If you have recently removed a tree in your yard, then there are chances that you have left with a stump behind. And now you want to get rid of that unsightly stump. However, before considering the stump removal process, you should know this can be a difficult process, which may cause damage to your property. That’s why we suggest a stump grinding technique. It is a less invasive way of removing the stumps and this method doesn’t cause any damage to your property. Both these methods come with their advantages and disadvantages. Selecting which is best for you mostly depend on the future plans you have for your garden. 

Stump Grinding:

Stump Grinding

Stump grinding is a comparatively less intensive process than stump removal. In this process, arborists use a machine to shred the stump into small wood chips and sawdust. This machine can grind the stump to ground level, or it can grind the stump as low as 12 inches underground. The grinding process is easier than stump removal, but it leaves the tree’s roots behind. If the stump is large, it can produce a large number of wood chips, but these chips can be used as mulch for other plants in your yard. Here are some pros and cons of the stump grinding method:

Advantages of Stump grinding:

  • Enhancing Aesthetics and Regain Space:  

Removing stumps can improve the look of your lawn. This increases the overall value of your property. In addition to aesthetics, space is also an important part. A tree stump takes so much space in your yard, but by removing it you can use that space to plant a new tree or a flower bed.  

  • Protect Against Disease and Pests:  

Tree stumps make the perfect habitat for all kinds of pests and insects. Cockroaches and insects like making stump their home, so by removing it, you are preventing a potential infestation inside your home. Most of all these stumps are often from trees that died because of disease. Removing the stump can prevent the spread of disease from the stump to other trees in the garden. 

  • Avoid accidents: 

While a tree stump might not seem dangerous, it can cause major injury to anyone. This injury especially happens with small children and senior citizens. That’s why they simply are not safe to have around. If the grass gets particularly long, then someone could easily trip over it when walking across your lawn. 

Disadvantages of Stump grinding: 

  • Root Decay: 

After the stump grinding process, the roots of the tree will start decaying. Decay is a natural part of the life cycle of trees, and with this process, the roots will break down over many years. However, some homeowners may not want decaying matter and the related bugs, fungi, and microorganisms in their yards. 

  • Potential Sprouting: 

When you leave the roots in the ground, there is always the chance of sprouting. The roots may send up new sprouts at the place where the stump used to be. Once they start sprouting, they can be difficult to remove and will become a nuisance. 

Stump Removal:

Stump Removal

This method is more intrusive than stump grinding. It involves taking the whole stump out and then digging out all the tree’s widespread roots. This method requires a lot of time, heavy machinery, and power to pull the roots out, which needs to be done by a professional. After removing the stump, you are left with a clean slate open to any new ideas you have for your yard. But the main disadvantage of this method is, it leaves behind a large hole and that can be an eyesore until it’s filled in. 

Advantages of Stump removal: 

  • Easier replanting: 

Removing the stump entirely gives you the opportunity to plant a new tree at that place. If you are interested in replanting in the same spot as the old one then you should definitely go with the stump removal method.

  • Removes the stump and all roots completely. 

  • Add valuable space to your lawn. 

  • Reduce the chance of spreading fungal disease from remaining roots. 

Disadvantages of Stump Removal: 

  • Duration: 

Removing a stump and its roots out of the ground takes more time than merely grinding it down. If you want a quick stump removal method, then this may not be the right option for you. 

  • Requires heavy equipment. 

  • Leaves a large hole in your yard. 

Stump Removal or Stump Grinding – What’s the difference? 

Removal of stumps is a relatively tough task. It removes the heavy tree stump and then removes all of its roots. Stump removal is basically a time taking process, which may require powerful machinery. After stump removal, you are left with a number of options to redecorate your yard.  

Meanwhile, stump grinding may not be that much of a hard job. In this situation, arborists use a machine to chop the stump into small wood chips. You may check the stump grinding costs in your area and select the experienced company offering the best price. 

Which one is better? 

When you call for a tree stump removal service, they will use heavy-duty equipment to dig into your soil. That’s because it doesn’t only include stump grinding but also involves tree roots removal, which may potentially be buried deep underground. But on the other side using the stump grinding method is less intensive and time-saving. 

Stump Grinding Is Safe:

Because removal of the stump is a more invasive process, it also creates a greater risk of injuring someone. Stump grinding is comparatively secure and can be easily done. It reduces risks to your property. 

Stump Grinding Takes Care of Roots:

You might think that, since the roots are left behind, stump grinding will allow your tree to re-sprout again. However, by grinding the stump, we are able to effectively eliminate any chance that unwanted plants will grow back. Instead, any remaining roots will decay in your soil over time. 

Stump grinding closes the door for pests:

While insects and other pests are often attracted to those stumps, professionals will ensure insects are kept away and your property is safe after the stump grinding process. They will remove any remaining sawdust that can attract insects, and get rid of any tree stump where insects could make their nest. 

Conclusion: 

As you can see, the difference between stump grinding and stump removal is most important. As you can probably see from the above information, we generally recommend stump grinding as the best method for removing stumps. If you are confused about what method is best for your lawn or you want to schedule a stump grinding or removal appointment, get in touch with Stump Grinding Jacksonville FL experts.