After having the dead, diseased, or severely damaged tree on your property cut down, you have to decide what to do with the remaining stump. Unless you want to turn it into an outdoor game board, you have two options: stump grinding or removal. Take a minute to learn what each of these arborist services entails to determine what’s right for your property.

Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal

Grinding

Stump grinding refers to grinding a tree stump down using a commercial grinder tool. It does not involve removing the root ball of the tree and is therefore less complicated than stump removal. The stump no longer extends out of the ground, rather it is flush with the grass. However, it may form sprouts instead of decaying and eventually disappearing into the soil. Because of the decay factor, it is generally best to keep children and pets away from the ground stump unless you cover it with soil.

Stump grinding is less expensive than removal and provides you with mulch for your vegetable and flower gardens.

Removal

Unlike stump grinding, stump removal unearths the entire root ball. It eliminates the whole stump and all of its roots that spread outward. A root ball’s size varies according to species, but it’s typically two to four times the diameter of the tree. Because it’s a more involved process, stump removal leaves a sizable hole in your yard which you can use to plant new trees or shrubbery. You can also have your arborist fill in the hole for an additional fee.

Whether you decide on stump grinding or removal, count on the friendly and experienced arborists at Arbor Authority to exceed your expectations. The Athens, GA, tree company has provided a comprehensive range of services since 1998, including tree trimming, removal, and emergency work. Excavation and crane services are also available for your convenience. Call (706) 654-6225 today to schedule a free estimate or visit the team online for more service info.