Are you looking to properly remove a tree stump?
Precision Tree in Colorado Springs has removed thousands of tree stumps over the many years we have been in business.
Tree stump removal can be a challenge. Trees have expansive root systems, so the stump that is left after a tree is removed can be very well rooted and difficult to get rid of. For this reason, sometimes people choose to just leave the stump where it is.
The size and location of a stump are big factors in deciding whether to leave it or get rid of it. If it makes sense to do so, having a stump removed can be a great way to open up your yard.
The Benefits of Stump Removal
Tree stumps are often removed for the simple reason that stumps can be an unsightly detraction from the yard. Stumps will eventually start to rot which will also attract bugs and fungus.
They can get in the way of other things that you would like to do with the yard. Stumps can be a real problem when it comes to mowing the lawn. Shorter stumps can be more difficult to see when grass grows over them which can make them a problem.
There are some species of trees, such as cottonwoods and elms, that can sprout back and regrow from the stump. It is usually not preferable to have a tree start growing back when money and time have been spent to remove it and get it out of the way.
Once a stump is removed it allows you the opportunity to plant over where the stump was. You can put sod or even a garden in its place. It is also just one less thing in the way for yard projects or for play space for the kids.
How to Remove a Stump Yourself Using the Stump Grinding Method
There are many tips and suggestions out there for how to remove an unwanted stump yourself.
While digging a stump out or using chemicals can work, these methods can be very labor-intensive. The most practical way to go about removing a stump is to grind it out using a stump grinder. A stump grinder is a machine that has a disk with teeth that spins to grind out the stump.
A stump grinder works by grinding the wood of the stump into a pile of chips and dirt.
Stump grinder rentals are usually available at your local hardware store.
There are several things to consider when renting a stump grinder. Be sure to check the condition of the grinder. Sometimes the teeth can become worn down and dull over multiple uses which will make the job much more difficult.
The size of the machine is also important. If it is too small, it may take a while to take out a larger stump.
Access is also important to keep in mind. If you are removing a stump in a fenced-in backyard, make sure that the gate is large enough for the stump grinder to fit through (the gate typically needs to be at least 36” wide).
If you do decide to grind a stump out yourself, it is important that you call 811 first before you dig to make sure that you won’t be coming in contact with any utility lines.
Hiring a Tree Company to Remove the Stump
Many people opt to have tree stump grinding done professionally. Stump grinding is a labor-intensive task, even with a stump grinder. Larger stumps may also need a commercial stump remover for a large sized stump which would require removal services from a stump grinding company.
Tree service professionals have years of experience in using the equipment to do the job efficiently and safely, even when the stump is large or inconveniently located. A tree company will also use high-end stump grinding equipment to remove the stump.
Stump grinding is a stand-alone service, but a tree and stump removal are often done together. This way, all of the tree debris can be removed leaving the space open to be repurposed. Stump removal cost is usually determined by the diameter of the stump.
What to Do Once the Stump Grinding is Done
Stump grinding turns the tree stump into a pile of wood chips and dirt. The left-over chips can be great to use as a mulch around other trees, bushes, or garden spaces. Mulch can be beneficial for insulating and holding in moisture around other trees and plants.
However, if you don’t wish to use the mulch it can simply be hauled away. A tree service company will do this for you per request.
With the stump cleared away, you will have a new open space to work with. Sod can be planted back over the space where the stump was to fill in your lawn or this space can serve as a new gardening area.
Precision Tree offers free estimates and is available to answers questions you may have about stump grinding and removal.
You made a great point about the amount of effort and labor it would take to grind a stump yourself. This is especially true for our yard since we have around three or four stumps we need to be removed before we can even work on it and turn it into a patio as we’ve always wanted. To save us the trouble, I’ll find a stump grinding service in the area and have them use their professional equipment to help us out.
Thank you for mentioning that you can safely remove a tree stump from your property by hiring a professional to grind it for you. I have an old tree stump in the middle of my yard that I want to get rid of, so I’m considering hiring a professional to grind it this month. I’m going to search for a good business in my area that offers tree stump grinding services.
It’s terrific that you elaborate on how stump grinding can be used to improve the aesthetics of your yard. My wife and I want to get rid of the old tree stump that is in the center of our back lawn, so we’re thinking about hiring a stump grinding service soon. I’m going to see if there is a good business in the area that offers stump grinding services.