Frequently Asked Questions About Stump Grinding

It is difficult to determine how much tree stump will remain after removing a tree. One of the basic tree care activities is stump grinding. Arborists perform stump grinding to ensure you have a clean landscape design after tree removal.

What Is the Benefit of Stump Grinding? 

One of the benefits of tree stump grinding is your stump will be reduced to your preferred height. The arborist can grind the stump a few inches below the ground.

When the stump is ground, it mixes with the soil. As a result, the ground is leveled, and there is no need for filling it. This process is faster, environment-friendly, and less labor-intensive. Furthermore, you will not end up with a gaping hole in your compound.

Does Stump Grinding Remove the Entire Stump?

Stump grinding doesn't get rid of the root ball. The purpose of this procedure is to remove the remnant. However, sometimes mushrooms and other fungi can develop as the tree decays. Ensure you keep pets and small children away from the area where a stump was ground out to prevent allergic reactions.

Removing root balls is labor-intensive. It requires excavators and is more costly than stump grinding.

When Stump Grinding Is Impossible?

Stump grinding may be necessary for safety reasons or prevents access to an important amenity. However, stump grinding may not be possible for hard-to-reach trees. If the trees are in a location where access is limited or where the grinding machines are too large to get in, you cannot stump grind them.

Additionally, stump grinding may not work for trees planted in holes surrounded by concrete. These stumps of these trees cannot be removed without ruining the surrounding material.  Lastly, a tree stump that is too near to other trees or shrubs can damage these plants if their stumps are removed. Also, stumps next to buildings are hard to grind because you may damage the footings, foundations, pipes, and underground utilities.

Can You Build Over an Area Where a Stump Was Removed?

Since a tree stump is wood, it will eventually decompose. Therefore, it doesn't provide a stable base for construction. This means any footings or foundations will eventually move.

After stump grinding, there will be trunk and root material left on the ground that decays and will over time damage your construction. If you want to construct on the area a stump was ground out, make sure the arborist removes the remaining stump and roots. The tree care expert should also fill the hole with native soil.