STUMP GRINDING OR STUMP REMOVAL?

The stump grinding process is intricate and involves excavating the stump without the roots being removed. This process involves a stump grinder to mechanically grind the stump and it leaves fine sawdust as a residue. The benefit from stump grinding is that the entire stump is ground to about 1 inch from the soil or even 8” below the ground level. With the stump ground this way, the resulting sawdust gets mixed with the soil leveling the ground and doing away with the need to fill cavities. However, in instances where the stump has suffered infection, it can potentially impact the health of other plants and therefore, the resulting mulch and sawdust should be safely disposed of.

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Stump removal conversely involves normal removal of the stump from the ground. Heavy force is generally needed to accomplish this process and high-power machines are employed to facilitate this. However, stump grinding is a more preferred means since the process is easier to execute an efficient handheld tool that can achieve the desired result. Stump removal can also leave you with a messy environment as opposed to a neat environment that stump grinding provides. But stump removal means you are eliminating the roots and thus preventing sprout or regrowth. When stump removal is chosen you should also know that disposing of the root and stump is an expensive and extensive process.

What factors impact stump removal?

Soil type, root system, age of the tree that was removed, the diameter of the stump, stump location, number of stumps to be removed are among the major factors that will determine the cost of the operation.

Let us now consider the pros and cons of stump removal vs. stump grinding!

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Stump grinding – This process is faster and significantly less labor intensive. stump grinding does not leave gaping holes after the job is done and it is environment-friendly.

The cons of this process include the possibility of root decay, water shoots, inability to plant other trees and shrubs.

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Stump removal – The stump removal process is more exhaustive involving elimination of the roots and the stump. This makes it easier for you to replant on the space and poses no health hazards. However, stump removal is more time and labor intensive. This process will leave a gaping hole once the job is done and is not generally environment friendly. This process will also call for heavy pieces of equipment which can add up to your costs. Usually doubling the price of stump grinding.

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Another option available to homeowners to get rid of tree stumps is to use chemicals. However, you should know the precise process as well as continuous attention for several weeks and even significantly longer time in certain instances. However, if you compare the cost of engaging a professional stump grinding service with the cost of chemical treatment and add the time you would need to spend, professional stump grinding may be a cheaper option for you.

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