After cutting down a tree, you can choose to leave the stump in the ground or get rid of it to smooth out the land and eliminate hazards. Burning it is an option, but is it illegal to burn tree stumps? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
Hiring a tree service in Houston, TX, like Tree Care Inc., is the best way to deal with unwanted stumps. Our experts are well-versed in the best stump-removal techniques, including controlled fires. Continue reading to learn whether this method is legal and suitable for your needs.
Why Burn a Tree Stump?
You might need to cut down trees on your property for many reasons, such as storm damage, progressive diseases, or to clear space around structures or construction zones. Even if you don’t think tree stumps are visually unappealing, they can still cause problems for your yard.
The stump connects to the tree’s root system, which remains untouched when the plant is cut down, meaning the tree can regrow branches. The remaining wood can harbor pests, increasing the risk of infestations on your property. The stump and root system can also create tripping hazards and obstructions for construction or landscaping projects.
People often burn their stumps to reduce the risk of the plant growing back or to deal with infestations. They may consider fire a more cost-effective way to eliminate the unwanted remains from their yards than hiring a professional tree service. A controlled fire can do the job well, but the risks outweigh the benefits.
Is It Legal To Get Rid of Stumps Using Fire?
Is it illegal to burn tree stumps? It depends on your location.
Some states allow the burning, while others have clear regulations and laws restricting the practice. If your state allows it, you’ll likely have to meet strict requirements and acquire the appropriate permits for DIY stump removal using fire. Before burning anything in your yard, it’s always a good idea to research your local regulations to ensure you don’t unintentionally break the law.
Typical Complications With Burning Stumps
Despite the effectiveness and possible legality of burning stumps to remove them, it’s not the best removal method. Setting fires to stumps causes more problems than they solve, including the following.
Environmental Concerns
It’s no secret that fires are bad for the environment, even if they occur under controlled conditions. Soil contamination from the plant’s ash falling on the ground is a strong possibility. The heat from the low-lying fire could also kill essential microorganisms in the soil, which can be problematic for the local ecosystem.
Another environmental concern is air pollution, as burning wood releases greenhouse gases like carbon monoxide. While carbon monoxide is less dangerous outdoors in the open air, the particles can still negatively impact the local air quality. You and others could also experience respiratory problems by inhaling the hazardous fumes from the burning stump.
Damage to Wildlife
You also have to consider local wildlife. Depending on how long you keep stumps in your yard, it could become food and shelter for nearby insects, birds, and other creatures. Destroying the wood in such a manner would severely impact their habitat.
Fire Hazards
One of the reasons states put legal restrictions on stump burning is the risk of out-of-control fires developing. Under the right conditions, it only takes one spark to ignite a dry bush or nearby grass.
Health Risks
The fumes from the burning wood contain hazardous chemicals. Inhaling them could trigger respiratory distress and illnesses. The flames from the fire could also cause serious burns if you get too close to the fire.
Incomplete Burnings
Lighting a controlled fire to a tree stump is effective, but not in every case. Sometimes thick stumps don’t burn completely, leaving behind a half-charred mess that won’t look good in any yard.
Tips on How to Burn Tree Stumps Safely
Though “sometimes” is the answer to “Is it Illegal to burn tree stumps?” you still want to utilize the best practices if you choose this stump removal method for your property. Here are vital tips to remember:
- Ensure the stump is thoroughly dried out to minimize the risk of an out-of-control fire.
- Avoid putting flammable materials like branches and leaves around the burning stump.
- Watch the fire carefully and never leave it to ensure that you can quickly extinguish it if a problem arises.
- Only burn stumps less than four feet in diameter to ensure a thorough, contained burn.
- Don’t use combustible materials to explode the stump.
- Always wear protective gear, such as safety glasses, work gloves, and a face mask, when practicing this stump removal method.
What Are the Best Alternative Stump Removal Methods?
If burning a tree stump is illegal or unsafe, what are the best ways to remove the nuisance from a yard? Tree care experts recommend grinding. They use a special machine to quickly break down the wood and several inches of the root system beneath the soil.
Pulling the stump out is an option if it’s small enough. Tying a chain around it and attached to a vehicle may create enough force to rip the stump and its roots up. Unfortunately, attempting this with a large bit of wood could damage the vehicle and leave the plant’s remains in place.
Chemical removal can break down the wood, but this process takes time.
Need To Get Rid of an Unwanted Tree Stump? Contact Tree Care Inc. Today
Is it illegal to burn tree stumps? Not necessarily, depending on your state’s laws and permit requirements. Still, it’s best to be cautious and reach out to our experts at Tree Care Inc. for effective tree stump removal services.
As one of the top tree services in Houston, Texas, we know the best methods for getting rid of tree stumps. Our crew of certified arborists and licensed technicians have more than 25 years of experience removing trees and their stumps using powerful saws and grinders. We’re ready to take care of your issues—call (713) 234-0914 today for an appointment.
