When you’re getting a tree cut down, you might not think about the stump that’s left behind. Occasionally, stumps can cause issues and will need to be removed too.
Stump removal, or stump grinding, isn’t as easy as you might think. It requires the right tools, expertise, and care to be done safely and properly. In this post, we’ll explain why it’s worth calling a professional and what can go wrong if you try to go it alone.
Why remove a stump at all?
Unfortunately, tree stumps don’t always remain quiet if left unattended. Over time, they start to rot, usually within the first couple of years. This can bring in pests like ants, beetles and wasps. Fungi may also spread, especially in damp or shaded areas. If the stump is near pets or children, it can quickly become a hazard.
Some trees may also try to regrow from the stump, sending up suckers and shoots that you’ll need to keep cutting back. The roots may grow under patios, lawns or pathways and cause more hassle. If the stump is close to your house, those roots might interfere with drains or pipework.
Beyond the complications, stumps can sometimes just be a nuisance. Perhaps you want it out of the way for mowing, replanting or landscaping reasons. Whatever the reason may be, resist the temptation to take removal into your own hands. It’s not half as easy as it looks, and a botched job could result in worse problems down the line.
What stump grinding involves
Stump grinding is a method of stump removal commonly used by professional tree surgeons and arborists. It’s the process of grinding down a stump into woodchips and taking it below ground level to prevent regrowth. The leftover chips form a mulch that is brilliant for fertilising future plants.
The thing about stump grinding is that it needs the right equipment to do the job properly. Professional stump grinders are powerful machines, designed to cut through tough timber and reach well below the surface. They’re not something you’ll find in the average shed, and axes, spares or chainsaws won’t cut it! Using the wrong tools can be dangerous and usually ends up making the job harder in the long run.
It’s a tidy and efficient way to deal with the problem, so long as it’s done properly.
The risks of doing it yourself
We’ve had more than a few calls from people who’ve tried to tackle stump grinding on their own and failed. Here’s what we see pretty often.
Injuries:
Stump grinding isn’t as straightforward as it looks. The equipment is powerful and throws out debris at high speed. If you’re not experienced with handling them, it’s easy to lose control, especially on uneven ground near patios, fencing and plants.
Some people even try using chainsaws, but this is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Cutting into a stump that’s so close to the ground can cause serious kickback, especially if you hit soil, hidden metal or stone. Moreover, chainsaws aren’t built for grinding stumps, so you’ll likely get a lacklustre result.
Regrowth
It’s not uncommon for DIY jobs to leave a chunk of the stump still in the ground, or miss deeper roots altogether. This means the tree can begin to grow again, and you’re most likely back to square one.
Damage to your garden
If you’re not clued up on using the equipment, it’s easy to damage nearby turf, plants or hardscaping, particularly in smaller gardens or areas with tight access.
Chemical stump killers can backfire
Some people resort to chemical stump killers, assuming that they’re a quick fix, but this isn’t always the case. If they’re applied to an older stump, or just not applied properly, there’s a risk that they’ll decay the surface of the stump, but not the roots. This means that the roots can continue to spread and cause issues beneath the ground.
To add to this, the strong chemicals in them definitely aren’t safe around children, pets, or nearby plants. If misused, they can contaminate nearby soil and watercourses, which can create a much larger problem.
Why bringing in the pros makes life easier
We have a variety of industry grade stump grinders to suit different sizes and garden layouts, including the kit for narrow access.
Our expert team knows what to watch out for, making sure to be cautious around underground pipes, cables and scrap metal in the ground. We can grind the stump down below the surface as if it were never there, preparing it for replanting or turfing.
We’ll always leave the area tidy, and you can choose to keep the grindings for mulch or have them removed. As an eco-conscious company, we also strive to minimise disruption while we work, using battery-powered equipment to reduce noise and eco-friendly fuels to cut carbon wherever possible.
Most importantly, the job is done safely and efficiently, with the right tools for the job without guesswork or stress.
If you’ve got a stump in the way, don’t wrestle with it alone. We can take care of it quickly and cleanly, without the hassle.
Get in touch via WhatsApp for a quick quote, or give us a call to chat things through today.
