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Tree Stump Removal or Grinding

After the major task of removing a tree>, you will have to take care of its remains called the stump. There are a lot of questions about what to do next with the stump. Is it okay to leave it untouched, or is it necessary to remove it? Also, how do you go about removing it? What are your options?

If you find yourself asking the same questions, read on for answers to frequently asked questions about stumps and how to remove them. 

Reasons to Remove Tree Stumps or Leave Them In The Ground

A stump may not cause any issues at first, but the longer they stay, the greater the chance they become hazardous or a nuisance. If you tried mowing your lawn with a stump around, you know that it can get in the way of a fast and convenient routine gardening. 

Do tree stumps draw termites?

Stumps undergo a prolonged decaying process. While they are in the process of rotting, they can become home to several dangerous pests, including ants and termites. 

For this reason, removing a stump is a wise and practical way to avoid attracting critters into your landscape. If you don't want future problems to arise, removing or grinding down the stump is the best option. 

Other Reasons I Should Remove a Tree Stump

A decaying stump is not very pleasant to look at. It can distract the entire vibe of your landscape and even diminish your property value. The spot where the stump sticks out is off-limits when doing your regular lawn mowing activities, as it can damage your mower when you hit it. Adding new trees nearby will also be a challenge unless you remove the stump. 

Stump Grinding or Stump Removal?

Each technique comes with its pros and cons. Determining the best route for you depends on your goal for your landscape and your future plans. 

Between the two approaches, the stump removal process is more expensive and intrusive. It entails lifting the tree stump and removing it out of the ground, along with its root system. This process demands time, effort, and powerful tools to finish successfully. The advantage of this technique is it leaves no remnants such as the roots, which gives you a clean landscape to work with. However, the downside is it creates a large hole that needs to be backfilled. 

The other alternative is grinding the stump. This process is less intense compared to the former option, stump removal. If you opt for this method, the arborist will utilize a stump grinder to grind the stump into small wood pieces. Between removal and grinding, the latter is more efficient. The disadvantage of using this method is that it leaves the roots untouched. It also produces a large pile of waste, but you can also use them as natural mulch. 

What happens to the roots after grinding?

Stump grinding= essentially takes care of a large percentage of the tree's remains. But the roots still remain underground. When most parts of the stump have been processed, the roots buried will decay over time. In most cases, it can take up to a decade for the roots to fully decompose. 

If you are uncertain which method suits your situation best, a professional tree service can help, such as Budget Bentonville Tree Service at 479-888-8041.

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