Stump Removal – How to Remove a Tree Stump

A tree stump can be a tripping hazard, attract pests and diseases to the surrounding area, and take up valuable space that could be better used for planting a garden or other landscaping purposes. Stump removal involves physically or chemically eliminating the remains of a previously-cut down tree to allow for the reshaping and repurposing of the land it once occupied. Typically, it involves some level of manual labor or the use of heavy equipment, but it can also be an expensive process depending on the method chosen and the type of equipment necessary to complete the task. Stump removal can be particularly difficult for larger stumps that are buried deep beneath the ground and have a lot of roots still attached to the mother tree.

Choosing the best method for stump removal will depend on your budget, timeline and future plans for the space. Typically, grinding is the faster and more affordable option, but it can leave behind roots that may interfere with replanting or other uses of the space. Chemical methods can be more effective than grinding at killing the stump and re-rooting it, but they are often slower and require more patience.

One popular stump removal method is to dig around the perimeter of the stump, using a mattock or shovel to expose the root system and gradually remove it until the stump is completely removed. This can be time consuming and is a more expensive option, but it’s a good choice for smaller stumps or those in a location where aesthetics don’t matter as much.

Another way to kill the stump and its roots is to girdle it, which involves cutting a ring around the entire stump. This cuts off the nutrient flow to the stump and causes it to die. This is a fairly inexpensive and low-effort option, but it can take several months or more to work.

Some chemical stump removal products are available that can be sprayed or dumped directly onto the stump and its roots to kill them. One of the most common is potassium nitrate, commonly known as saltpeter. Other options are sodium pyrosulfite and wood preservatives. When using chemicals, it’s important to wear proper safety gear, including gloves, goggles, a dust mask and steel-toed boots.

For the most surefire option, hire a professional to grind the stump and its roots using heavy equipment. This will be the most cost-efficient option, but it’s also by far the most labor intensive. It’s also important to ensure that any equipment being used is licensed and insured and that all appropriate safety precautions are taken. Always consult with your local fire department to make sure that open-flame burning is permissible in your area and to check for any underground water, power or gas lines before beginning any stump grinding project. Be aware that the process can be hazardous if not done properly, so it’s best left to professionals who have experience with this type of work and know how to avoid complications and potential hazards.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2025/08/04/stump-removal-how-to-remove-a-tree-stump/

Tree Loppers – Types, Uses and Maintenance

Whether you’re an arborist or a gardening enthusiast, having a good pair of loppers is essential for pruning and trimming branches. Understanding the different types, uses and maintenance of loppers will help you get the most out of this tool for both your professional or home garden.

Tree Loppers

A tree lopper is a hand-held tool used to cut twigs and small branches, which can be a vital part of pruning trees for health and aesthetic purposes. It is also a vital tool for removing large dead or diseased trees from your property or landscape. However, if you are planning to use your loppers for larger projects, it is advisable that you hire a qualified and experienced arborist who can safely prune or remove the trees. Look for an arborist who has years of experience, testimonials and a professional work ethic.

Although early loppers were rudimentary tools, they were vital for maintaining the health of many gardens and orchards. With technological advancements and increased awareness of the importance of healthy trees, there are now a wide variety of loppers on the market, designed to provide comfort, efficiency and precision.

There are two main types of loppers: bypass loppers and anvil loppers. Bypass loppers have a sharp blade that cuts across the blunt edge of another, similar to scissor action. This gives a precise and clean cut without damaging the branch. They are ideal for cutting living plants and are great for shaping a plant or shrub to your liking. Anvil loppers, on the other hand, have a single sharp blade that cuts against a flat anvil, much like using a knife on a chopping board. This makes them ideal for removing dead material but can cause more damage to live branches and leaves.

Some modern loppers have features such as a geared system or a ratchet mechanism, which increases the amount of force that can be applied to the blades. Others have telescopic handles which can be extended to reach branches that would otherwise be out of reach. Some also have multiple cutting functions, which can be useful for a variety of tasks or for trimming different species of trees.

