Charlotte:
When it’s time to cut down a tree, yelling timber as the tree falls is only half the job. There’s still an unsightly tree stump that’s left disrupting an otherwise well-groomed yard. While some people might opt to leave the tree stump as is, it’s never a good idea when tree maintenance is concerned. Why so?
- Tree stumps are a safety risk to children, sidewalks, house foundations, and landscaping equipment such as lawnmowers.
- As the stump decays, it attracts unwanted species such as termites, beetles, and carpenter ants that are known to wreak havoc on homes and other trees.
- A decaying tree stump with mold and weeds is an eyesore
- An unattended stump may strip the surrounding soil of essential nutrients – causing other plants to die or wither.
There are several ways to get rid of a disruptive tree stump – but the most common techniques are stump grinding or stump removal. So, which method is the best?
Stump Removal
Stump removal is a comprehensive process in which a tree stump is extracted completely. It often involves physically digging a huge hole and using high-power machines to pull the stump – leaving a gaping hole.
Pros
- Mitigate the risk of health hazards
- Easy to replant another tree
- Stump and roots are eliminated completely
Cons
- The gaping hole left behind is unsightly
- Expensive
- Time and labor-intensive process
- Stump removal is not environmentally friendly (i.e., it’s intrusive)
Stump Grinding
Stump grinding is a simple yet intricate process in which a professional uses a stump grinder to whittles down a tree stump into sawdust mechanically. Although the stump can be ground to a user’s desired height, it’s advisable to go below the soil level.
Pros
- Faster than stump removal
- Environmentally friendly
- More affordable
- Ground stumps may be reused as mulch
- Process is not as labor-intensive as other methods
- No gaping holes on your lawn
Cons
- A possibility that the tree might sprout given the right conditions
- Roots are left behind to decay
Stump Removal Versus Stump Grinding – Which Process is Right for You?
The choice between the two techniques largely depends on your landscaping plans. If you’re strapped for cash, or you want a fast process, you can’t go wrong with stump grinding. But if you need complete removal of a stump (i.e., if you’re going to replant in the same region), stump removal is the best option.
For more information about dealing with stumps or tree trimming contact your local experts at Treescape. Call 704-598-6641 (Charlotte Treescape) or 704-867-4100 (Gastonia Treescape).