Get matched with top tree service pros in Weiner, AR

Some trees, such as silver maples, birches, sycamores, and scotch pines, shed their bark naturally. If your tree is not one that does this, it might have fallen prey to pests, fungi, or diseases. It could also simply be suffering from an extreme weather change, such as a snowstorm or heat wave. If you’re still stumped, consulting with a pro can help you diagnose your tree’s specific problem.

While there is a lot of debate about whether boiling water is strong enough to kill tree roots, it is not best to remove the roots from large, old trees. You may be able to weaken young roots enough to remove them manually, but boiling water will likely not do the trick for large root systems.

As a general rule, the protected area should be about 1½ times as wide as the canopy of the tree’s leaves. This digging measurement can vary by tree species and the age of the tree. Of course, that can be a lot of fencing for larger trees, which is why our first step is about making difficult decisions on which trees to save.

The fastest ways to remove a tree stump are by grinding it or burning it.

Stump grinding is often the quickest method, with professionals able to chip away a stump and its roots within a single session. You have the option to hire a professional stump removal service or rent a stump grinder to do it yourself. However, it's important to note that these machines can be large, difficult to transport, and dangerous to operate without prior experience. For safety reasons, hiring a local arborist or landscape specialist is often recommended.

Burning is another fast option. Before you begin, check your local burn laws. The process involves drilling holes into the stump, filling them with vegetable oil, and waiting 24 to 48 hours. Afterward, you can add charcoal bricks to the surface and light the fire, which must be attended at all times.

For a more affordable but much slower alternative, you can use potassium nitrate pellets to accelerate the natural decomposition process. This method typically takes four to six months.