We get a lot of calls for having a stump removed and the main question is should we remove the stump or grind it? This is a common question and there is a difference between the two. First, we examine the stump. If the stump has been there a long time there might be some rotting and decomposition that has happened which can affect the surrounding ground. Also, we have seen stumps that have regrown their trees, or the tree has regenerated itself and started a new tree. If you want to remove that type of stump it has to be identified and examined to see if any of the regenerated tree can be saved.
When we remove a stump, the entire stump, along with the root ball of the tree, is also removed. This can be a very difficult process. The root ball, which grows along with the tree, can expand considerably and create very large roots. The size of the root ball could be 4 to 10 times the size of the actual tree. Once a stump is removed, it also leaves a giant hole in the ground, something that’s not safe or attractive to anyone.
On the other end of the spectrum, stump grinding might be a better option. Once the tree has been cut down to ground level, the stump is actually removed using a stump grinding technique. We have special techniques that grind the stump into small pieces, which can be used as ground-cover or mulch. We grind the stump to a few inches below the surface and then it can be covered by dirt and its own mulch. In time, the stump that’s left under the ground will decay along with the roots surrounding it.
Stump grinding tends to be more economical and time-saving and you won’t have the hole at the end of the removal, however, over time, meaning many years, the rotting tree stump could create a slight dip in the yard or in the area in which it’s rotting. This may or may not be concerning, but it’s certainly not anything to worry about for several years. With the stump gone, the ground above it can be used for planting, gardens, or lawns.
Regardless of which method you choose, it’s important to have a professional the has the right equipment and the experience to do it the right way. Call us today for a free quote on stump removal or grinding and which is the best option for your optimal results.
There really are a lot of benefits to be had from stump grinding and I like that the article points them out. One of the big benefits is the fact that you don’t have a giant hole in your yard once it is physically removed. By grinding it down you leave the ground relatively undisturbed so you don’t have to risk ruining your yard.