STUMP GRINDING in WORSLEY

Stump Grinding

Stump Grinder at work

Tree stumps can be unsightly and hazardous, making tree stump removal a desirable choice for many homeowners. Stump grinding provides a safe and cost-efficient way to remove tree stumps. A tree stump removal company can assess the access and conditions around the stump to determine if grinding it out is the best option for removing it. With the help of specialized equipment, they can quickly and safely remove the remaining roots and grind down the stump to ground level, leaving your yard looking neat and tidy.

Questions to ask yourself; Should you go for stump grinding? How long might it take? What is the benefit of removing a stump? Should you do yourself or employ a contractor?

 

 

WHAT IS A STUMP GRINDER?

A stump grinder is a powerful tool used to remove tree stumps from the ground. It is a specialised machine that uses a rotating cutting wheel to grind away the wood of the stump, leaving behind nothing but soil and roots. Stump grinding is an effective way to get rid of unsightly stumps without having to dig them out or use chemicals. It can also be used for other purposes such as creating space for landscaping projects or preparing land for construction.

Stump Grinding is something usually done by professionals because of the dangers involved.

A typical Stump Grinder

Predator Stump Grinder

HOW DOES STUMP GRINDING WORK?

A stump grinder chews away at the stump of wood that is left over after a tree removal has been done. All stump grinders use powerful, rotating blades that ginds into the wood as it turns. The blade’s teeth smash the stump’s wood into small pieces. An operator guides the blade over the stump as the blade reduces the stump to wood chips, and removes the stump to well below ground level.

Stump grinders are a must-have for any tree removal job. With their powerful, rotating blades, these machines easily chew away at the stump left behind after a tree removal has been done. Not only do they help to clear the area of stumps quickly and efficiently, but they also help to prevent future growth from taking place in that spot. By using a stump grinder, you can make sure that your yard remains safe and free of new growth for years to come.

A stump grinder at work

Stump removal

 

 

CAN I BUILD WHERE STUMP GRINDING WAS CARRIED OUT?

One important factor is whether you intend to build on top of the tree stump or add a patio or paving. A ground tree stump will rot away over time as it is made of wood, an organic material. This means that it is not a stable construction base material, and any foundations, footings, or rigid materials could very well shift over time.

Roots and patios Stump Grinding solutions

Tree roots can cause severe structural damage to surrounding areas

Even if your stump is ground out, there may be trunk and root material below ground that will decompose and settle, causing potential future damage to your building. In this case, ensure that all remaining stumps and roots are removed, and that the hole is filled with native soil (not bagged potting mix) and compacted to the required level for your building works.

SITUATIONS WHERE STUMP GRINDING CANNOT BE DONE

The stumps of most easily accessible trees that are removed can also be ground out. A stump may need to be removed for safety reasons or because it is impeding access. However, in some cases, stump removal may be difficult or impossible.

  • Trees in difficult-to-reach areas with limited access or where equipment is too substantial to bring in may not be suitable for stump grinding.
  • Stumps that cannot be removed completely by stump grinding can be ground first and then pulled out with a skid steer or excavator; this adds cost but may be the only option.
  • Trees growing in small planting holes and surrounded by concrete or other patio materials may leave a stump that cannot be removed without damaging the surrounding material, or the surrounding material may need to be removed first. This can be expensive or unattainable.
  • If a tree stump is close to other trees or valuable shrubs, those other plants’ root systems may be injured or destroyed.
  • Stumps close to buildings or other structures may be difficult stump grinding out due to the risk of damaging foundations, footings, or utility lines and pipework.
Awkward stump grinding jobs

Awkward stump grinding job

It really is best to check for hidden hazards before beginning to grind a stump, especially if you’re doing it yourself.

STUMP GRINDING ALTERNATIVES TO REMOVE A TREE STUMP

If you have a small stump in may not be worth stump grinding it, you may be able to remove using hand tools. Having a stump with a few feet of trunk left on is useful here, as the trunk can be used as a lever to help loosen the trunk. You’ll first use a shovel or a pick axe to loosen and dig out the soil around the stump to expose its roots. After you’ve uncovered the roots, you can use gravity and your body weight to rock the stump loose. If you have loppers or a pruning saw, you can use them to sever large roots and help free the trunk. This is strenuous physical work, but it’s not impossible.

 

Dragging out a stump

Alternative methods to remove a tree stump

You’ve probably seen bottles of chemical stump remover at your nursery or hardware store. These products are often made of potassium nitrate, and work by speeding up wood decay. They require that you drill holes into your stump, fill them with stump killer, add water, cover your stump, and wait.

Potassium nitrate isn’t poisonous, but it can cause eye and skin irritation, so you’ll want to keep children/pets away from it and the stump.

Another way people remove stumps is to pour kerosene over a stump and light it on fire. Please, don’t be the person who thinks a flaming tree stump is a good use of time and resources.

IF YOU NEED STUMP GRINDING WORK DOING…

Feel free to contact us first. We can assess your situation and provide you with an estimate for the cost of removing the tree stump. You might be surprised at how inexpensive it can be, compared to doing it yourself. Most stump removal is quick, and even large stumps can usually be removed in a matter of hours.

When we remove a tree, we always offer stump removal services, including explaining the benefits of having your stump professionally removed and explaining the benefits of tree-stump mulch for your garden.

Contact Northwest Trees and Stumps

Contact Northwest Trees and Stumps