It's undeniable: trees add natural beauty to a home and can also increase property value. Trees also provide a great way to get some shade from the sun. While trees are beautiful, they can become dangerous when they die or become damaged, and the stumps they leave behind can cause problems too.

The easy part is when it's time for the tree to be removed. Just call a tree service company in Chilliwack, and they'll remove the tree with no problem. But, there's just one problem: what to do with the stump that remains? Not only is it an aesthetics issue and an eyesore, but it can also actually pose a safety hazard. That's why it's important to call arborist professionals that can help quickly and safely remove the stump with no problem. The best option is to call the experts at Chilliwack Tree Services. We have the skills and expertise to remove any tree stump, which will help keep your property looking great and completely safe for your family, too.

Why is something that looks as harmless as a tree stump so dangerous? Here are some of the reasons why a tree stump is so dangerous, and some different ways to remove it. However, the best way is to call a professional that has the experience to handle the job safely.

Why Tree Stumps Should Be Removed Immediately

1. Tree Stumps Are a Safety Hazard

It may not seem like it, but tree stumps are actually a safety hazard. Since the roots are still in the ground, if any are sticking up, there is the potential for kids to trip and stumble over them. Even adults could be at risk for doing this, especially if they aren't paying attention.

Not to mention, what happens if a neighbor or someone else's kid trips on a leftover stump and gets hurt? It's actually a huge liability issue. Nobody wants to deal with the hassle of a lawsuit over something as simple as a tree stump in the yard.

2. Reduces Overall Property Value

Having dead tree stumps also reduces overall property value. The fact is, dead tree stumps are an eyesore that makes your property look messy. One option is to upcycle a tree stump, and there are tons of options available online you could try. For example, one popular option is to turn an old hollow stump into a space for growing flowers. While that's all good and well, it still leaves an unsightly stump in the yard, flowers or not.

3. Invites Pests and Disease into the Yard

A dead tree stump is a calling card for all sorts of pests and insects which carry diseases that could harm the other living vegetation around the stump. Some of these pests include termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-boring insects, which require wood to live or nest. The bugs can then spread to other living trees or shrubs, even nest in your home, causing structural damage. Fungi are another problem that could also cause problems to a house, even children or pets. Contact a professional tree service company like Chilliwack Tree Services, which can safely get rid of the stump before it poses a safety hazard.

4. It Takes Up Space in the Yard

Tree stumps also take up a ton of valuable space in the yard. It even makes it more difficult to do things like gardening chores and mowing. Getting rid of a tree stump means there's more room for something like a picnic table, a playset for your kids to play on, or just free space.

5. It Can Damage Your Property

Did you know that even after a tree has been removed, the roots attached to the stump can still grow? This can cause major problems if the roots continue to grow and then break through an underground water pipe, or even worse, a sewer pipe. By the time the pipes crack and burst, the damage is already done. Then, it's going to cost a ton of money to not only remove the offending stump but also pay for a new sewer or water line.

6. Dead Stumps Can Grow New Trees

Dead tree stumps are never entirely dead; they can still grow new shoots, which are not only an eyesore but a pain to remove, especially if the roots have already solidified in the soil. The only way to avoid this problem is to remove a tree stump entirely.

How to Remove Tree Stumps

As you can see, there are many reasons to remove a dead tree stump from your yard. Unless you have experience, it's not a good idea to remove a tree stump yourself, although there are ways to do so. The best option is to call Chilliwack Tree Services, and we can safely remove any dead stumps that are marring your yard. However, if you have to remove a tree stump yourself, there are a few different ways to do it.

1. Dig it Out of the Ground

The first method is to use a tool called a mattock (basically, a pickaxe with a chisel on the end) and dig the stump out of the ground. Make sure to dig until the root system is exposed, and then use a root saw to chop up the roots into manageable pieces. Then, use a shovel or hoe to get rid of the remaining roots. Clear away the majority of the root system. After that, the stump should be easy to remove. Fill in the hole with dirt or loam to prevent it from collapsing and creating a hole.  

2. Burn the Stump Away

One method is to burn the stump to remove it, but this is only applicable with a permit. Please, use extreme caution with this method. Pile some dry wood on top and then start the fire until the stump is burned to the ground. Fill in the hole with dirt or loam as it continues to sink in the next few weeks.

3. Tree Stump Grinding

This is by far the most effective method for removal. Chilliwack Tree Services can safely and quickly grind any trees stump. Essentially, a grinding machine does just that: grinds up the stump and roots quickly so they can be easily removed. Usually, it grinds up stumps to about a foot below the ground.

Get Rid of Tree Stumps Quickly​

Remember, the key to removing tree stumps is the proper technique and safety. That's why it's important to call the professionals, like Chilliwack Tree Services. They have experienced professionals, affordable rates, and quality services, too. Call us today to book a tree or stump removal and keep your property safe.  

Trees offer so many benefits that parting with them can be a real challenge. While they may look healthy at first, not all problems are obvious to an untrained eye. Removal is typically a last resort, being done only when other management options have failed. Property owners are responsible for injuries and damage that occur when trees fall, and knowing common symptoms can prevent serious and expensive problems. Here are a few warning signs that indicate the need for tree removal.

Indicators of Infection

Cracks in the bark, crown dieback, discolored and misshapen leaves, crumbling wood, and fungi might indicate the presence of an infection. Other signs of pest infestation include feeding galleries, emergence holes, and the presence of woodpeckers. If a tree is showing one or more of these signs, call Chilliwack Tree Services right away.

