Get matched with top leaf removal pros in Marty, SD

Professionals ensure minimal disturbance and can enhance the soil with treatment where the stump was located.

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.

Manual removal is the only method that includes removing the tree’s roots. Otherwise, root removal is considered a separate job—and depending on the complexity of your root system, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per hour for a tree professional to remove roots safely.

The most common alternative is burning the stump first, then dealing with the cinders and ashes. As you can imagine, this option creates fire hazards, especially since roots can burn underground, hidden, for long afterward. That’s why many states and cities have outlawed the use of stump burning entirely. We do not recommend this option as a viable alternative unless you get a permit from the local fire department and practice all safe burning procedures.

Others prefer a more long-term DIY approach of degrading the stump with home mixtures like Epsom salt and vinegar injected directly into it. This may help the stump decay faster, allowing homeowners to dig it out themselves, but it’s still a lengthy process. It usually takes months for a stump to start falling apart with such treatments, and in the meantime, it can be vulnerable to rot, insects, and other problems.