Everything You Need to Know About Stump Grinding

 
You have chopped down a tree or two in the yard, and are now left staring at an ugly ol’ stump.

Before you bust out some DIY hack-job method, take a minute to learn about your options for dealing with a tree stump.

This guide will teach you everything you need to know about removing stumps before you tackle the project.

Can You Leave the Stump

Yes, you can. But it’s probably not the best idea.

There are some practical reasons for removing stumps. Aesthetically, they aren’t the most beautiful lawn decorations. You’ll have to mow and weed trim around it.

As the stump rots, it can attract termites and ants. If the stump is close to your house’s foundation, it can cause other homeowner headaches in the future.

With certain tree types, a new tree can sprout from the stump of the tree you cut down. Which completely defeats the purpose of cutting the tree down in the first place.

Can You Remove It On Your Own

Maybe. But again, probably not the best idea.

Stump removal can be dangerous. The equipment is heavy and it’s easy to make a mistake. Operating a tree stump grinder and root grinder requires a lot of man power and experience to do it right.

A stump grinder should be run by trained and licensed operators only. The smartest choice is to hire a professional tree care company to take the stump out for you.

Step-By-Step: What to Expect When Removing Stumps

When you hire a professional to handle your tree removal needs, you can rest easy. That said, you should have a basic understanding of what the process is going to look like.

Stump grinding is pretty straight forward, when performed by someone who knows what they are doing.

Here’s how it goes:

First, your contractor arrives with all needed tools and equipment.  The basic required tools include:

• rakes
• chainsaws
• shovels
• mattocks; and
• of course the tree stump grinder.

The contractor should hold a safety briefing. Then they should survey the area for any complications with the stump removal. Complications may include things like the stump’s proximity to a building foundation or buried utilities.

Then workers will clear the area around the stump using rakes and shovels.

Once the area is cleared, the contractor will use a chainsaw to cut the stump as close to the ground as possible. Then, they bring in the tree stump grinder.

The majority of roots sit just sixteen inches beneath the surface. This means that the root grinder can take out the bulk of the roots. Leaving you with a nice smooth ground surface. Just add topsoil and you’re good to replant.

The area should be cleaned up before the contractor departs. The stump will be ground into mulch that can be used around the rest of your yard.

Your yard will be good as new!

Call the Experts

Now that you have more information about removing stumps, contact us for a free expert consultation with a certified arborist.

Let us help you get rid of that ugly ol’ stump. Call today 704-366-1134.