Stump Grinding

There are two different methods of getting rid of the stump after a tree has been removed in a garden or commercial property. The first is entire stump removal. This is the most invasive process and is more costly than stump grinding. Stump removal entails digging to get rid of the root system of the tree and the process can be complicated by hardened soil, different types of soil or rocks or any other obstructions making extraction more difficult. The second method is stump grinding. This is less invasive and is more often than not a little cheaper than entire stump removal. It does however depend on your specific individual situation on whether entire stump removal or stump grinding will be the most appropriate process. Please feel free to contact one of our tree consultants today to discuss your problem so we can advise you properly on whether a stump removal or stump grinding will be the best option for you.

With stump grinding, a grinder is used to grind the stump off as far as possible so it doesn't protrude from the earth. It is then covered with a layer of soil and you can continue with normal gardening by planting some grass over or even some flowers. This is an option for some people, though we would recommend entire stump removal in cases where you envision future construction projects as you cannot build on a stump or existing roots as this will cause damage to your structure in the long term.

There is a wide variety of stump grinders that we use. Depending on the terrain, we have stump grinders the size of lawnmowers. Some are as big as a large truck. The grinders have disks with sharp teeth, that rotate at high speeds to grind the stumps into small wood chips. Qualified arborists should be in control of the stump grinders as they have the necessary training and know-how how to best operate such machines. Safety and efficiency are key. These are all for any Grand Rapids Tree Service and the surrounding areas.

Verticals stump grinders can destroy stumps in a matter of mere seconds. Vertical stump grinders are usually used for stumps with bigger diameter readings. Some grinders can be affixed to other machinery like excavators in order to tackle bigger problem-stumps.

Is it really necessary to remove a stump in your garden? It depends.
Stumps have the potential to be a safety concern. Should the tree have been removed leaving the stump with an angled (or sharp) edge, it can potentially hurt a person or child playing on or around the stump.
When the tree is removed, the stump will start decaying. A decaying tree is a safe harbour for insects or pests. They can move into the stump and leave you with the problem.
Let’s be honest – it’s either a tree or nothing. A tree stump looks ugly. It’s a reminder that once there stood a mighty tree.
If you don’t want to sit with the responsibility of removing a stump – why not give the reins over to us? We’d love to help. We have the correct tools and knowledge to properly grind a tree stump so you can have the pleasure of gardening without a random protuberance sticking out like an eyesore.

What happens to the roots?
Roots are only entirely removed with stump removals. Stump grinding removes all visible, distended roots and parts of the tree, though the root system underground will still be intact. Roots will decay naturally (or by way of other products), but it is a lengthy process and can take up to a decade. As mentioned previously in instances where it is necessitated to use chemicals to kill the roots, we use products without secondary effects in order to minimise our footprint on the health of surrounding ecosystems.

We provide our clients with quality work and competitive prices. Should you be on the fence on whether stump removal or stump grinding is the better option, don’t hesitate to contact our specialist arborists in order to give you best advice.

As mentioned above, stump grinding will not be recommended should you have plans of construction on or around the site of the stump. Grinding will however be the best option should you wish to resume with gardening activities on the site of the stump. A surface of topsoil will be added on top of the site of the grinded stump. This will provide you with the chance to replant grass, shrubbery or flowers. No one will ever know that there’s remnants of a tree buried beneath.

We can also provide you with the mulch after the stump and roots have been grinded. Organic mulch is a wonderful, nutrient-rich addition to your garden. Wood chips can also be utilized for decorative purposes in flower beds or garden pathways.

As lovers of nature, we believe in sowing back to nature as we take from nature. Sometimes the removal of a tree and stump is necessitated due to impending danger. Weakened branches and trunks can easily break or fall. A gust of wind or small storm can steer them into the right (or wrong) direction. Property loss, damage or injuries can occur should a tree not be removed.

As experts in our field, we are more than willing and able to assist with any stump removals or stump grinding. Stump grinding will leave you with peace of mind, a beautiful garden, more space to utilize and will ensure that pests don’t get too comfortable in a decaying stump.

Please contact us today to get further information on this topic. Our arborists will be more than able to provide you with the correct information to suit your needs. We service the greater Grand Rapids area. If you are close by or unsure whether we can assist, please still enquire as we can put your mind to rest.