The best loppers are durable and comfortable to use, with a high quality, long-lasting blade that is easy to keep sharp. They should also be kept clean and properly stored to protect the blades from damage and extend their lifespan.

A high quality pair of loppers will make light work of even the thickest of branches, with the curved anvil and geared system of this design from Niwaki making short work of tough green wood. The handles are made from sustainably sourced and weather proof oak, with the blades crafted from hardened carbon steel. They are competitively priced, easy to use and come with a generous warranty.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2025/07/27/tree-loppers-types-uses-and-maintenance/

How to Perform Tree Felling Correctly

Tree Felling is the process of bringing down a tree by cutting it at the base and using a chainsaw to split the stump and remove it from the ground. This can be done for various reasons, including reducing the risks and hazards of an unhealthy tree or clearing space for new landscaping projects. It requires a great deal of care and skill to perform correctly, making it essential to hire a professional tree felling service.

Felling a tree can be dangerous, especially when performed incorrectly. More people are killed during tree felling than in any other logging activity, and it’s important to know how to do it safely.

The first step is to determine where the tree will fall and mark safe and unsafe zones around it. This can be done by standing with your back against the trunk and looking up to see where most branches are and where the largest mass is located. This will help the tree to fall in a controlled manner and avoid causing damage to structures, vehicles, or other objects.

You should also make sure that there are no power lines near the site. If this is the case, it’s important to contact the power company so they can come out and perform an inspection before you attempt to fell the tree. Loose limbs are a common cause of serious injury and death during felling, so examine the tree for any that may fall onto you or anyone else nearby. If you find any that are unsecured, cut them down before falling the rest of the tree.

It’s also important to consider the wind direction while determining where the tree will fall. If the wind is blowing in a different direction than you’re intending, it can change the way that the tree falls and could lead to serious injuries or property damage. A plumbline can be used to check wind direction before you start cutting, but it’s a good idea to walk your escape route before making any felling cuts in order to ensure that it’s clear of obstacles or hazards.

After determining the direction of the fall, you can create a notch cut by sawing into the side of the tree at a 45-degree angle to the intended direction of the fall. This will create a hinge effect, helping the tree to fall in the desired direction. Next, create a back cut on the other side of the notch cut that’s about 5 cm higher than the top of the notch cut. This will prevent the hinge from breaking, which can cause side scars.

Tree Felling can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. With proper planning and the right equipment, it’s possible to fell trees safely while minimizing the potential for hazards or damage to surrounding areas. By removing dead or unhealthy trees, you can improve light penetration and airflow in your garden or yard, while adding visual appeal and value to your property.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2025/07/21/how-to-perform-tree-felling-correctly/

The Benefits of Arborist Consulting

An arborist has an extensive knowledge of trees and the ability to care for them. They are experts at diagnosing, preventing, and safely treating tree disease and infection. They are also the best people to prune your trees, as they have specialized equipment and hundreds of hours of pruning experience under their belts. Pruning a tree is a delicate process that can be dangerous for the average person, but an expert arborist can handle it with ease.

Many property owners, municipalities, developers, and contractors hire arborists for consulting purposes. While a practicing arborist works hands-on with trees, a consulting arborist provides analysis, reports, and expert witness services.

Trees are important to both the environment and the beauty of your landscape. They provide shade and privacy to your home and help keep the soil and water quality balanced, but they can also become a hazard when they are overgrown or damaged. A qualified consulting arborist can perform a thorough assessment of your landscape and provide recommendations to correct issues such as invasive plants, tree rot, structural damage, and overgrowth.

When it comes to a new development project, a consulting arborist can work with the architects, engineers, and construction team to ensure that existing mature trees remain healthy during construction. This can involve conducting assessments, taking inventory, drafting specifications, and writing mitigation measures to prioritize both natural resources and the project’s success.

During construction, an arborist consultant can monitor the health and safety of trees by creating daily reports that reflect the work completed on your site. They will work with the building owner and construction contractor to ensure that any required tree work (such as removals or transplants) is performed according to industry standards. They can also make recommendations to the project manager and NYC Parks for tree work permits, and act as a liaison with the City to avoid costly penalties due to improper construction techniques or damage to existing trees.

