You may have removed a tree, cleared the branches, and now your yard feels much more open.
The heavy lifting is done, but what remains is the stump.
And as you look at this last remaining piece of the tree, you might be asking yourself, “What should I do with this stump? Do you leave it, grind it, or remove it?”
Is one way better than another?
Let’s dive into stump grinding vs. removal in Massachusetts and talk about the pros and cons of your options.
Why You Should Care About the Tree Stump
You might be tempted to ignore that stump in your yard, but leaving it unattended can cause several potential problems.
First, it can be a safety hazard. Tree stumps can be tripping hazards, especially if you have children running around your yard or older adults navigating your landscape.
Also, some tree species can regenerate from the stump. So if you don’t remove the tree stump, you will have a potentially unwanted tree begin to grow again.
Finally, aesthetically, stumps may not look that great left in your yard, making your otherwise beautiful yard unkempt.
Getting rid of that stump might be necessary, but what's the best route: stump grinding or stump removal?
What’s the Difference Between Stump Grinding & Removal?
Both stump grinding and stump removal address the tree stump, but they are quite different in terms of the process and what’s left behind.
Stump grinding involves using a specialized machine to grind the stump down to ground level or slightly below. The stump is essentially turned into wood chips. But the tree’s roots are left intact underground.
This process is relatively quick and doesn’t require digging up the surrounding yard. Stump grinding can also be more affordable than full removal because it requires less labor. A professional grinds the stump down to 1 foot below ground level and removes the grindings, replacing them with topsoil.
Stump removal, on the other hand, involves completely excavating the stump along with its root system. This is a more intensive process and usually involves heavy machinery to pull up the stump and roots. This equipment can create surrounding turf disturbance and soil compaction.
This leaves you with a clean slate for any other landscaping, replanting, or construction. And there is no chance of regrowth or roots causing issues down the line.
But the process does leave a large hole to fill and restore.
What Happens to the Tree Roots After Grinding?
One thing many homeowners wonder about stump grinding is, "What happens to the roots?"
When you grind a stump, you’re only addressing the above-ground part of the tree. The roots are left in the ground and will naturally decay over time. This process can take more than 10 years. Years, but generally occurs more rapidly. The decaying roots can also improve the soil by increasing organic matter and improving soil structure, which improves aeration and water holding capacity.
While the process is generally harmless, in some cases, these roots can cause issues, especially if you’re planning to plant new trees or shrubs in the same area.
So, Should I Grind or Remove the Stump in My Yard?
The decision between stump grinding and removal depends on your goals and the specifics of your yard.
- If you’re looking for a quick, budget-friendly option and don’t mind leaving the roots behind to naturally decompose, stump grinding is likely your best choice. And grinding the stump deeper and wider than the trunk, as well as replacing the grindings with topsoil, you can still try replanting.
- If you want to completely eliminate any trace of the tree, stump removal can be a better option.
At Hartney Greymont, we have both ISA and Massachusetts-certified arborists located in Needham, Concord, Danvers, Cape Cod, and the surrounding areas. If you’re not sure whether stump removal or grinding is best for you, a professional arborist can help assess your situation and recommend the most effective solution.
Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation, And Let Us Help You With Your Tree Care Needs.
