How Does Stump Grinding Work?

Have you ever had a tree removed from your yard? The trunk and branches might be gone, but often, the stump is left behind. Not only is it unattractive, but an old stump can provide shelter for vermin and insects, rot or otherwise cause trouble in your yard. That’s why people inquire about what’s involved in stump grinding.

Stump grinding is a simple and fast way to remove tree stumps from your yard, so you can replant other trees or shrubs, or just fill in the bare grass patch. If you’re considering stump removal, read on to learn more about the process.

What are the steps for stump grinding?

Stump grinding is best done with specialized industrial equipment. While there are consumer versions of stump grinders available for rent, they usually lack the power and capacity to remove hardwood stumps or stumps from larger trees.

This is a fast, ecologically-friendly process, especially when compared to burning out stumps with chemicals. As the property owner, all you need to do is call your local landscaper or tree service to book an appointment—your contractors will take care of the rest.

Here are the steps involved in stump grinding:

• Locate utility lines: Before any work can begin, a good landscaper will call your utility company to locate and mark any utility lines. You don’t want to cut power and internet to your home while having a stump removed. This process can take several days or weeks, depending on where you’re located and how busy your utility company is. (Plan ahead to avoid delays.)
• Set up a safety barricade: Next, your utility company will set up a safety barricade. Stump grinders can fling debris back at operators or others in the vicinity, so it’s very important that they’re protected. Your landscapers should already be trained in operating the equipment, and they’ll bring their own safety gear and barricade materials. Keep children and pets away from the equipment while this is going on.
• Stump grinding: Next, the actual stump grinding process occurs. The machine, which looks like a lawnmower and circular saw combination, grinds or chips away at the stump and anchoring roots until it’s gone.
• Collecting debris: Finally, your landscapers will collect the debris (wood chips), which can be used in several ways. You may want to use them as mulch around other trees and plants. You could use them to fill in the hole that the stump leaves behind—they’ll decay naturally in the ground. Or you can save them for another purpose, like composting.

Stump grinding is a great choice for stump removal. After the initial safety procedures, it’s fast and easy, and should permanently get rid of your stump and major roots. While you can try to perform the job yourself, a professional can do it more efficiently and safely than most homeowners.

Now that you know what’s involved in stump grinding, let Rand Hill Lawns, Inc. help you get rid of your old stumps. Call us today to get a quote and set up an appointment.

Categorised in: Stump Grinding