Get matched with top leaf removal pros in Church Rock, NM

Once you confirm a tree is dead, you should remove it. Dead trees eventually fall, and larger trees in particular can cause damage to rooftops, fencing, flowers, and other objects. As we mentioned, letting decayed wood stay in your yard also invites risks to the surrounding landscaping and vegetation.

Yes, stump removal is worth the investment. It costs an average of $400 to remove a stump, but you will likely avoid other more expensive issues, such as termite and carpenter ant infestations, which can cost upward of $1,500 to treat professionally. If termites or ants attack the rotting stump—and they likely will—they could move to your primary structure after the stump is consumed. So, you could incur structural damage to your home as a result, which is even more costly and potentially dangerous.

Stump grindings are usually safe to use in soil, but in some cases, it’s not recommended. Wood chips in particular can bind nitrogen in the soil, which will make it difficult for grass to grow. That’s why it’s important to remove most wood chips and use healthy garden soil if you want to cover the stump spot with grass. Large wood chips may attract beetles and could encourage the growth of fungi when they decay, so you may want to remove them when using the grindings.

Dead trees are structurally compromised and prone to branch or trunk failures—falling limbs or the entire tree can pose significant safety risks to people, nearby structures, and vehicles. In addition, dead trees can harbor termites and other pests, which may spread to other trees or even your home. Dry, dead wood is also highly flammable, increasing the risk of fires spreading to homes and across landscapes.