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Yes, in most municipalities, arborists or tree surgeons need to hold an arborist’s license, which usually requires specialized education and specific experience. Certified arborists must also pass an exam from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). In addition to a license, you should always confirm that the tree surgeon you’re hiring is fully insured, as this can help you avoid legal problems if the professional gets injured on your property. Keep in mind that some municipalities require tree removal and other services to be completed by a licensed arborist.

In most cases, leaving tree roots underground is not a problem if the stump has been removed or ground below the soil. However, some larger roots may decompose, leaving dents in your soil. Additionally, some aggressive trees, including willows, oaks, elms, maples, and poplars may grow back from roots. Large aggressive trees with established root systems are more likely to grow back.

It takes anywhere from three to seven years for a stump to decompose on its own. This timeframe can depend on the kind of tree and your climate. The lower to the ground the stump is, the faster it rots. If you kill a tree stump with salt, boiling water, herbicide, light deprivation, or burning, the tree stump decomposes faster. 

Unless there’s some sort of rule in your community’s homeowners’ association that requires you to remove a stump, there’s no law that says you have to take it out. If you’re not wedded to the idea of removing it, there are plenty of ways to get creative with this tree remnant. Using the stump as the medium for a wood carving or turning it into a planter are just two examples of ways to repurpose a tree stump.