When to Call a Pro for Stump Removal

Removing a tree is only half the job. What’s left behind—a stump—can cause more trouble than most expect. Stump removal isn’t just about cleaning up a lawn. It can affect soil health, attract pests, and even block new builds. But how do you know when it’s time to stop waiting and call someone who knows what they’re doing?

Below, we’ll help you spot the signs, weigh the risks, and decide when it’s time to let a pro handle that stubborn stump.

Table of Contents

1. Why Old Stumps Are a Bigger Problem Than You Think

2. DIY vs. Pro: What You Need to Know

3. Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

4. How Stumps Can Wreck Future Projects

5. Where Septic System Designs Come In

6. What Makes Professional Help Worth It

7. Final Thoughts

8. FAQs

Why Old Stumps Are a Bigger Problem Than You Think

A leftover stump might look harmless. It’s not. It can attract insects like termites and carpenter ants. Over time, the roots may rot unevenly. That decay can change soil levels and make your yard soft or even unsafe to walk on.

If the stump is near a driveway, shed, or patio, it can shift the ground under those structures. That could lead to cracking or even sinking.

DIY vs. Pro: What You Need to Know

You can rent stump grinders. You can grab a chainsaw. You can spend the weekend trying to get that chunk of wood out. But most stumps go deeper than they look. Root systems stretch far beyond the trunk. You may be grinding on the surface but missing the real problem under the ground.

Then there’s safety. One wrong cut and a heavy stump could roll or twist unexpectedly. If it’s close to a fence, power line, or underground pipe, things could get dangerous fast.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you're asking yourself, “Can I leave it there for now?”—look for these signs first:

• Fungi or Mushrooms: These show the stump is rotting and may spread decay to nearby trees.

• New Shoots: Fresh growth from the stump often signals a live root system that could keep spreading.

• Bugs and Pests: Ants, beetles, and even raccoons love old stumps.

• Tripping Hazards: Kids, pets, and even adults can get hurt on low stumps hidden by grass.

• Soil Shifting: Watch for small sinkholes or uneven patches near the stump.

  
  

How Stumps Can Wreck Future Projects

Want to put in a garden bed? Maybe a patio or a shed? That stump could block your whole plan. Tree roots mess with drainage, grade level, and compaction. All of that affects how new structures settle.

More importantly, many people forget that septic system designs often rely on clean, root-free zones. Tree roots from an old stump can grow into drain pipes and clog up your system. If you're planning new utilities or water lines, removing the stump now could save you thousands later.

Where Septic System Designs Come In

A lot of people forget what lies beneath their lawns. Roots don’t stop just because a tree’s gone. If you plan to install, expand, or fix a septic system, that old stump can get in the way.

Roots from past trees often stretch near old tank locations. Even after the stump looks dead, roots may still grow, seeking moisture. That includes the moisture inside pipes and drains. New septic system designs often require a full soil survey. Leaving an old stump can throw off grading, tank placement, and trench layout.

What Makes Professional Help Worth It

Speed. Safety. Peace of mind.

A pro doesn’t just remove the stump. They clean the area, remove loose roots, level the ground, and make it ready for what’s next. You get a clean slate—no pests, no regrowth, no worries. Plus, most pros can also haul the waste, saving you another job.

If your yard is sloped, rocky, or close to buildings, the job needs finesse. One wrong move can cause more damage than the stump ever did.

Final Thoughts

At Barfoot Contracting, we’ve helped folks across Grey Bruce and Owen Sound for more than two decades. We know the land. We know how deep those roots go. And we know how to get them out—fast and clean.

So, when that stump starts to get in your way, call us. We'll bring the right tools, the right team, and the know-how to finish the job right.

FAQs

1. Can a stump really cause drainage issues in my yard?

Yes. As the wood decays, it can create air pockets or absorb water. That throws off grading and can lead to puddles or soggy soil.

2. Will roots from a removed stump still grow?

3. Can I build a deck or patio over an old stump?

4. Is stump removal safe near septic tanks?

5. Does stump grinding remove the whole stump?

At Barfoot Contracting, we’re proud to offer full-service solutions—from stump removal to grading, septic prep, and more. Let’s clear the way for what’s next.

Want us to take a look? Give us a call. We’re ready when you are.