That stump in your yard is an unsightly and dangerous eyesore. When you decide to deal with it, you’ll find that you have two main choices: stump grinding and full removal. Each method provides its own benefits, so know what they include and when each is appropriate. Understanding the differences between grinding and removal will help you choose the option that’s better for your needs.

Stump Grinding

What It Is

When you hire grinding, your arborist will use a machine called a stump grinder to remove the stump. This heavy piece of machinery has a steel cutting wheel at the end of a hydraulically controlled arm. The wheel has sharp teeth and spins at high speed, so it can cut through and grind down the stump to ground level.

When It’s Best

Grinding is efficient because it deals with many of the issues people have with a stump. It removes the eyesore, the tripping hazard, and avoids the possibility of pest infestation. The roots are left under the soil to decay naturally, which bypasses the issue of having a hole on your land. However, because the root system is still in place, the tree may potentially bud again. If you want your tree to potentially regrow, then grinding is the better option.

Stump Removal

What It Is

Stump removal is the process of removing the entire stump, roots and all. It’s difficult to do, though how difficult it is will depend on the nature of the root system and the size of the tree. Smaller trees with shallow, wide roots are the easiest to remove. Your arborist will dig around the stump, cut the roots, and leverage the stump until it is uprooted.

When It’s Best

Removal leaves a hole in the ground which you will need to fill, but removal completely eliminates the tree. Extracting the stump means there’s no possibility the tree might reappear. You’ll have the spot vacant, and can to plant something new in its place you desire.  Stump removal would be the prefer the space empty.

 

Whether you select stump grinding or removal, it is a job best left to a professional as the process is difficult and dangerous. The Carlos Tree Service staff members are local experts at dealing with stumps throughout the Anchorage, AK, area. They clear out stumps for both commercial and residential properties efficiently, promptly, and with fair prices. Contact them online or at (907) 522-6049 to schedule a tree service.