Whether you’ve had an unsightly stump on your property for years, or are contemplating removing a problem tree, figuring out what to do with tree stumps is often the bane of a property owner’s existence. Stumps not only get in the way of potential gardens and play areas, but they also attract carpenter ants, disease and other problems.
While you have a few options to consider when it comes to dealing with these nuisances, stump grinding is an attractive option for homeowners. But is it right for you?
Stump grinding involves using a specialized piece of equipment that reduces a stump, both above and below ground, to mulched pieces of wood. These chipped-up pieces can then be used by the property owner for landscaping purposes, or they can be removed. In general, the processed pieces of the stump include everything above ground, along with the wood below-grade to a depth of four to six inches.
It’s important to remember that stump grinding is favored by many homeowners because not only does it remove tripping hazards above-ground, but the most problematic parts of the root system are also destroyed, leaving the rest to harmlessly decay.
What is the Purpose of Stump Grinding?
Simply put, stump grinding provides an efficient way to remove your property of unsightly and problematic stumps. In the wild, a stump created by a felled tree isn’t much of an issue, but in a residential yard or commercial property, stumps can create a number of problems.
One obvious reason to consider getting rid of them is that tree stumps often ruin the look of a garden or lawn. Many people fear that their property won’t look aesthetically pleasing or cared for with the appearance of one or more stumps disrupting the landscape.
In addition, trees are often cleared in order to create a play space, garden or even a clear area for construction. The remaining stumps represent an obstruction in these plans, but often don’t require the complete removal of the stump and root ball. Stump grinding offers the homeowner a “clean slate” when it comes to landscaping.
Many people also prize stump grinding because it is a faster-acting – and certainly more earth-friendly – alternative to treating the stump with chemicals. Even “organic” methods to hasten decomposition, such as drilling holes in the wood and filling them with Epsom salt, run the risk of contaminating the surrounding soil and plants. Stump grinding, in contrast, poses none of these environmental hazards.
Finally, stump grinding can reduce the number of breeding grounds for common pests. Tree stumps are often the perfect nesting spot and food source for a number of problem insects, especially carpenter ants, termites, gypsy moths, wasps and yellow jackets. They can also harbor diseases like scale, blight and Dutch Elm disease. The closer the tree stumps are to your home, play areas and prized plantings, the more danger they can pose.
Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal
Stump grinding is one of the two main options property owners consider when dealing with an unwanted tree stump. One is to eradicate the stump and root ball altogether (stump removal). The second is to use specialized equipment that “grinds” the stump up, both its above-ground and below-grade parts (stump grinding).
Both options have their pros and cons.
In terms of cost, stump removal is generally the most expensive option, because it requires more labor and equipment. An excavating machine is used in order to tug the stump and roots away from the soil. That means you’re paying for both more equipment and the extra personnel to run them, along with the cost of hauling away and disposing of the stump. That’s why, generally speaking, stump grinding is less costly than stump removal.
Beyond price, which option is best for you depends on your specific needs. If you want to plant a large tree or dig a foundation, stump removal may be the better choice. Stump grinding can sometimes be done at a depth further than the standard four to six inches below grade. But if you need substantial below-grade depth for construction or landscaping, removal may work best.
For other needs, however, stump removal presents disadvantages. The large hole that will be left behind requires the additional cost of bringing in fill to even out the area.
For those who simply want to get rid of unsightly stumps, as well as to clear the way for extra yard space and garden areas, stump grinding definitely offers several compelling “pros.” It’s less expensive, it doesn’t require large excavators crossing delicate areas, it doesn’t leave a large hole behind, and it even provides free mulch! And, again, for most garden needs, stump grinding is completed to a depth that allows for most planting situations.
The Stump Grinding Process
When you consult with one of our stump grinding specialists, we will take a look at the stump and the surrounding area to determine any special concerns, such as whether there are any nearby living tree roots, cables or pipes to keep in mind. We’ll also measure the full diameter of the stump, as well as look at the type of soil the stump is situated in, which might determine how deep we can grind the below-grade portion.
In most cases, however, stump grinding is not a complicated option. With stump grinding, the stump is processed using an easily-maneuverable, compact machine. The stump is reduced to mulch by this stump grinder, which resembles a standard circular saw attached to a body that allows the operator to direct the motion.
The cutting tool itself is a large disk with powerful carbide teeth that makes quick work of chipping away at the stump. There are a few types of stump grinders of various sizes, including vertical types. Your specialist will use the type best suited to the size of the remaining trunk and root system, as well as the property itself.
Once the stump and its root system have been ground, a pile of usable mulch is left. This will enable you to leave the area covered, to use it in other areas of your property, to add to your compost pile – or all of the above.
Potential Issues and Concerns with Stump Grinding
One of the primary reasons people seek professional help to deal with tree stumps on their property is the problems these stumps can attract. For areas with heavy foot traffic, root systems and shorter stumps can pose tripping hazards, while taller stumps can snag clothing and scratch exposed skin.
In addition, as stumps decay, they can collect and harbor disease. Those spores then migrate to other trees and plants. From minor problems such as spots on your prized roses, to major threats such as heavy branches and whole trees falling down, plant disease is nothing to take lightly. The same, of course, holds true for pests such as termites, carpenter ants and stinging insects.
At the same time, however, it’s important to use only the most reputable professionals when it comes to undertaking stump grinding services. It’s not unusual to have both natural materials and manmade infrastructure in the general area of a problem stump, and you’ll want to use an experienced provider such as Rojas Tree Services to avoid creating bigger problems than the one you’re trying to eradicate!
For example, the roots of existing trees may actually run underneath the tree trunk. Or there may be fully- or partially-buried obstacles such as tree rings, hoses, sprinkler system lines and electric wiring, along with supporting structures for fences, walkways, and swimming pools. It’s important to use a professional service that can help you anticipate these problems before the grinding process begins.
Along with using professionals you can trust for your stump grinding needs, how else can you best avoid problems? Consult any existing plans you may have that show the location of materials such as irrigation lines or wiring. While stump grinding is generally done to a modest depth, it’s helpful to keep potential problems to a minimum.
It’s also helpful to determine how you’d like to use the area before you decide if stump grinding is best for you. In most cases, stump grinding is the most attractive option because it is less involved than stump removal, and creates enough depth that you can plant a flower or veggie garden, create a new lawn area, or set out a walkway. But if you want to replace the stump with a large living tree, stump removal is sometimes the better course of action because it creates a much deeper hole for planting, and removes the entire root ball.
Hiring Rojas Tree Services for Professional Stump Grinding in Atlanta
At Rojas Tree Services, we know exactly how to remove tree stumps in the most low-impact, most cost-effective manner possible. Our stump grinding services in the greater Atlanta area can help you with whatever your needs are, whether it’s several stumps leftover from a recently-cleared area, or the remnants of a tree that fell in a storm.
The benefits of using our stump-grinding services include free consultation and professional follow-through, minimal impact to your property, and the peace of mind knowing that you’ve eliminated problems such as pests, disease and tripping hazards – not to mention the visual improvement!
Not sure whether stump grinding is the best solution for your tree stump problem? Contact us today for a free estimate to deal with the tree stump or stumps on your property, as well as learn more about the simple process of ridding yourself of these problem stumps forever!
