Tree removal is sometimes necessary and always an arduous process to carry out. And after removing a tree, piece by piece, what’s left behind is the stump that used to anchor the tree in place. If you have a stump on your property after removing a tree, a lot of questions follow about what to do next.
Should you leave it the way it is, or remove it completely along with the tree? However, keep in mind that ‘stump removal’ as we generally speak of is not what it actually means. Our tree removal Philadelphia services recommend that you go for ‘stump grinding’ instead.
But what is the difference between these two? What are they and how do they work? That and more such common questions have been discussed below. So, read on.
What is Stump Removal?
Stump removal is removing the entire stump along with the roots and involves the use of a heavy-duty piece of equipment like a Bobcat or other. Plus, the roots of your tree might have spread across half of your yard. In that case, stump removal will mean that you’ll have to churn up much of the soil on your property.
So, full-on stump removal is preferred for cases such as constructing a new building where you’ll have to clear the land completely. Homeowners, on the other hand, can do with much more convenient ‘stump grinding’
What is Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding is a much more convenient and manageable process than full-on removal because it does not involve the removal of the roots. In stump grinding, a grinder is used to grind or shave off the stump until it’s not visible anymore.
Grinding involves the removal of the entire tree trunk, whatever is remaining of it, even the portion that extends underground. So, after removal, there will be a hole made where the tree used to stand.
Consequences of Leaving a Tree Stump in the Ground
After removing a tree, the stump that is left behind begins a slow decaying process. Often, it is found, over time, the rotting stump becomes a hub for pests like termites or carpenter ants which can cause a lot of damage to your home. The critters can also spread over to other trees in your yard damaging your property.
Also, a decaying stump can ruin the whole look of your yard. Or, if you accidentally roll your mower over it, it can damage your mower. Furthermore, if you have kids in your home, they may stumble over the tree stump and accidents might happen.
So, you shouldn’t leave a tree stump as it is and go for full-on removal or grinding to help prevent such mishaps.
What Happens to the Roots After Grinding?
After a stump has been ground, the roots of the tree will still remain, often over 4 to 12 feet beyond where the tree stood. The roots, after grinding, will naturally decay, but the process can last long, sometimes even 10 years or so.
But the roots cannot re-sprout. After the stump has been ground down, it will just slowly decay. One thing you should keep in mind is you won’t be able to plant new trees in the nearby area, as the existing roots will hamper the natural growth of the new tree.
Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal: Final Pick
Choosing between stump grinding and stump removal really depends on what future plans you have in mind for your landscape.
The stump removal process is the more complicated and wholesome of the two. It involves a lot of hard work, time, and powerful tools to get the job done. But in the end, you’ll get a clean piece of land and can do whatever you have in your mind with it.
Stump grinding, on the other hand, is a little less complicated and involves the use of a machine to shred the stump down into small chips. Grinding is thus much less intensive and homeowners can go with it if grinding meets their requirements.
Our tree removal Philadelphia services are experts in this field. We can remove or grind any tree stump as per your requirement. We also offer advice and suggestions regarding which one would be more suitable for your property as per your requirements.
