Trees form an important part of your yard, so it is always a shame when they must be removed. Sadly, if a tree is dead, diseased, or damaged then it will have to be cut down. Then, you have to decide what is the best way to get rid of tree stumps.
There are two common options to get rid of tree stumps: remove the stump or grind it down.
At Hidden Oak Tree Care we always recommend stump grinding. There are several reasons why and in this article, you can learn the best way to get rid of tree stumps using stump grinding.
What is the Best Way to Get Rid of Tree Stumps?
When a tree is cut down there will be a stump left. You may think that leaving the stump is a good idea. Here are some reasons why you should either remove the stump or have it ground down:
- A stump can be a hazard; children especially may trip over it when playing in the yard.
- Decaying tree stumps attract a wide variety of pests such as ants, beetles, and termites. These pests could spread to the rest of the yard or even your home. Also, your yard could be at risk from diseases that spread from the decaying tree stump.
- Looking out at a rotting tree stump will detract from your landscaping. Removal or stump grinding helps eliminate that problem and keep your yard looking amazing.
Stump Grinding
The tree stump can be ground down using a stump grinding auger. This works by grinding the tree stump down to the ground level or just below. Usually, fine sawdust is left behind that mixes in with the soil. The benefit of this is that there is no hole to fill in.
Once the stump has been ground down, then you are left with the tree roots. Roots can be left to die. Sometimes this can take up to 10 years for the roots to decay. Alternatively, roots can be poisoned using chemicals to speed up the decaying process.
Your Hidden Oak Tree Care arborist (tree surgeon) can discuss these options with you to determine what the best course of action will be.
Stump Removal
To remove a tree stump will require a lot more effort and the use of machinery. The reason stump removal is a bigger job is that the stump and roots are removed together.
Once removed you will then be left with a hole in the ground that you will need to get filled in. You could always plant a new tree in the hole or choose another option.
Stump Grinding Or Removal?
The choice will ultimately be yours, but as mentioned Hidden Oak Tree Care always recommends stump grinding. Here is why:
Stump Grinding
- Leaves less mess
- No hole to fill in
- Easier to do than a removal
- Roots are left to die
Stump Removal
- Leaves a hole to fill
- Roots are removed
- A bigger job usually requiring machinery
It is worth noting that stump grinding is usually much cheaper than getting a stump removed.
Final Thoughts
It is important you do something with a tree stump so that it doesn’t become an eyesore in your yard.
Stump grinding is the easier, cheaper method of tree stump removal. Give our arborist at Hidden Oak Tree care a call for quality advice on the best way to get rid of tree stumps.