If you have been left with a tree stump in your yard, you more than likely want a solution to get rid of it – fast. Stumps are generally pretty unsightly, as well as being major tripping hazards. They can also be a nuisance to garden or to mow around. Stumps left in a yard can also encourage pests like termites and can attract unwanted fungi which can spread to other plants and trees.
Options for getting rid of a stump are usually either stump grinding or stump removal. So what’s the difference between the two, what’s involved with each, and what’s the best option for you? Let’s have a closer look.
What Is Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding utilises specialist machinery that effectively shreds or ‘grinds’ the remaining stump into a fine wood chip, right down to below ground level. Industry-standard is to remove the stump to 300mm below ground level which reduces the risk of any reshooting and means the soil can in most instances, be replanted. Stump grinding removes the stump and the main root ball, it does not necessarily remove all of the root system. However, any remaining roots will normally decay naturally over time.
Stump grinders come in a range of sizes from the quite small and portable that can literally be carried onsite by hand, all the way through to very large, industrial-size grinders for the largest of stumps. Normally a risk assessment is carried out before any work is done to ensure there is safe access to the stump and to check for any utilities or pipes that could get in the way.
Stump grinding is generally the preferred option for most homeowners as it is usually the quickest option. It’s also the less invasive and messy option of the two. It is also the more environmentally safe alternative as it doesn’t require the use of any toxic poisons.
What Is Stump Removal?
Stump removal involves literally pulling out the tree stump and extensively digging out all of the tree’s roots, which can extend out far from the base of the tree. This normally requires equipment such as an excavator or bobcat which can make a big mess in your backyard. The process of stump removal is definitely the most invasive of the two options and can be time-consuming and laborious. This option is normally used for building sites where mess or damage isn’t of great concern. The upside is that all of the tree’s root system is completely removed, so replanting can be done once the (sometimes very large) hole is filled in.
What’s The Cost Difference?
The cost of stump grinding vs stump removal will be determined by a number of factors. The company you choose to carry out the work, the size of the stump, the type of tree and the accessibility to the stump are all taken into account. Very generally speaking, stump grinding is a cheaper option when compared with a full stump removal, however it’s always advisable to get a couple of quotes before any work is carried out.
Tree Stump Removal The Right Way
Like most tree work, it’s best done by the professionals. Attempting to remove a stump yourself can have disastrous consequences and in most cases, it’s just not worth it. You could spend all day trying to remove it yourself and end up making an enormous mess of your yard. And worst of all, still not remove all of the tree’s root system. Likewise, using hazardous chemicals to get rid of a stump isn’t always effective and can be a dangerous option.
Get Help From The Professionals
If you need to get rid of a stump, don’t take any chances. Our expert team at Aussie Tree Solutions come backed with over 35 years of experience with an unwavering safety-first work ethic. Our team are reliable, fully insured, qualified and experienced. We can remove any sized stump from almost any location quickly and efficiently with our range of reliable machines. When the job is completed, we thoroughly clean up so you wouldn’t even know we’d been there.
Call (07) 3351 1722 now for a free quote on tree stump grinding and removal services from Aussie Tree Solutions – your local team of reliable, professional Arborists.