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Stump Removal vs Stump Grinding – Learn the differences between them
When a tree is cut or felled, extra care is taken to ensure its trunk is cut as close as possible to the ground. The remaining portion of the tree is known as the tree stump. It has active roots in the soil. One may observe tree rings on the stump, which can be used to estimate the tree’s age.
Why Is Stump A Nuisance?
- Stumps are generally considered a nuisance because they can regrow. In some instances, a stump may allow the growth of several trees around it. This is because the stump has an active root system below the ground.
Quite often, deciduous trees have stumps with the ability to regenerate. The regenerated trees are sometimes considered a healthy part of the natural ecosystem as a way for the forests to recover from deforestation.
- However, the majority of the trees that sprout from stumps are susceptible to disease. They also have weaker structures as they rely on the already existing support structure of the stump. If you have stumps in your yard, you should contact a professional tree pruning service for their removal.
Why Should Stumps Be Removed?
It is generally advisable to remove tree stumps at the earliest. Even if you are sure that they won’t regenerate, they are an unpleasant sight. A stump might get an infestation and start to rot. It takes several months to a year for a stump to completely decompose away.
- Since a stump is accompanied by its well-developed root structure, it becomes challenging to plant new trees in your yard. The existing root structure will make it difficult for your newly planted tree’s roots to flourish and increase competition for nutrients.
There are several ways to remove stumps from the ground. The two most popular methods are stump removal and stump grinding. Their pros and cons are mentioned below.
Stump Removal
- The most common stump removal method is excavation. A hole is dug around the stump, and the roots are cut. The hole is made several meters deep until it reaches the base of the stump. The stump is then removed by hand. This is a labor-intensive process.
Another popular method for stump removal requires the use of chemicals. The stump is first prepared by using a chainsaw to remove as much of it as possible. 12-inch deep holes are then drilled around the circumference of the stump. The spacing between the holes is kept at 6-8 inches.
- A few more holes are drilled around the rim of the stump, nearer to the ground. These holes are drilled at a 45-degree angle. Take about 100 – 150ml of tree stump removal chemical and pour it into the holes in granule form. Fill the gaps with water so that the granules can get soaked.
After about 4-6 weeks, you’ll notice the chemicals have accelerated the rotting process in the stump. To confirm this, you can touch the stump, and it will feel soft and spongy. Now take a sharpened felling ax and use it to remove the rotting stump.
Stump Grinding
Stump Grinding is a quicker process as compared to stump removal. Unless you are specifically trained and have previous experience, we would not recommend doing it as a DIY project. It is best to hire a professional company.
Arborists use a specialized machine to shred the stump, leaving its roots behind. As the machine works, it leaves behind chips that can be used as mulch for the plants in your yard.
- Stump grinding does not help remove the roots. Although when the stump is fully ground, the roots will start to decay. The roots span about 8-12 feet beyond the stump across your yard for a fully grown tree. The decaying process will take around 10 years until the roots are entirely broken down.
If you have a stump in your yard and are worried about its removal, then why not get in touch with us? We at American Tree Experts Inc are a team of tree specialists. Contact us today at 973-774-6091 and get your free stump removal quote now.