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It can be bad to leave a dead stump in the ground. A stump becomes a hefty piece of dead wood in time and eventually (especially with the help of rain) starts to rot. That makes it a locus point for diseases and pesky insects, as well as a bit of an eyesore. It’s best to remove a tree stump completely before it starts to decay, especially before it starts to fall apart. If the tree was removed because of disease, it’s even more important to fully remove the stump if possible.

You don’t always need a permit to grind a stump, but you might need one depending on your location and the stump’s surroundings. Permits are often needed if the stump is part of a protected tree species, near public areas or utility lines, or close to environmentally sensitive zones like wetlands. Some cities also regulate noise and work hours. Always check local rules before grinding, and contact your city or county office if you're unsure.

No, you don’t need a pruning seal for trees post-trim. Pruning seals (applied to the cut ends of branches) are widely sold but they aren’t designed for every tree and in many cases can cause more harm. Trees have their own healing processes after pruning, so the best thing you can do is supply them with plenty of water and add some dormant-style fertilizer.

Pruning seals are primarily recommended for very vulnerable species like elm trees in areas where dangerous tree diseases like Dutch elm disease are spreading. In these cases, a sealant’s protection outweighs its downsides.

Stay inside or well away until the storm passes. Don’t go outside to inspect the tree until the weather clears, especially if the tree is on a hill or isolated in a field. Lightning often strikes the same easily-accessed places multiple times, and you could be a new target. If a lightning strike causes a noticeable fire, alert emergency services. When the storm is over, take a closer look to gauge the damage done.