Get matched with top leaf removal pros in Waverly, KS

You may wonder whether tree removal is tax deductible: Tree removal is not tax-deductible for homeowners unless it's related to a federally declared disaster. In that case, the cost may qualify as a casualty loss. However, if you own a commercial property, like a rental home, tree removal could be deductible if it's necessary for safety, maintenance, or part of a larger capital improvement project, and you must hire a professional tree removal service and keep documentation. Always consult a tax professional beforehand to see if you qualify.

If you have a strong back and a lot of patience, you can dig out a tree stump. You'll need to use a pointed shovel to dig out the soil around the stump, cutting away roots with a pair of clippers as you go. You’ve removed enough soil when you can access the taproot at the bottom of the root ball. After you cut that major artery with a saw or loppers, you should be able to roll the stump over and haul it away.

It is possible to remove a stump yourself, but it’s an extremely labor-intensive job and often requires special equipment that is expensive to rent. Instead, you could pay a stump removal professional $200, while you’d pay around the same price to rent a stump grinder for the day. Stump removal also takes DIYers hours in most cases, so paying for a specialized company to remove it quickly and accurately is almost always worth it.

Grinding is a more efficient way to deal with a tree stump, although it won't remove it entirely. Even if you grind your tree stump down, the root system will still remain in place, though that will likely eventually rot. Grinding a stump will also produce chips that you can use as mulch or to cover up the hole that the process leaves behind.