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If the roots are still alive, the dead tree will usually try to put out new shoots. That doesn’t mean the tree will survive or that the dead parts of a tree will come back to life. If parts of the tree have died and turned gray or rotten, nothing will bring them back to life and they need to be safely removed.

A dead tree should always be cut down, because it could fall and cause injuries or damage, and it can also attract insects like carpenter ants. A tree that’s diseased beyond repair should also be cut down, but it’s not always easy for a homeowner to tell. Signs of disease include dying branches, a hollow trunk, leaning, and discolored or missing leaves, but your best bet is to hire a local arborist who can evaluate the tree and tell you if it can be saved or should be cut down.

Stump grinding leaves the stump and roots below the grinding depth intact, though they will gradually decay over the next decade. You can grow plants with shallow roots, such as grass, over the remaining pieces of your now-deceased tree. However, you should wait until they fully decay to plant anything with a larger root system.

Stumps can decay, spread rot, attract insects, and make it easier for fires to start in your yard, so when you remove a tree, you should also make plans to remove the stump. Stump removal costs an average of $360 depending on the size and method of removal. On that note, you should avoid burning out a stump on your own—not only can it start a dangerous fire, it may also be illegal in your area.