Get matched with top leaf removal pros in Lewistown, MT

Tree roots can take weeks to years to die, depending on the method you use. Chemical herbicides take the least amount of time—typically between three and four weeks—while homemade methods, like covering an old stump with leaves, could take between seven and eight years. If you’re unsure which method to use or how quickly you need to act, consulting with a pro is always a good idea.

Vinegar is another household item that can kill a tree stump over time. Vinegar’s acetic acid works to dissolve the stump’s outer layer through its carbohydrates. However, this compound alone is not enough to kill a large tree stump or one in a hard-to-reach spot. Other methods like stump grinding and applying herbicides work much faster and more effectively than using vinegar.

In most cases, hiring a tree surgeon or arborist is very often worth the investment. Arborists have education and certifications that standard tree removal companies usually don’t, leading to overall better and more professional service. Tree removal is safer with an arborist, especially if the tree you’re taking down is diseased or infested. Stump grinding is done to a safe depth that won’t cause your lawn to collapse over time, and other services are all backed by greater experience and expertise. If you want truly expert-level service, opt for an arborist.

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.