If you currently have a tree stump on your property and you’re wondering what exactly to do with it, we’ve got you covered. In this quick 101 guide we’ll outline everything you need to know, what not to do, and why professional stump grinding is your best bet. Let’s dive in!
WHY DOES THE TREE STUMP HAVE TO GO?
A tree stump looks like a pretty harmless leftover to your tree, so what’s the problem with keeping it there?
Unfortunately, tree stumps make perfect new homes for insects like termites, ants, beetles and cockroaches. They can also be attractive residences to larger animal friends like raccoons, possums, squirrels, and even the perfect spot for a snake den.
Plus, a leftover tree stump is just going to get in the way, especially as an unwelcome hazard when you mow the lawn. You’ll likely spot and avoid the big ones, but smaller ones can be sneaky and easy to run over with the lawnmower, causing some expensive blade damage.
If a snake family or a new lawnmower purchase isn’t high on your wish list right now, the tree stump has to go.
WHAT NOT TO DO WITH THE TREE STUMP
Before we get into why professional stump grinding is the best option for that tree stump, here’s what not to do!
Don’t dig: Simply, attempting to dig a stump out of the ground is a lot of work – and pretty inefficient. You’ll need a shovel, an axe and a sledgehammer to cycle through the process of cutting the roots and stomping the stump sideways, trying to cut away all the thick roots before it’s free. Not only is this exhausting, but you’ll also run the risk of damaging the surrounding areas.
Don’t pull: You’ll need a tractor or a larger four-wheel drive vehicle and some chains for this one, and you’ll be attempting something that has a pretty high risk of property damage or injury. A snapping chain is really dangerous, and so is a newly released stump crashing into the back of your vehicle.
Don’t burn it: First, you’ll need to wait a year to burn this if it’s a fresh stump because it needs to be fully dry. You’ll also need to touch base with your local fire department to make sure there aren’t any burn bans in effect. In addition to the long lead time, this isn’t the most effective strategy for removal.
Don’t let it rot: With the longest process and least attractive curb appeal, a stump may take as long as 10 years to break down. That’s a long time for pests and creatures to make a forever home, so just remove it.
MEET STUMP GRINDING – THE BEST OPTION
Stump grinding is the most practical and efficient way to remove a stump above ground.
Using a stump grinding machine, the high-speed rotating cutting wheel chips away at the wood as it’s repeatedly run over the stump, turning the stump into mulch. Since the stump grinder goes below the soil line, the stump will be effectively removed without creating a big hole in the ground.
Stump grinding is not a DIY job. While some people may attempt this with a chainsaw or stump grinder chainsaw attachment, it’s not advised. At minimum, it can destroy a small chainsaw. But more importantly, it can cause serious physical injury. Along those same lines, renting a stump grinder machine comes at some huge risks if the operator is not properly trained to handle it.
These are some serious machines with extremely sharp cutters that pose serious risk to hands and feet, as well as flying debris that can cause injury or property damage.
Let a professional arborist handle the stump grinding. Not only do they have the best machines to handle this job, but they will also have the knowledge and experience to give you the best possible results.
GET YOUR FREE STUMP GRINDING ESTIMATE TODAY!
If you’re ready to tackle that stump, let’s start with getting you a free estimate. Gardner Tree Service is a full-service and year-round tree company located in Naples, Maine, operating throughout the lakes region as well as Greater Portland. Our fully licensed and insured team takes care to provide professional results, and we strive to provide the best quality and friendly service from start to finish.
To get started with your free estimate, please call us at 207.747.8049 or email us at Gardnertrees@gmail.com. We look forward to learning how we can help you with all your tree-service needs!