Stump grinding is a service provided by tree care companies that eliminates the unsightly remains of tree trunks once they’ve been cut down. Rather than digging out the stumps, which is often a messy and costly project, stump grinding machines churn the woody, decaying stump into mulch that can be used as a garden bed or planted with grass or flowers. Stumps are not only an eyesore on your landscape, but they can also be a tripping and safety hazard for you and anyone who walks by.
Homeowners have many reasons for wanting to remove tree stumps, and a professional company can perform this job quickly, safely, and efficiently. Stumps are a major trip and fall hazard for both children and adults, especially when they are located near pathways or yards. They can also attract unwanted insects and rodents, which are dangerous to family members and pets. In addition, an ugly stump can detract from the beauty of your yard and reduce the value of your property.
The process of Stump grinding service involves using a power tool called a stump grinder that has a rotating disc with teeth that chip away the stump and root mass. We grind the stump to a depth of about 2 inches below ground level, which is enough to discourage re-growth and allow you to plant in the area.
Stump grinders are powered by either electric or gas engines and look similar to riding lawn mowers. They are designed to be operated by skilled professionals who know how to operate the machinery and follow proper safety protocol. The first step in a stump grinding service is to clear the surrounding area of debris, brush, and grass to ensure the stump grinder can access the stump easily. Once the machine is positioned, the cutting disk is activated and begins to chew away at the stump and its roots, turning them into mulch. Depending on the size and location of the stump, it may take several passes to completely obliterate the entire structure.
After the stump has been ground to a depth of about 2 inches, it is raked up and removed from the site. The remaining depression in the ground can be filled with soil, or left empty and covered with a layer of mulch for aesthetics and to prevent weed growth.
Some people choose to replant the area after a stump has been ground down, but this requires additional steps that include deep stump grinding and soil amendments to give the new tree a good chance of survival. Homeowners who want to replant should communicate this with their arborist so they can take the necessary precautions and prepare the soil appropriately.