Tree stump left in the yard — New York, New York

A tree stump left after removal is more than an eyesore — it attracts termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles that can eventually migrate to your home's structure. Stumps also send up sucker shoots that keep the root system alive and actively seeking water, potentially invading sewer lines or lifting walkways. Stump grinding is the standard removal method: a machine with a spinning carbide-toothed wheel chews the stump 6–12 inches below grade, turning it into a pile of wood chips you can use as mulch. Most stumps 12–24 inches in diameter cost $100–$300 to grind; larger stumps or those near utilities may run $300–$600. Full root extraction (pulling the entire root ball with an excavator) costs $300–$800+ and is only necessary if you're building over the spot or the roots are causing structural damage. A tree service or landscaper handles stump grinding — call a tree service if roots are the concern, a landscaper if you want the area regraded and replanted afterward.