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Some Fun Facts on Stump Grinding You May Not Be Aware Of
You have no doubt come across an old stump in your yard and put some thought to why it is still there. Or perhaps you are of a mind to know what goes on when one is ground down, or if that recalcitrant piece of wood is doing more damage than not.
We at Taproot Tree Service, LLC have been tending to the trees and grinding stumps in Stark and Tuscarawas Counties for some time now, since 2017. Should you have any concerns about a stump on your property, our number is (330) 481-5817. But first we would like to put forward a few of the more noteworthy aspects of stump grinding that do not normally cross people’s minds.
Stump Removal and Grinding Are Two Different Matters
It is common to hear the two used interchangeably but they are not. To remove a stump is to take the whole thing out of the ground along with its roots; you end up with a sizeable hole and a mess. With stump grinding we employ a machine fitted with a rotating cutting wheel to bring the stump below grade. It is a quicker affair and does not upset the yard as much, the roots being left to their own devices to decompose.
A Ground Stump Makes for Good Mulch
This will be news to some. The process of grinding yields a good deal of shavings and wood chips. There is no need to cart it all off. Make use of it for your garden beds or as mulch around other trees and walking paths.
One can make use of the grindings in a number of ways:
- As a protective layer for other trees
- To fill in the void where the stump was
- For composting in the garden
- Ground cover on a muddy path
- Mulching for shrubs and flowers
The Depth of the Grind Is Important
Then there is the matter of depth which is often overlooked. Depending on your intentions for the area, some stumps need to be taken down several inches, others far more.
Things to give some consideration to:
- If you are going to put in a patio or pour concrete
- Whether the spot is to be re-grassed or a new tree put in
- The species and size of the tree in question
- How deep the adjacent roots are
If you are thinking of replanting, a deeper grind is generally preferable. An arborist with experience is the one to talk to about such matters prior to starting work.
Unwanted Guests Will Find Your Old Stump
Leave a stump to sit in your yard and it could be asking for trouble. Pests are drawn to decaying wood and once established they have a way of moving on.
You may find the following making themselves at home in a stump:
- Termites in search of food
- Carpenter ants with their nests
- Wood-boring insects and beetles
- Fungus and mushrooms
- Any number of small burrowers
Grinding the stump is the way to eliminate that habitat and keep the rest of the property safe from them making their way to your home or sound trees.
Growth Can Persist After the Tree Is Down
Do not think that putting an end to a tree means growth has ceased. Certain species will put forth new shoots from the roots and stump well after the trunk is removed, and you will see them in your lawn or even through the pavement. A bit of grinding and treatment of the area will check that regrowth.
There Is Space to Be Reclaimed
An eyesore is not the only problem with an old stump, it is also occupying space better put to use. When it is done with, the ground is yours to do with as you please. Homeowners put the space to good use for a play area for the children, a new tree, some extra lawn or a place to put a patio.
Let Us Get on with Your Stump
It is a job that appears straightforward but you want the proper equipment and expertise. Taproot Tree Service, LLC is at the service of residential and commercial clients in Stark and Tuscarawas Counties round the clock. We cover Canton, Massillon, Alliance and New Philadelphia among others. With free estimates, a 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee and discounts for veterans, seniors and first responders, you can count on us. Phone (330) 481-5817 and we will relieve you of that stubborn stump.