Dead Branches

If there are large, dead branches in the crown, it’s likely that the tree can’t be saved. These branches are often called widow-makers because they can fall at random, causing serious injury or death. If more than half of a tree is diseased or damaged, consider removing it for safety’s sake.

Poor Growth

When assessing a tree’s condition, evaluate its vigor and health compared to that of trees growing nearby. Discolored leaves, thinning foliage, and slow growth all indicate trouble, which is best diagnosed by a trained arborist.

Root Defects

While root defects aren’t always noticeable, they do show some signs. If a tree has fungal growth or heaving soil near its base, there’s an issue with the roots, and removal may be the only safe option.

A Compromised Trunk

Large wounds, splits, cracks, and stubby or dead branches all point to internal decay. Many property owners don’t realize that trees can live for many years as they decay from the inside out. While some trees can withstand it for a long time, they will all eventually fall. When trees have such serious structural issues, we will remove them safely and efficiently.

Leaning to Either Side

Though not all leaning trees are dangerous, a sudden lean may spell disaster. If a tree develops a significant lean, there may be structural problems that indicate the need for removal.

Growing Under Power Lines or Near Structures

Trees that grow into power lines are a serious safety risk, as are those growing too close to houses and other structures. When this occurs, regular pruning may work for a while, but removal will eventually become necessary. Generally, trees should be 20 feet or more away from a building, house, or power line.

A Lack of Leaves

Most people know that trees drop leaves in fall and develop them in spring. However, if a tree’s leaf growth differs from that of past years, it may indicate poor health. When certain parts of trees have few to no leaves, it’s a sign of illness. In these cases, trees should be evaluated by a trained professional.

Fungal Growth

Mushrooms and other fungi commonly grow in forests, but they are bad news for trees. When fungal colonies take hold, they may infect a tree’s trunk and roots, causing damage that leads to instability and other safety risks.

If the fungal growth is uncontrolled, little can be done to save a tree, as these invasive organisms cannot be removed with fungicides. It may be possible to transplant a tree if it has avoided significant damage, but most will need to be removed to keep the infection from spreading.

DIY vs. Professional Tree Removal

When local property owners work with the professionals at Chilliwack Tree Services, the job will be done correctly. Our experts will inspect the tree, determine the need for removal, and offer an estimate for the service.

DIY tree removal can be risky, especially if the property owner must climb a ladder and use tools to remove branches. This is just one of the risks of DIY tree removal. An arborist who is insured, licensed, and educated on safe tree removal is the right person for the job. Call today to schedule a no-obligation evaluation and estimate.

Healthy Trees in the Right Place

Dying and dead trees shouldn’t always be removed if they are in secluded or forested areas. These trees often serve as refuges and homes for wildlife. While tree failures are often unpredictable, it’s reassuring to know that they are usually preventable. Now is the right time to inspect nearby trees, before winter storms set in. If any of these signs are present, call the pros at Chilliwack Tree Services today.

Lush, healthy trees can revitalize your home and its landscape. However, when overgrown or dead branches appear, they can detract from a tree's appearance and compromise its structural integrity. That's why proper pruning is essential. While most homeowners are aware of the practice, what may be unclear is the right time to do it. We're here to help you know which times of year are the best for tree pruning.

The Purpose of Pruning

Chilliwack Tree Service's pruners and arborists are trained to understand the physical structure and growth patterns of trees. First, we'll evaluate the tree's form, removing or trimming only the branches that present risks to people, property, and plant health. As every cut is an open wound, we'll remove as little material as needed to achieve the desired result; a vigorous, healthy tree.

Timely Pruning for Maximum Effectiveness

While they may seem hardy, trees need care year-round-;and pruning or trimming is no exception. The right time to prune a tree is during its dormant season, specifically in the early spring or late fall. During these times, trees hibernate and buds have not opened, which makes it easier to assess branching patterns and determine which ones should be removed.

As the weakest branches are removed, a tree will regain its structural strength and be better protected against wet snow and harsh winds. Pruning also allows precious resources to be diverted to other, healthier parts of a tree, further bolstering its defenses.

Pruning a tree during the dormant season decreases the likelihood of insect infestation. As a tree is cut, the openings may attract bugs and provide an access point. Some insects feed on trees' leaves, gradually weakening their structure with time. Because insects are more active during the summer, there's less of an infestation risk when pruning trees during the dormant season.

Spring and Summer Pruning

Summer pruning will help direct new branch growth. In simple terms, we'll practice corrective pruning, eliminating dead and dying branches, as well as those that hang too low and get in the way.
Do you have flowering trees and want to enhance their beauty? The best time to prune these trees is when their flowers fade. Some trees may be pruned in late spring, while others should be pruned in winter. We'll recommend a pruning schedule that suits your trees and their needs.

Pruning Trees Benefits the Entire Landscape

While trees benefit greatly from timely pruning, the rest of the landscape will reap the rewards as well. During the spring, when gardens are blooming, tree pruning may adversely affect plant growth. By pruning trees in the off season, there's a lesser chance of damage to other parts of the yard.

Light is much scarcer during the winter and removing weak or dead branches will direct sunlight toward grass and plants. With more light, plants and grasses will be healthier and they will receive the nourishment needed to thrive when spring comes.

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Pruning trees at the wrong time may not seem as if it causes much damage, but it can significantly affect the year's fruit or flowers. Proper timing depends on the tree's native climate; warmer areas have different schedules than those where it's colder. If you're unsure when to prune a shrub, tree, or plant, contact Chilliwack Tree Services for advice and help.