Have you seen gardens or properties where tree stumps are left behind after a tree lopper has removed the top of the tree? Sometimes people build gardens around these, or try to do things like build fences over them, or create some sort of feature out of them, but realistically, removing the tree stump is advisable, because leftover tree stumps can cause serious damage to existing structures.
The wrong tree growing in a yard can cause damage to existing power lines, by growing too high, they can also drop branches and leaves into gutters, and damage a roof. Tree loppers are often called in to remove these trees, and they leave the stumps behind. The tree stumps are sometimes poisoned, but this may not always work in the long term.
Trees that have been poisoned may still have roots that will offshoot, and tunnel into leaking pipes. If new structures have been put up, and plumbing and sewerage pipes laid down, and tree stumps have simply been poisoned and not removed, there is a strong risk of the tree shooting off new roots, and getting water from pipelines. Roots will invade new pipes, and cause destruction of them.
It may not be immediately apparent that tree stumps are causing the problem, as the new shoots will crop up elsewhere from the tree stump, and the roots are under the ground. It is far better to have a stump totally bored out, to ensure that new tree shoots do not invade pipes. Neighbours may have tree stumps that they have left, and these roots can grow into your pipes causing damage, in this case it is best to negotiate with your neighbour over the removal of the stump.
Neighbours & Tree Stumps
In order to facilitate the removal of the tree stump with the neighbour, it is advisable to inform your neighbour that the stump is causing damage to your pipes, and that removing the stump will also help your neighbour to prevent any damage to their own property.
Tree stumps have had fences built over and around them, and this makes a fence more difficult to maintain and prevents the fence from having a lengthy lifespan. Tree stumps are notorious for harbouring termites, and when a tree stump becomes home to a colony of termites, and a fence has been erected around it, it is more likely to be destroyed. Had the tree stump been removed originally, the fence would be able to be installed correctly and any problem maintenance prevented.
Any other structures such as pergolas, carports, garages and extensions to buildings can be invaded and had damage caused to them by invasive tree roots. Trees are generally still alive and getting nourishment from the soil and moisture in the soil when they have been cut down, making them likely to shoot up new growth anywhere along their root system.
If any water sources or guttering have been attached to new structures, they run the risk of tree shoots appearing near them, and the roots growing into the foundation of the structure seeking moisture from pipes.
If any new structures are planned, then it is far better to do preventive maintenance by ensuring that all tree stumps are removed, and include this in the building budget. A person may mistakenly believe that they are saving money by leaving a tree stump in the ground, but they are lining themselves up for some regrettable and costly maintenance down the track when the tree shoots up new roots. Removing all tree stumps from trees that have been cut down is advisable, as this promotes a more maintenance friendly, safe environment for all home residents and will protect any new or pre-existing structures from damage.