For many homeowners, stump grinding may be a relatively new term, but don’t be surprised if your certified arborist recommends it. Arborists often must resort to this solution for safely and efficiently removing dead tree stumps and clearing space for more valuable uses. This article will delve into all the details concerning stump grinding and why this might be a necessary approach for you.
Stump Grinding- What it is
Stump grinding is a process where a certified arborist uses a high-technology machine, the stump grinder. This machine helps the arborist remove the entire tree stump after you have removed a tree from your property.
Stump Grinding- Why You May Need it
Stump grinding is one of the most efficient and safest ways of getting rid of dead tree stumps. Along with occupying valuable space, dead tree stumps can also pose several safety hazards. It can cause accidents for family members and become a habitat for snakes, bees, ants, termites, and other dangerous pests. Stump grinding is the most appealing solution for proactively ridding a potential problem and enhancing your landscape’s value and aesthetics.
Stump Grinding- Is it better than Removal?
Some homeowners are not sure if they should opt for stump grinding or stump removal. Stump removal is very intrusive. It requires heavy equipment and can destroy your property. Stump grinding does not damage your property and you cannot tell anyone was there except for the pile of mulch. With stump grinding, homeowners have the advantage of using the leftover clean slate for any innovative ideas that enhance the curb appeal of their landscape.
Arborists agree that stump grinding is a less intrusive process, and the machine works splendidly in reducing the massive pile into small woodchips. You may use these chips for mulching other plants on your property, or you may send them to your green waste can. Many homeowners even choose to shove the resultant pile of woodchips into the hole to let it decay naturally.
Stump Grinding- Benefits
In addition to improving the overall look of your yard, garden or property, tree stump grinding has other benefits too.
1. Safer and more Convenient
Letting tree stumps remain on your property can pose safety hazards along with being inconvenient. So many challenges arise due to the stumps, such as having to maneuver your lawnmower carefully to avoid hitting it accidentally when mowing your lawn. If the stumps lie in your yard or close to your driveway, they can become a tripping hazard for senior members or active kids. Even in the driveway tree stumps could be an obstruction especially during the darker hours. Removing these eases your safety concerns while making it convenient to utilize your space for any innovative ideas you may have in mind.
2. Improves Curb Appeal
Upgrading your landscape improves the value and aesthetics of your property. For the small yard owners, tree stumps can occupy precious space, hindering your gardening ambitions while destroying the utilization of your limited landscape.
3. Leaves no Habitat for Unwanted Pests
Leftover tree stumps are a favorite habitat for snakes, ants, termites, and other harmful pests. If you let this remain, it won’t be long before the pests make their way into your home, and then you’d have a more significant problem to tackle. By grinding the stumps, you not only remove any potent habitat for pests but also prevent young and unruly trees from popping up. Furthermore, if you let the young trees grow out of a remnant tree stump and continue their course, they will soon start absorbing nutrients and water from the soil that other plants on your property need.
With stump grinding, you take a step forward in preventing all these problems from taking shape.
Contact the certified arborists at Elite Tree Care for an estimate. We service Seattle, Bothell, Kirkland, Woodinville, Mill Creek, Lynnwood and Everett. If you are in King or Snohomish county, we’ve got you covered!