What is Stump Grinding?

You’ve just cut down the tree in your backyard and all that remains is the stump, sitting in the middle of everything. At best, it’s an eyesore, and at worst it’s in the way of your landscaping. What are the options to remove a tree stump? Plant removal requires careful decision-making, and one of the best options for many people seeking this sort of tree removal is stump grinding.

Using a specialty machine, called a grinder, tree specialists come in and shave the stump until it is beneath the surface. The process ends up producing a decent amount of mulch for use elsewhere in the yard and more space for a new flower bed. It’s one of the more natural choices for this process and ultimately may be the best choice for you.

What Are the Results of Grinding?

Stump grinders’ depth often depends on the tree, the specific soil around it, and the physical surroundings of the area, such as fencing or concrete. A typical grind will reach four to six inches below the surface. Stumps that can’t be ground at all, or fully ground, usually are affected by physical surroundings or they are uprooted.

After grinding the stump beneath the surface of the ground to remove the tree stump, you’re left with an empty area. Mulch made up from organic material can be salvaged and used freely. Stumps usually produce a larger amount of mulch than they’re expected to. Most of that material is used to refill the hole produced by the stump grinding, however, there’s often a bit leftover. This creates a flat area where sod can be laid for future landscaping.

Is the Tree Gone Permanently?

Whether or not the tree grows back is heavily dependent on what type of tree it is. Most trees respond well to grinding, but certain species, such as Crape myrtles, chinaberry trees, hackberries, and Bradford pears, are particularly persistent. If there are sprouts trying to come back, maintenance of this area isn’t difficult. Continual mowing and trimming will eventually kill the sprout, as it only exists because it grows from the remaining energy reserves in the dying roots below the surface.

Can You Replant?

Replanting is tricky after you remove the tree stump in any capacity, grinding or not. Replanting a tree is very difficult because of the extensive root system that remains underground. While the roots are dying, they still take up a lot of space and take a long time to decompose. These roots would suffocate any young tree trying to grow. Removing these roots is an extensive process that often results in hand digging them up. In addition, if the tree was diseased, the soil around the diseased roots will remain compromised for about a year after the tree is removed. Planting things with shallow root systems such as flowers, or bushes is possible and has a much higher likelihood for success.

How Much Does Stump Grinding Cost?

Stump grinding depends on size and location of the stump, as well as how deep the grinder needs to go. The size often has to do with diameter, measured “from dirt to dirt”, which means the place where the base of the tree touches dirt, and then its opposite side.

Can I Leave the Stump or Should I Remove the Tree Stump?

After a tree is cut, it is completely fine to leave a stump. It will decay over time and there are ways to speed up the process. One way is drilling holes in the stump and putting epsom salt in the stump. This is slower than grinding, but a natural way to remove the tree stump. Commercial stump killers can also be put in the holes, however these chemicals can be harmful to other plant life, as well as people and pets. After some time, the stump will disappear on its own.

Need Help Removing a Stump?

If you need a company to come out and remove the tree stump, then contact LTRC Tree Specialists! We have various types of services available for any type of tree service you need! Call us today at (404) 977-4574.