Stump Grinding Service
Often after a tree is removed or falls unexpectedly, the stump remains. The process of removing a the unsightly tree stump can be done through several methods, but the two most common methods are stump removal or stump grinding.
What is the best method to removing a tree stump? The answer depends on the size of the stump, the amount you are willing to spend on it, and how long you are willing to wait to get rid of the stump. Finley Tree Service can help you address this problem.
Stump Removal
Digging out a tree stump is very labor-intensive, and so it is generally recommended (and practical) to remove small stumps only. Not only that, but the cost of labor – regardless if you hire out the work or do it yourself – can be higher. If you do it yourself, you’ll be devoting the better part of the day to removing the tree stump.
Chemical Stump Removal
Removing the tree stump by chemical means involves either introducing chemicals or fire into the equation. Chemicals might include synthetic or organic fertilizers which aid stump rotting.
Fire is the quickest way to chemically remove a stump, but it is not a safe method by any means and requires close monitoring in order to avoid the fire from spreading. A smoldering tree stump could take hours to burn off, and if your city does not allow open burning, removing a tree stump with fire would not be an option for you in the first place.
Using chemicals to break down the stump also poses a hazard because you must make sure the chemicals do not affect children and animals which could come in contact with the stump. The chemicals, over time, gradually break the stump down to the point where it is easier to break up into smaller pieces, but some might remain and require burning. Even after the process is complete, you may still have to contend with the chemicals left behind in the soil.
If you decide to rely on decomposition to gradually break down the stump, you’ll likely have a long time to wait. Although it is the most environmentally friendly method of tree stump removal, the rotting process for a tree stump to break down naturally can take years. To encourage the rotting process, holes are usually drilled into the stump and filled with fertilizer, compost, or manure. Repeated applications may be necessary in the long process of stump removal using this method.
Stump Grinding
Unlike the stump removal methods above, stump grinding offers many benefits to getting rid of a stump, such as:
- Much faster process – (visible portion of the stump is gone within an hour or two).
- Not labor intensive.
- Not as expensive compared to other stump removal methods.
- A large hole is not left behind after the stump is gone.
- The wood chips left behind can be used as mulch
- No hazardous chemicals or residue
- No burning needed
Stump grinding removes the stump about four inches or more below the soil line and allows natural decompose on its own. Soil and wood chips be used to fill in the portion where the stump occupied to soil line. By doing this we can avoid the need to add large amounts of soil where a stump used to be.
However, despite the fact that stump grinding sounds easy, it is not advisable for people to take them on as DIY projects. The equipment is heavy, and renting it alone may cost you the same amount as hiring the project out to an experienced professional.
Ready to remove an ugly stump from your yard? Contact Finley Tree Service today at 864-752-7359 for tree stump removal and stump grinding services that will save you time and money!
