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If you have a lot of trees around your home, mulching all those leaves can smother the lawn. Air and light won't reach the grass and soil if too many leaves have been mulched. Turf grass and other lawn problems can arise if the weather is too wet and excessive leaves have been mulched.

The most common alternative is burning the stump first, then dealing with the cinders and ashes. As you can imagine, this option creates fire hazards, especially since roots can burn underground, hidden, for long afterward. That’s why many states and cities have outlawed the use of stump burning entirely. We do not recommend this option as a viable alternative unless you get a permit from the local fire department and practice all safe burning procedures.

Others prefer a more long-term DIY approach of degrading the stump with home mixtures like Epsom salt and vinegar injected directly into it. This may help the stump decay faster, allowing homeowners to dig it out themselves, but it’s still a lengthy process. It usually takes months for a stump to start falling apart with such treatments, and in the meantime, it can be vulnerable to rot, insects, and other problems.

Typically, the best type to trim bushes is when they’re dormant. Winter and late fall, potentially even early spring are the best times to trim your bushes. These seasons allow you better access to the branches, as all leaves are gone and the branches are more brittle, making the trimming process easier. 

An herbicide with glyphosate, imazapyr, or triclopyr kills ivy the fastest. Herbicides inhibit photosynthesis and cell division. They kill the roots and prevent ivy from regrowing. You should apply herbicide to the cut stems and roots of ivy. You can also spray herbicide on the leaves of ivy, but be sure not to spray nearby trees and plants as it can cause them harm.