A stray stump in your garden is more than just an eyesore. It can also cause harm to your property by attracting termites or posing a safety hazard. Luckily, stump grinding is an easy solution to remove the problem and restore your lawn to a state of beauty quickly. Since there’s more than one way to get rid of a stump, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the grinding method.

What You Should Know About Stump Grinding

How is grinding done?

A special machine—fittingly called a grinder—is used. It features sharp teeth that “eat” through the stump, chewing up the wood. All that’s left of the stump is a pile of wood chips.

This is different from traditional removal, which involves using heavy machinery to dig the stump and roots out of the ground. Since minimal digging is necessary with a grinder, your property will be kept far more intact than it would be with traditional removal.

What can you do with the wood chips?

Some people choose to keep the wood chips. These can be used as mulch in your landscaping and gardening, forming a protective top layer on soil to insulate roots against the cold and prevent weed growth. Alternatively, you can ask the stump grinding company to cart off the wood chips.

How long does it take?

This depends on the size of the stump. The larger it is, the longer the process will take. Soil type is also a factor. The stump is typically ground down about half a foot into the soil, so if the earth is stony, the process takes longer due to the obstructions. However, the entire job rarely lasts more than a couple of hours.

What will your lawn look like after stump grinding?

The stump is ground down a bit below the surface of the surrounding lawn. This small dip will then be filled with topsoil. Within a month, you can replant fresh grass or flowers. In the long term, you won't be able to differentiate where the stump was from the rest of the lawn.

For professional stump grinding in Cookeville, TN, or the surrounding areas, trust Putnam County Tree Service. They have over 15 years of experience offering comprehensive solutions from pruning to lot clearing and tree care. Each member of their team is carefully trained in industry-leading techniques designed to get the job done while avoiding property damage and leftover messes. For your convenience, they offer 24/7 service. Visit their website to review their services. For a free estimate, call (931) 528-3828.