5 Things You Need To Know About Stump Grinding
Stump removal isn't as easy as it sounds. Fortunately, stump grinding services can make this difficult task look easy.
1. Stump Grinding Isn't Necessarily Stump Removal
With stump removal, the entire stump and most of its major roots are dug out of the yard, which can be an impressive and expensive feat for large stumps. Grinding doesn't touch the roots. Instead, the part of the stump that's above the surface level of your yard is ground down to several inches below the surface. This is sufficient enough to remove the hazard and allow you to plant a garden or lawn grass over the site.
2. The Tree Won't Be Able to Grow Back
Don't worry that the tree can grow back. Even though some roots and the stump base are typically left behind, enough of the stump is removed to ensure that the tree will not grow back via root suckers. The remainder of the roots will quickly begin to rot away as soon as grinding is complete, and within a couple of years, none will likely remain underground.
3. Grinding Doesn't Usually Provide Good Mulch
A misconception is that one will be left with a nice pile of wood chips after grinding down a stump. Unlike chipping tree branches, stump grinding produces a rough sawdust instead of mulch. You can opt to keep the sawdust so it can be combined with topsoil to fill the hole left after grinding, or you can have your grinding service haul away and dispose of the sawdust.
4. Each Stump Requires a Unique Approach
A lot of factors can impact a stump grinding job. Your service tech may use a large motorized grinder that is nearly the size of a small car if you have a large stump, or they may opt for a small lawnmower-sized machine for small stumps or in tight areas. Determining how to approach a stump without damaging other parts of the landscaping or any nearby buildings will also impact the type and style of grinder used.
5. Professionals Help Mitigate Grinding Risks
There are risks associated with stump grinding. The most obvious are safety risks, which the pros mitigate with good training and using the proper personal safety equipment. Underground lines and pipes pose another type of risk. A professional stump grinder will ensure there are no irrigation lines, gas lines, or other underground items that could be damaged by the stump grinder.
Contact a stump removal company if you would like to learn more about the process.
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