In addition to providing tree service, an arborist can provide consultations and create detailed tree impact surveys for your property. These documents can be used for applications for any Department of Buildings tree work permit including removing, planting or moving existing trees within your property boundaries. These are a necessity for any major development project that involves a significant number of existing trees, and they can be filed by the project engineer or the consulting arborist. These reports provide a detailed description of the condition and location of all existing trees on your site, and a recommended list of all work that must be done to mitigate construction impacts. They can be submitted directly to the NYC Parks Branch for review. A professional consulting arborist can be hired as an independent consultant to perform these services, or can be included on the project team alongside an in-house certified arborist.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2025/07/13/the-benefits-of-arborist-consulting/

Can I Plant a New Stump in the Same Spot After Stump Grinding?

Many homeowners are left with an unsightly tree stump after a tree is removed from their yard. Stumps are not only an eyesore, but they can pose safety risks (tripping hazards for pedestrians) and damage lawn mowers or other landscaping equipment.

Stump grinding is the process of using a machine to grind or remove a tree stump and the surrounding roots. The machine uses a rotating wheel that grinds the stump and roots, eliminating the need for manual digging or excavation. Stump grinding is a less costly option than the alternative of removing the entire stump and its roots.

Stumps that are not ground up will eventually regrow, resulting in a series of unwanted sprouts that can become tripping or mowing hazards for pedestrians or property owners. If you want to eliminate the regrowth and prevent the growth of more unwanted trees, a professional tree service should be hired to grind the stumps.

Can I Plant a New Stump in the Same Spot After Stump Grinding?

After a tree is removed, some homeowners may want to replace the stump with another tree or with grass. Depending on the site and conditions, it may be possible to replant in the same location after a stump is ground, but it will likely require a deeper stump grinding and soil preparation services to ensure future success of the new tree or grass. Homeowners should discuss their specific plans with an arborist to make sure the best options are available for their situation.

Typically, if a stump is ground 6 to 12 inches below ground level, it will eliminate the opportunity for regrowth and reduce the risk of damage to the root systems of nearby trees or shrubs. This also allows for proper soil preparation for future landscaping or construction projects.

The stump grinder leaves behind wood chips or mulch to help suppress weeds and promote growth of the grass or other plantings. However, it is important to note that the stump will still have a network of roots underground that can take years to decompose. These roots can cause tripping and other problems in the area and can attract termites, ants or other pests if they are not addressed.

If you choose to plant in the same spot after a stump is ground, it is important to communicate with your arborist about the depth of the stump grinding service and any additional soil preparation requirements. If you are planning to plant a tree that is larger than the original stump, a deeper stump grinding and possibly additional surface reinstatement may be required.

It is essential to check with your local government offices or utilities before attempting any stump removal or grinding in Northern Virginia. Most counties in the area require a Land Disturbance Permit, and some will have additional regulations for disturbing certain types of terrain or locations. It is also important to call Virginia 811 before beginning any work on your property to have the utility lines marked.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2025/07/07/can-i-plant-a-new-stump-in-the-same-spot-after-stump-grinding/

The Importance of Tree Maintenance

Trees provide a wealth of environmental benefits. They help to reduce soil erosion, combat climate change, support local wildlife habitat, lower energy costs and even improve mental health. However, trees can only continue to provide these benefits if they are healthy and well cared for. This is why regular maintenance of your landscaping is essential.

Tree maintenance involves a variety of practices that are performed to enhance the health and safety of all trees on your property. The most common of these is pruning, which focuses on eliminating dead branches and thinning the canopy to promote sunlight penetration and wind resistance. It also helps to prevent the interference of trees with structures, driveways or utility lines.

Other services that are often used in conjunction with pruning include cabling and bracing, which helps to protect damaged or at-risk trees. Cabling uses high-strength cables to join branches or stems together, preventing them from breaking under stress. Bracing, on the other hand, involves using threaded rods that are bolted through branches or stems to offer additional support.

