Which Is More Appropriate? Stump Removal or Grinding?

After felling a tree, you will be tasked with removing the stump from your garden. Usually, stump removal options in the market vary with cost depending on the size of the stump. For instance, digging out a stump by the roots is costly due to excavation by powerful machinery and on-sight inspection. Conversely, stump grinding encompasses shredding the trunk and making it even to ground level using a carbide-tipped blade. The following will help you understand which option is more appropriate between stump removal and grinding.

Why Grind Down a Stump Instead of Digging It Out?

During grinding, stump removal experts reduce the tree remains mechanically without pulling the roots out. Rather, a grinder tears down the stump, flattening it to a level where the stump fails to sustain root growth. On the contrary, stump removal is an expensive exercise due to expensive and sophisticated equipment that is labor-intensive. Besides, it takes a lot of time to finish. Moreover, stump removal is disruptive as it entails uprooting the tree leaving a hole, and may interfere with the plumbing and other underground fixtures.

Stump grinding allows the roots to decay without digging up the ground to remove them or resorting to chemicals that degrade soil quality. This makes the terrain after grinding ideal for planting. Aside from grinding a stump being cheaper than stump removal, it is quicker as well since it involves reducing the stump to ground level, cleaning the site, and disposing of wood chips. Conversely, stump removal is tedious since it requires ample preparations and restoring the land where the hole remains. 

To What Depth Does Stump Grinding Go?

Based on their capacity, different grinders will rip the stump to a specific level. For instance, powerful grinders can churn the stump close to half a meter below the soil. They include tracked hydraulic machines that grind the stump down to a deeper level to suppress root growth. Small grinders such as self-propelled grinders are suitable for small stumps as they are powered to grind shallowly, a few inches below the soil.

Does Any Growth Emerge After Stump Grinding?

Grinding a stump will flatten it to an extent where growth is suppressed, and hence no tree or sprouts can grow afterward. As the decay of the roots continues, soil fills the gap, which reduces the formation of sinkholes.

Stump grinding is more cost-effective than stump removal and takes a shorter time to complete. So if you're looking to remove stumps from your yard, engage a tree removal professional to grind them down.


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