Trees enhance the appearance of your yard and improve air quality. However, tree removal is inevitable if your tree dies of disease or injury. If you recently had your tree removed from your yard, a stump is most likely left behind.
When left ignored, a sump will decay and spread disease through its roots and into the other trees and plants. It is an obstacle and tripping hazard for you and your family. You have two options to get rid of it: stump grinding and stump removal. These are the two most used techniques used by tree removal companies. To help you decide, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of each one.
Stump Grinding
This method involves special machinery that grinds the stump to make your yard more aesthetically pleasing. Stump grinding is less strenuous and invasive since it will only reduce the stump to the pulp. Most companies use state-of-the-art equipment to tackle stumps and turn them into a pile of chips.
Pros
Fast and Efficient Method.
When handled by a professional company, the whole process will only take 15 minutes to 2 hours. This duration depends on the size of the stump, location, and ease of access.
Environmentally Friendly.
During stump grinding, the soil is not disturbed and there will be no gaping holes left behind. As the wood gets ground down, the debris can be used as mulch to cover the soil and protect the plants. Wood chips and sawdust help retain soil moisture and make your yard even more appealing.
Clean Slate.
Removing your stump enhances the aesthetics and gives your yard a new clean slate. It helps you plan your landscaping and make room for garden elements, like small ponds and outdoor furniture.
Cons
Root Decay.
Stump grinding allows you to remove the stump without eliminating the roots. This will cause root decay and eventually decompose in the soil. If a decaying stump takes too long to decompose, pest and insect infestation may occur. It is recommended to accelerate the decay process using chemicals or fertilizers with a high concentration of nitrogen.
Appearance of Sprouts.
There are bigger chances that you will see sprouts from the root with stump grinding. This is because the roots under the ground take time to disintegrate and decay.
Messy Process.
Since the stumps need to be ground down to 8 to 10 inches below the surface, there will be a lot of debris. Make sure you have the tools and equipment to clean the volume of debris that will be left behind. You may also ask your stump grinding contractor if they have cleaning options available.
Investment Is Required.
Hire a professional tree service provider to ensure that you won’t be wasting your money on subpar work. Not everyone can do this task even if it is not labor extensive. You still need the equipment and training required to get the desired results.
If it is not done by a professional, it could be not pleasing to look at. Pay for professional stump grinding services and consider this an investment in achieving your ideal landscape.
Stump Removal
Meanwhile, stump removal involves getting rid of the whole stump starting at the roots. This method requires heavy machinery and chemicals applied to the existing stump. Compared to stump grinding, removing the stump along with the roots is much labor intensive depending on the size of the tree and its root ball.
Pros
No Roots Are Left Behind.
During the process, the entire system will be removed through digging or chemical treatment. This reduces the chance of any fungal disease or root decay from happening.
No More Tripping Hazards.
A leftover stump is very dangerous because people may trip over them. To address this safety hazard, stump removal prevents accidents and ensures that your garden area is safe for everyone.
Prevents New Tree Growth.
When a stump isn’t removed properly, sprouting may happen. Smaller trees can shoot from the leftover stump and these can be difficult to get rid of. These offshoots take nutrients and prevent nearby plants from flourishing.
Cons
Gaping Holes.
With stump removal, there will be an unsightly hole in your yard. Make sure to have the hole filled with several bags of topsoil and prevent roots from spreading.
Less Environmentally Friendly.
This method involves chemical treatment that poses risks to your yard. Most chemical stump removal products available in the market have been made to speed up the decay of a tree stump. For safe and effective stump removal, work with a professional tree service company.
Call Tree Removal Lancaster Today
Now that you are aware of the pros and cons of each method, it’s now time to decide if you will remove or grind your tree stump. Achieve the best results by hiring an expert tree removal company to make sure the work is completed as quickly.
Let our team at Tree Removal Lancaster eliminate stumps, free up space, and keep your family safe. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our tree experts!