mouth. It’s there, it doesn’t cause much trouble at first, but it can eventually lead to a whole bunch of problems.
1. Why a Tree Stump Harms Your Yard’s Appearance
A stump isn’t just “ugly.” Visually, it’s obvious—it ruins the look of your yard. You can plant flowers around it or stick a garden gnome on top, but it’s still a big lump sitting in the middle of your lawn. And it definitely stands out.
Imagine a well-kept, green, and level yard… then right in the middle, an old, cracked grey stump. Even your neighbors eventually start asking if you’re planning to do something about it. Appearance is just the tip of the iceberg.
2. Living Roots: The Damage You Don’t See Coming
What many people don’t realize is that the roots of a cut-down tree can sometimes keep growing. If you have a driveway, patio, or pool nearby, cracks or lifting can quickly start to appear.
Even if the trunk is dead, the living tissues can still trigger new shoot growth. The worst part is, it all happens quietly underground—until the day you notice your paving stones are all out of line.
3. Stump Removal = Protection Against Pests
Leaving a stump in place is like inviting pests in: carpenter ants, wood-boring insects, wood-decaying fungi... They love dead wood. And guess what? Once they settle in, they can spread to other trees — or even to your house.
Champignons dans l’assiette, OK. Dans les fondations ? Non merci.
4. A Cut Tree Can Grow Back: Why Stump Removal Prevents Regrowth
Sometimes, the stump starts growing again. You think you’re done with that tree, and boom — little shoots start popping up all around it. Some species are especially stubborn, like poplar, maple, and ash.
These shoots quickly become invasive, and pulling them out one by one turns into a never-ending battle.
5. Hard-to-Maintain Yard? The Stump Is Often to Blame
Mowing around a stump is a waste of time. You hit the blade, make awkward detours, and get frustrated. On top of that, you risk twisting an ankle if you forget it’s there or if a hole forms next to it.
Want a yard that’s easy to maintain? You need to get rid of what’s in the way. And a stump definitely gets in the way.
6. Removing a Stump Means Planning for Future Landscaping
Want to build a patio, a shed, or a fire pit? You won’t be able to do any of that as long as a stump is still there. Building on dead wood is like building a house on sand.
And even if you’re thinking the stump will eventually decompose on its own… get ready to wait anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Seriously?
7. Stump Grinding or Full Removal: What Are Your Options?
There are several techniques for removing a tree stump. Mechanical grinding is the most popular: fast, clean, and without collateral damage. A specialized machine grinds the stump into wood chips, below ground leve
Full removal is a more drastic approach. The entire stump is pulled out using heavy machinery. It leaves a large hole and often damages the surrounding area. This method is mostly used on construction sites.
As for chemical products, they’re slow, not eco-friendly, sometimes banned… and mostly useless if you’re in a hurry.
8. Why Choose Élagage Expert for Stump Removal
At Élagage Expert, we use professional equipment to remove stumps quickly and efficiently. Our approach is safe, respectful of your property, and always tailored to the specific situation.
Not sure if it’s worth it in your case? We can come take a look, assess the situation, and give you honest advice. No strings attached.
9. How Much Does Stump Removal Cost?
The cost of removing a tree stump depends on several factors: the size of the stump, type of wood, accessibility, desired grinding depth, soil conditions, and more.
In general, on the North Shore or in Montreal, it typically ranges from $120 to $300 per stump. Sometimes more, depending on the conditions. But clearly, it’s a much better investment than having to repair a foundation or a drain damaged by a root.
10. In Summary: Why Remove a Tree Stump, Really?
- To prevent underground damage caused by roots
- To avoid the spread of pests and fungi
- To stop unwanted regrowth
- To make lawn maintenance easier
- To free up your yard for future projects
- To improve the overall appearance and safety of your property
And honestly… because it just looks cleaner.
Need stump removal services in Laval, Montreal, or the North Shore?
Check out our stump removal service to see how we can help, or call us for a quick estimate.
We're fully equipped, certified, and most importantly — we know what we're doing.
To learn more about best practices recommended by industry professionals, also check out this page from the Quebec chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (SIAQ): https://siaq.org/conseils-au-public/entretien-des-arbres/
Also worth reading:
- Our pruning service: sanitation
- Arborist Reports: Understanding the Condition of Your Trees
- How to Fertilize a Fruit Tree
Article written by Élagage Expert – professional service in Montreal, Laval, Terrebonne, Rosemère, Boisbriand, Lorraine, Mascouche, Repentigny, Sainte-Thérèse, and Ahuntsic.