Q: Do I need a tree surgeon or just a regular tree company?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re taking down a tree that you don&rsquo;t suspect is affected by disease or pests and it&rsquo;s nowhere near your home or other structures, then calling in a tree company should work fine. However, anything more involved means an arborist is a better option. These pros have years of experience with tree removal and can safely take down trees located next to structures, and they have the tools, sanitization equipment, and experience to remove sick or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-tell-tree-is-dead.htm">dying trees</a> without infecting nearby trees. </p></div>

Q: Can I use a chainsaw to kill a tree stump?

• <div><p>You can use a chainsaw, but it won&rsquo;t remove the entire stump or root ball and is not a recommended method. It takes quite a bit of physical work to achieve and will likely dull or ruin your chainsaw. Instead, consider using salt, herbicide, light deprivation, boiling water, stump grinding, or burning to kill a tree stump. These methods allow you to kill a stump using minimal machinery and physical exertion. </p></div>

Question 1

What is the fastest way to kill tree roots?

Accepted Answer

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The speed of your tree root removal process depends on a few different factors, including the size and type of tree. However, the fastest method of killing tree roots is applying chemical herbicide, which starts working quickly and efficiently. But this removal method has its drawbacks, such as having a negative effect on the surrounding vegetation and landscaping. Other options like rock salt and stump grinding work relatively quickly and cause less damage to your yard.

Question 2

Do I need a tree surgeon or just a regular tree company?

Accepted Answer

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If you’re taking down a tree that you don’t suspect is affected by disease or pests and it’s nowhere near your home or other structures, then calling in a tree company should work fine. However, anything more involved means an arborist is a better option. These pros have years of experience with tree removal and can safely take down trees located next to structures, and they have the tools, sanitization equipment, and experience to remove sick or dying trees without infecting nearby trees.

Question 3

Does a tree stump need to be removed?

Accepted Answer

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Leaving stumps in place comes with a lot of drawbacks. Along with being unsightly, tree stumps left in the ground can attract pests, rot away in your yard, encourage weed growth, and harm other plants and trees sharing your lawn. In extreme cases, tree stumps and their roots can damage the structure of your home or reduce your property value.

While it’s tempting to just leave them be, the longer you wait, the more you might regret it.

Question 4

Can I use a chainsaw to kill a tree stump?

Accepted Answer

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You can use a chainsaw, but it won’t remove the entire stump or root ball and is not a recommended method. It takes quite a bit of physical work to achieve and will likely dull or ruin your chainsaw. Instead, consider using salt, herbicide, light deprivation, boiling water, stump grinding, or burning to kill a tree stump. These methods allow you to kill a stump using minimal machinery and physical exertion.

Question 5

How long does it take to kill tree roots?

Accepted Answer

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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.