After a tree is cut down, unwanted stumps are left behind. These aren’t just ugly and hard to mow around — they can also pave the way for new trees to grow right back in their place. Saplings will grow out of leftover stumps if they aren’t disposed of, potentially causing even bigger problems than the original tree.
If you’re dealing with stubborn, unsightly stumps in your yard, you’re probably wondering about the best way to get rid of them. One of the fastest, most efficient, and most eco-friendly methods for removing tree stumps is stump grinding. Curious about how this stump removal method measures up to others? Read on to find out!
Manual Removal
The manual stump removal process involves digging around the stump and chopping below the ground level to excavate the entire stump from the roots. This is a much more labor-intensive process than any of the others, even if a mechanical stump remover is used.
If it’s used at all, it’s best to use this method for smaller stumps. The better-established a tree is, the more difficult it will be to remove it with manual work alone. For larger trees, stump grinding is always the better choice. A stump remover machine
Natural Decomposition
This method involves covering the remainder of a stump to starve it of sunlight and gradually kill it, so it can decompose naturally and won’t produce new saplings. As you can imagine, this method takes the longest out of any of the options listed here, even if chemical aids are used. It also isn’t guaranteed to work; trees are hardy, and they can survive a surprising amount of starvation. To make sure the stump is completely dealt with, a different method is usually preferred.
Chemical Stump Removal
The process of chemical stump removal generally involves drilling into a stump, filling the holes with a stump-killing chemical, covering it with sheeting, and either leaving it to dehydrate or rot. This will slightly speed up the natural decomposition process, gradually causing the stump to rot.
While this method is faster than unassisted decomposition, it comes with a few downsides. The biggest downside is that the chemicals used during this type of tree stump removal linger in the soil, and can be harmful to the environment. They aren’t just toxic to the stump you’re killing; they’re also toxic to nearby plants and animals. Certain stump-killing chemicals, such as Epsom salts, aren’t harmful to the environment; however, the more effective ones are. Use these sparingly if at all.
Burning
While burning an unwanted stump can be a viable way of getting rid of it, it comes with obvious safety hazards. In a dry climate like Arizona’s, fires can easily get out of hand. Fire restrictions may not allow stump burning for safety reasons. Generally speaking, this method is best avoided in Arizona. In short: don’t try this at home.
Stump Grinding Services
As with other tree care services, it’s always best to have a tree expert handle tree stump removal services. It’s simply the best way to ensure that your problem is taken care of safely, efficiently, and completely.
Stump grinding solves many of the problems that the other methods have. It gets rid of the stump quickly, significantly reduces the chances of tree regrowth, and doesn’t involve harsh chemicals. Plus, it’s safer — for you, your pets, the local wildlife, and the rest of your landscape.
How does it work?
As the name suggests, the stump grinding process works by grinding dead stumps using a specialized machine. Once the rest of the tree is removed, the grinder removes the rest of the stump by using powerful blades to turn it into wood chips. These chips can either be thrown out or used as ground cover for other areas. Once the stump is gone, a hole will be left behind; unless you want to plant something else in its place, this can be filled in with soil, gravel, or mulch.
Stump grinding is effective because it grinds the stump down to the roots, making it even more unlikely that the tree will grow back. Stump grinding machines can be rented, but hiring a professional who already knows their way around the machinery. It’s cheaper to do so, as well as being safer and faster. These are heavy-duty machines that can easily cause bodily harm or property damage if you don’t know what you’re doing.
DIY might seem like it’ll save time and money, but consider this: if your first DIY attempt goes wrong, you’ll have to find another solution. DIY stump removal is far less likely to succeed, so it’s always best to call tree pros in the first place.
Call PV Trimmers!
The PV Trimmers team is the only one you’ll need to call when you need tree services of any kind. Whether it’s a simple, routine trim, or full tree removal service, our skilled and experienced staff can take care of whatever you need. Professional stump grinding is just one of the many tree services we can provide; we can also handle recurring maintenance to keep your trees healthy, strong, and beautiful. Safety is always our top priority; we know that using proper safety equipment and procedures is the best way to ensure that the job gets done efficiently.
Our team promises to treat you and your property with the respect you deserve. With over 20 years of experience (and glowing customer reviews) to back us up, we’re comfortable saying we’ll become the first people you call whenever you need tree services of any kind. Got a stubborn stump you need removed? Call PV Trimmers today!