What’s the Difference Between Stump Removal vs. Stump Grinding?

Do you have got a stump on your property?  Perhaps the tree was too near your driveway; perhaps it was had become a security hazard. For any reason, your tree is gone and all you are left with is that this stump and its origins. Like most people, you would like to be rid of the eyesore. You may be thinking you desire this stump”eliminated” — and we know that. Nonetheless, it’s very important to understand that”eliminating” the stump signifies something quite different than”grinding” the stump. In fact, stump grinding is most probably your very best option.

To assist you to embark upon the practice of vanquishing your own stump, we have committed this article to answer questions such as”what is the distinction between stump removal and stump grinding?”

As we mentioned, most people that have a lawn they care about are not likely to need to pursue stump removal. That is because stump removal involves not just pulling the stump but also each one the roots attached to it. Consequently, you are likely to require a Bobcat or any other heavy-duty part of the gear. Additionally, the origins of your tree could have spread out over half of the lawn.

Thus, you could wind up churning through a lot of the dirt in your property. Usually, homeowners just elicit complete stump removal services if they’re clearing a whole property for construction, in which case, the aesthetics do not concern them.

Stump grinding is a considerably more reasonable course of action for property owners to select since it does not involve removing the entire tree stump. Employing a stump grinder such as the one pictured below, we will grind the stump and shave the rest of the tree trunk till it is gone. By definition, a stump is what is left of this tree trunk, which residual tree trunk extends to the floor. So, getting your stump floor down will leave your lawn with a pit, but one which is much less enormous than if you moved the stump removal path.

Some equipment may grind stumps as low as 24 inches to the ground. Nevertheless, the industry norm would be to grind the stump until there is not a back anymore. In reality, that is the way we do it at Wind Tree Service, which is the tree service Akron property owners trust.  Perhaps you’re wondering, how well, how heavily does one tree stump go? The solution is, it depends. Some trees have shallower trunks compared to others. The general guideline is a white pine trunk extends deeper than the usual sycamore’s, and also a sycamore backward goes deeper than the usual cottonwood. Beyond that, the neighborhood arborist will estimate the thickness of the back when they are outside to grind it.

FAQ #1 – What happens to origins left after stump grinding? Could they resprout?

We get this question a good deal. The solution is no, tree roots can’t re-sprout a tree following the stump was ground down. The origins will just deteriorate as time passes. Some people hear this and fear that there may be a gaping sinkhole within their lawn in five years — however, this is not something you need to be concerned about. The origins decompose in the soil such that there will not be a vacuum cleaner, so to speak. Additionally, this practice is quite slow down, so about the off-chance, there are a few small caving-in of the topsoil, it would not be for at least a couple dozen years. And it is the persistence of those origins which brings us into our next question.

FAQ #2 – Could I replant in which my previous tree was?

The brief answer is yes but we suggest that you do not. The propensity of homeowners would be occasionally to plant a new tree at the hole where the old one has been. We find this to be true when the homeowners were especially reluctant to eliminate the tree in the first place — say, if it had been damaged or diseased — and they had been sorry to see it move.

Conversely, the roots which remain after stump grinding will make it difficult for a tree to grow.  Not only do the older roots take up areas where fresh roots would have to take hold, but their decomposition will also alter the acidity of the ground. Therefore, the new tree might have difficulty growing.

It will be especially challenging to get a tree to grow if the previous tree was hickory. These kinds of trees secrete a poison (especially, juglone poison ) to the dirt around their foundation, which prevents other plants from taking root. (Ever wondered why marijuana does not grow up to the foundation of a pine tree? That is largely due to the poison these trees secrete).

Obviously, in the event that you simply can not live with no foliage in that specific area in your lawn, you will find remedies. To begin with, you are likely to need to pursue the stump removal procedure instead of the stump grinding process, to eliminate the roots. Second, you will want to reestablish the acidity of the ground. To do so, you ought to get your soil analyzed. You’re able to find that done with a local research institution or college — for instance, the University of Iowa provides soil testing for only $35! They’ll then inform you precisely how to care for your soil to get ready for the tree.

However, this may be costly and time-consuming. That is why we typically advise finding another location on your lawn for the tree.

FAQ #3 – What do I do with all the wood chips left after the stump is ground down?

This is another question we receive a great deal. Once stump grinding is done, you need to use this wood chip to fill the gap left from the tree stump. However, odds are you’ll have more chips leftover then. In Wind Tree Service we drag off your additional wood chips and require it into a compost bin, where it finally gets turned into landscape mulch. If you do not choose to have your tree service haul off the wood chips, remember: those fresh wood shavings may bring bugs, such as termites. Thus, it’s ideal to eliminate it quickly by carrying it into a compost bin or landfill.

Therefore, what’s the takeaway with stump grinding? Most critical is the difference between stump removal and stump grinding.  Bear in mind, the latter takes a lot longer and is more labor-intensive, and that’s why we implore our residential customers to utilize to stump grinding services. Beyond this, if you’ve some questions regarding stump grinding, please hit us at the comments below!  Or, ask your local tree service if you need a quote for stump grinding or removal.