If you’ve had a tree removed or a tree has fallen over and you’ve now got a stump in your yard, you more than likely want it gone for a number of reasons. Stumps are not only unsightly, but they can be tricky to mow around, can become tripping hazards and on top of all of that, they can attract pests and encourage disease. Not ideal!
You’ve got a couple of options for getting rid of a stump. Your decision will be based largely on what outcome you want to achieve and your particular set of circumstances.
Here we take a look at two of the most common methods – stump grinding and stump removal, so you can weigh up which is best for you.
What Is Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding is a process whereby a specialist machine essentially shreds the stump into a fine wood chip, down to below ground level. The current industry standard is 300mm or 30 cm, which helps reduce the risk of the tree reshooting and in most cases, means the ground can be replanted.
Whilst stump grinding does remove the stump itself and the main root ball, it doesn’t necessarily remove the entire root system of the tree, which can spread out for metres and metres. The roots will however, usually decay and breakdown naturally over time.
A risk assessment should always be carried out before any work is done to ensure safe access to the stump, and to check for any underground pipes or other utilities that may impacted.
Stump grinders come in a large range of sizes from those that can literally be carried on-site to the largest machines that can tackle the biggest of stumps.
What Are The Benefits Of Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding removes the stump and the main root ball of the tree, which means that the ground can be replanted. As no poisons or harsh, toxic chemicals are used in the process, stump grinding is considered an environmentally friendly option for removing stumps. Additionally, the wood chip left over from stump grinding can be used as mulch in your garden so there’s no waste.
Stump grinding is generally considered to be both time and cost-effective as it’s a relatively quick process that doesn’t cost the earth. It’s also a much less intrusive process compared to stump removal so there’s far less chance of any damage to your surrounding garden and yard.
For these reasons, stump grinding is generally the preferred option for most homeowners.
What Is Stump Removal?
Stump removal is a much more laborious, time-consuming process which involves literally digging out the tree stump and the tree’s entire root system, which can be far-reaching and extend metres and metres from the base of the tree. This process usually requires machinery such as a bobcat or excavator to carry out the work, so is more intrusive and potentially more damaging to the impacted area.
This option is usually carried out on building and development sites where there isn’t a great concern around damage and mess and where there aren’t access issues.
What Are The Benefits Of Stump Removal?
The main benefit of stump removal is that the tree’s entire root system is completely removed, so once the remaining hole is filled, replanting can be done straight away.
If you’re not sure which option is best for you, ask your local Brisbane Arborist for their expert advice.
Professional Tree Grinding & Expert Advice
Aussie Tree Solutions have been providing professional stump grinding services to South-East Queensland residents, schools, councils and government agencies for decades. We have a range of reliable, premium quality stump grinders that make short work of the toughest of stumps. From small and portable right through to large, industrial-strength grinders, we can access almost all areas and grind stumps efficiently and safely. We come fully insured, carry out a risk assessment before undertaking the work and completely clean up when the job is done so you won’t even know we’ve been there!
Call Aussie Tree Solutions anytime, 24/7 and ask for a free quote on our stump grinding services.