Tree stump grinding will rid your yard of unsightly stumps and create a smooth, uniform surface on which to expand and enjoy your green space. Many property owners have questions about what grinding involves and what to expect of the process. Here are the answers to the most common ones.

What You Should Know About Stump Grinding

What happens during the process?

The grinding machine has a wheel with sharp teeth affixed to it. The grinder is positioned over the stump and pulverizes it into wood chips. The process doesn't just remove the visible portions of the stump; it penetrates below the ground about 8 inches and removes parts of the submerged stump and root structure buried there.

Are stump grinding and stump removal the same thing?

While they accomplish the same end goal, grinding and removal are two very different procedures. Removal usually involves attaching one end of a chain to the stump and the other end to a heavy truck; the truck then pulls the stump out of the ground. Removal can be a very disruptive procedure, pulling up whole root systems and damaging a lawn.

Grinding uses a blade to break up the stump on-site, producing a pile of wood chips without needing to extract the roots from the ground. This method is greatly preferred by most property owners because it leaves the ground intact.

How long does it take?

It depends largely on the size of the stump, but the type of tree and the condition of the surrounding soil also play roles in determining the time frame. Smaller stumps may be ground up in as little as 15 minutes, while larger ones could take two hours or more. Your tree service professional will give you a better idea of how long it will take.

What will my lawn look like afterward?

There will be no visible stump left behind, and no lawn restoration will be necessary. You’ll be able to keep the wood chips, which can be used for mulching in your landscaping, or the tree professionals will remove them for you.

It's not uncommon for the soil to settle a bit during the first weeks post-grinding. Within a month or so, you can start planting where the stump used to be.

When you need stump grinding in the Woodstock, GA, area, contact Tree Service -N- More. Since 2007, the team has offered comprehensive residential and commercial tree services, including trimming, pruning, removal, and storm cleanup. They’re fully licensed and insured and provide the highest-quality workmanship at fair and accessible prices. Call (770) 693-8857 or visit them online to request an estimate.