Stump Grinding

Stump Grinding is the process of removing a tree stump and its roots by grinding them down to a manageable level. Stump grinding is done with a special machine that has a circular saw that spins at high speed to cut away at the stump and its roots. The machine produces wood chips that are left on the site or hauled away, leaving a hole that can be planted or raked over for a more natural appearance.

There are many reasons why a homeowner might want to remove a tree stump. Stumps can be unsightly, obstructive and create safety hazards on your property. Stump grinding can effectively eliminate the stump and its roots by turning them into a sand-like material that is easily removed with a lawn mower or a shovel. It also allows the soil to be used again for planting and makes it easier to landscape or build in that area.

Stumps can be removed manually by digging them out of the ground, but this is time consuming and labor intensive. An alternative is stump grinding, which involves the use of a large woodworking machine that has a wheel with a series of metal teeth designed to sever wood fiber. Some grinders are attached to trailers that are towed behind vehicles of various sizes; others can be used on a self-propelled machine or on attachments for excavators, wheeled loaders or tracked dump trucks.

A professional tree service that specializes in stump grinding can usually get the job done within an hour or two. The time required is influenced by the size and species of the stump, its condition (rotted stumps are much easier to grind down than fresh ones), and the complexity of its root system.

Stump grinding machines are powerful pieces of equipment that require the proper training and safety gear to operate properly. Before the operator turns on the machine, it is essential that he or she clears out the area around the stump to remove rocks and other debris. The rock can shoot out of the machine like a missile and injure someone, and the debris could damage the cutting wheels. The operator should also wear ear and eye protection, as well as long sturdy gloves and boots.

The last step in the stump removal process is to rake away the remaining wood chips and topsoil, and to plant grass seed for a complete and quick restoration of the area. The stump holes can be filled with dirt, mulch or sand as desired, and the grindings can be used as filler around new plantings.

Stump grinding is a fast, easy and cost effective way to remove a tree stump and its roots and turn an eyesore into a valuable part of your landscape. It’s a great alternative to digging out a stump and can save you the time and expense of hiring a landscaping crew to complete the work. It’s also much safer and less damaging to surrounding trees and plants than the traditional digging method.

from TLC Trees and Co https://ift.tt/fTUFkDs