Maintaining the structural integrity of trees is important, especially during severe weather conditions. This is why it’s crucial to inspect and treat any damage or underlying issues that could lead to structural deterioration. For example, if a root system is damaged or infected, it can quickly lead to the collapse of a tree. This can be very dangerous during storms and high winds, leading to costly property damage and injury to people. If a problem is spotted during a routine inspection, it can be dealt with immediately before it worsens.

Pest infestation and disease management is another vital component of proper tree maintenance. A trained arborist can monitor a tree’s condition to identify any potential problems and take appropriate measures to prevent them from occurring in the first place. They can also advise on nutrient deficiencies and the use of fertilizers. However, it is important to remember that too much of any nutrient can be harmful to the health and beauty of your trees.

Many homeowners make the mistake of using mulch around their trees in an effort to improve their appearance. However, this is an atrocious practice as it deprives the roots of the water and oxygen they need to survive. Instead, mulch should only be applied a few inches deep and no more than three feet surrounding the base of the trunk. A high-quality organic mulch such as wood chips, bark, pine needles or cocoa hulls is recommended as they will improve the health of the soil.

While it may seem like an easy task to plant and grow a tree, the truth is that if you don’t provide regular maintenance, they will eventually die. To ensure the safety of your landscape and your family, it’s best to hire a qualified tree expert to carry out regular maintenance. If you’re looking for a tree service, ask if they have an ISA-certified arborist on staff and request that they provide you with a detailed quote before starting any work.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2025/06/29/the-importance-of-tree-maintenance-4/

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Tree Care

Tree Care is the application of arboricultural methods (pruning, trimming and felling/thinning) to improve or maintain the health, structure and value of trees in our built environments (road verges, greenways, backyards and park woody vegetation). Trees provide many economic and environmental benefits. They are vital to our communities and our landscapes, contributing beauty, providing shade and oxygen and offering a habitat for wildlife. A quality tree maintenance program helps to protect the investment you have made in your property’s valuable wooded landscape.

Trees are complex living organisms, and their care requires a thorough understanding of plant biology, soil conditions, water, insects, diseases and fungi. It is also important to know how to recognize red flags that can indicate a problem with your trees, such as discolored leaves or holes in the trunk. Identifying issues early can make all the difference in saving a troubled tree and preventing a potentially costly or hazardous situation from occurring.

Choosing a qualified professional to perform work on your trees is essential. Qualified tree service professionals are trained and certified by the International Arboriculture Society (ISA). They have specialized knowledge of tree species, their environment and their requirements for growth. In addition, they have the proper equipment to perform all types of tree work. You should ask prospective tree care providers about their education, training, certification, experience and references. It is also recommended that you obtain more than one estimate before selecting a tree care provider.

Some common mistakes to avoid include:

Overwatering – Newly planted trees require water on a regular basis to ensure they get established. However, overwatering can cause root rot.

Soil conditions – Some trees prefer acidic or alkaline soil, while others thrive in clay or sand. A soil test can help you determine the best way to amend your landscape’s soil conditions to encourage healthy tree growth.

Too much pruning – Too much pruning or improper pruning can deprive the tree of the nutrients it needs to grow and survive. It can also leave the tree exposed to insects and diseases.

Unnecessary staking – Staking of newly planted trees or wind-thrown trees is often unnecessary and can hinder the natural movement of a tree’s canopy.

Using the right tree in the right place – Selecting a tree that is well suited to your climate and site conditions is the most important factor for long-term success. Avoid planting trees too close to power lines, underground utilities or buildings, and make sure you have adequate space for the full-grown canopy.

Keeping your trees healthy starts with the selection process and continues with proper planting and ongoing maintenance. Make a habit of checking in on your trees regularly, especially after a storm or damage. Over time, you will become familiar with the unique appearance and behavior of each of your trees, noticing changes that may signal a potential problem. Then, you can take action and schedule an inspection with a qualified professional.

from Treby Tree Services https://trebytreeservices.wordpress.com/2025/06/22/common-mistakes-to-avoid-with-tree-care/