Stumped? Dead trees need professional attention says CLA

Rural watchdog the CLA is urging people to take care when removing dead trees from their property following the recent cold snap.

CLA West Midlands Director Caroline Bedell said: "Cutting down a tree is hard work but removing the remaining stump is even more daunting.

"Although often large and heavy, stumps can be removed with the right equipment and technique but it vital that you don't put yourself at risk."

CLA member, Robert Edwards who operates StumpBusters across North Staffordshire and Shropshire said: "You should always check for underground utility services - cables and pipes - using an electronic cable avoidance detector. This is vital, since no-one wants their property utilities cut whilst their tree stump is being removed, not to mention the severe injury risk of, for example, cutting through a live power cable."

"Secondly, if you are grinding the stump, which is often better than digging it out, it is really important to erect screens around the tree stump to stop chippings, and even worse stones in the ground, from flying around at high speed."

Staffordshire based rural leader Caroline Bedell added: "Removal of tree stumps can be a nuisance, but if done properly, it makes mowing, gardening or land access that much easier and helps reduce the threat of honey fungus which can spread and ruin an entire garden."