Why You Should Remove Tree Stumps

Picture a beautiful landscape. You probably envision lush green grass, colorful flowers, perfectly pruned trees tree-pruning page, and happily tweeting birds. But one thing your vision of landscaping perfection most certainly doesn’t include is tree stumps.

Tree Stumps Aren’t Just Ugly

If a stump were only an eyesore, then you’d have every reason you need to remove one from your lawn. Unfortunately, a stump’s downsides aren’t solely aesthetic. Stumps also cause:

  • Property damage. A tree’s roots can continue growing even after it has been cut down. Those roots can damage your sewer line, driveway, patio, sidewalk, and even your home’s foundation.
  • Pest infestations. A stump is ideal habitat for all kinds of critters that you don’t want on your property. Carpenter ants, carpenter bees, wasps, termites, snakes and mice all commonly reside in stumps. Several species of wild mushrooms can also grow on tree stumps, which is a real concern if you have a dog can-dogs-eat-mushrooms or curious children.
  • Safety hazards. A low-lying stump can easily trip someone or stub their toes. We’re not going to pretend that it’s impossible to mow around a stump, but one careless act can easily snap the mower blade clean off its crankshaft.

How Do You Remove a Tree Stump?

If you have an unsightly stump, then you could just let nature run its course. Decomposition may take as little as a few months, although larger stumps can last for decades. There’s even a possibility that a stump could last forever. The famed Callixylon tree Callixylon stump is 250 million years old!

Would you rather get rid of a stump pronto? Then you have a much better option than waiting: stump-removal page. If you want the quicker and more economical option, then a surface grind (1-2″ deep) will allow you to plant grass where the tree once stood. If you want to replant in the area, then a full grind (up to 18″ deep) will prepare the land for gardening or landscaping.

What Is the Stump Grinding Process?

Stump grinding is a relatively straightforward process. It does require specialized equipment and a good amount of labor, which is why most land owners would rather entrust the chore to a professional tree service.

  • Safety first. Like any other project involving heavy machinery, you want to make sure no one gets hurt. First inspect the area to ensure there is solid footing to support the stump grinder, which can easily weigh over 1,000 pounds. Then make certain there are no rocks or other nearby obstacles that can get caught in the stump grinder’s cutting wheel. And before you begin grinding, make sure you’re wearing your gloves, goggles, work boots, and special protective pants Arbortec protective pants.
  • Prepare area. Rocks. Sticks. Branches. Anything that isn’t soil needs to be cleared away from the base of the stump. You really don’t want those whirling carbide teeth to strike something that could (A) damage the stump grinder, or (B) go airborne and injure someone. Once again: safety first.
  • Trim stump. A stump grinder is an impressively powerful tool. Even so, you want to make its job as easy as possible, which is why you should trim as much of the stump away as you’re able. Simply chainsaw the stump until it is nearly flush with ground level.
  • Grind stump. Once all the preparation is taken care of, it’s time for the star of the show. Position the stump grinder so it’s on level ground, with its grinding wheel facing the stump. Raise the grinder wheel until it hovers a few inches over the stump. Engage the clutch in slow mode and lower it onto one side of the stump, making certain to keep a firm grip on the handlebars. Gradually lower the grinding wheel until the blade sinks a few inches deep into the stump. Carefully sweep the wheel to the left and right, taking care not to (A) grind away more than 3″ of stump at a time, and (B) push the stump grinder forward (which could damage it). Continue grinding until you have worked your way across the stump’s entire surface. Repeat until the desired depth has been achieved.
  • Fill hole. You may choose to fill the hole with the same wood chips you have just created. Alternatively, you may fill it with soil – perfect if you intend to plant in the space that the stump no longer occupies.

Hire American Tree Trimmers for Stump Grinding

Does the stump grinding process sound a little too dangerous and strenuous for your liking? That’s perfectly understandable – and not a problem if you own or manage property in the greater Prosser, WA area. Contact American Tree Trimmers today if you would like the hassle-free solution to stump removal!