Stump Grinding vs Removal

How many arborists does it take to remove a stump? At least one with a big rig to help him out!

Contrary to popular belief, removing a stump usually isn’t as simple as picking up a shovel and going to work. Even if a tree stump has begun to lift out of the soil, the complex root system will likely remain underground, surrounded by compact dirt and wood, making it difficult to free.

At TLC Trees, we draw on two methods to get to the root of the problem: tree stump grinding and tree stump removal. While both methods require the use of a machine, the process is quite different. What’s the difference you ask? Let us explain.

Stump removal

Generally necessary for a large tree failure, uplifting event, or when the tree or stump is diseased, tree stump removal requires a large machine with a grab, namely an excavator, to dig around the root ball and break up any of the remaining roots.

Once this has been completed, the entire stump can be lifted out of the ground in one piece given the arborist is using the right-sized machine for the job. This will leave a hole in the ground the size of the stump and root ball, similar to an extracted tooth.

Stump grinding

If the aforementioned factors don’t apply and you’re looking to remove a stump with the view to replant something in the same area, grinding the stump out may be your best bet. This process will leave the land a bit more intact for aesthetic and landscaping purposes, making it easier to plant something new.

Similar to the usually much larger excavator, a stump grinder also moves on tracks but is more compact, allowing it to fit through standard gates or driveways more easily. Rather than a grab, the grinder has a wheel of metal teeth on its front boom arm which when powered by a diesel engine, spins the grinding wheel, biting off the stump piece by piece, instead of keeping it intact.

Once this process is completed, the hole from the stump is naturally backfilled with a mix of wood and soil, providing nutrients to the area, therefore priming it for replanting.

Still unsure whether your tree stump is a candidate for removal or grinding? At TLC Trees, we do both, and our arborists can help to determine the best course of action in order to achieve your desired outcome. Get in touch with us today for a free, no obligation quote.