Have you had trees removed from your property without having the stumps ground down? Or maybe you’re considering tree removal but leaving the stumps behind to reduce the expense. Many homeowners do that, thinking that the remaining stumps are no big deal. However, there are quite a few good reasons why tree stump grinding should be part of your tree removal project. First, we should explain how stump grinding is done.
What is Tree Stump Grinding?
Tree stump grinding gets rid of the stump after a tree has been cut down. This is done with a stump grinding machine. It is a powerful machine with sharp, rotating blades that cut into the stump, shredding it into wood chips. Tree stump grinding will produce a lot of wood chips that can be recycled into mulch. If you don’t need the mulch, there will be a hole where the stump is ground down. You can put the wood chips in the hole to decay then cover them with soil, or you can have them cleaned up and hauled away.
Reasons for Tree Stump Grinding
Now that you know how tree stump grinding is done, it’s time to explore why it is an important part of the tree removal process.
Aesthetics
Tree stumps can be unsightly. If you’re diligent about caring for your landscape, you would probably rather have it gone. Tree stump grinding makes your property look neater by removing any evidence that trees once stood there. By eliminating the stump, you can start growing new grass and restoring the pristine appearance of your landscape.
Safety
Tree stumps can be a major safety issue, creating the potential for trips, falls, and personal injury. As an adult, you may think:
It’s not a big deal., I’ll just walk around it.
But what if your children are playing in the yard? Imagine they are running around and having fun with their friends. They won’t be paying attention, and one of them could easily trip over the stump and fall. That fall could result in a skinned knee and some tears. However, if it’s one of the neighbors’ children, you could expect a liability lawsuit. When you consider the safety hazard it poses, is saving a few dollars by skipping tree stump grinding really worth it?
Landscape Maintenance
Whether you do your own landscape maintenance or hire someone to do it, a tree stump is just another obstacle to contend with. If it lies in the path of the lawnmower, you will have to mow around it and spend additional time weed-whacking. If you’re paying someone to care for your landscape, the extra work could cause the price to go up. Tree stump grinding will make landscaping easier.
Insect Infestation
Not long after a tree has been cut down and taken away, the stump begins to rot. Not only is this unattractive, but also an open invitation for carpenter ants, termites, and other damaging insects. It’s like an “all you can eat” bug buffet. However, they won’t stop there. They can move on to other trees and foliage on your property or even cause damage to your home.
Can Tree Stump Grinding Be a DIY Project?
Yes, it can be, but it is definitely not recommended. While you can rent a tree stump grinder, it is a powerful machine best left in the hands of professionals.
Boulder Hill Tree Service offers complete tree trimming and removal services. We have grown from a full-service, residential tree care, and removal company into a diversified contractor. In addition to our tree trimming and tree stump grinding services, we also offer land clearing and tree storm damage services.
We proudly serve a wide range of residential, commercial, and municipal/governmental customers as well as schools, universities, golf courses, and real estate developers. Contact us for a free estimate today!