Large, mature trees are a gorgeous addition to any property. Despite how pretty they look, those big trees can come with a variety of issues over the years. From being struck by lightning to being infested with termites, there are so many things that can cause that enormous, gorgeous tree to become a significant nuisance. When this happens, you hire a tree trimming company to come cut the tree down. You’ll be left with a large stump where the tree used to be. That stump will quickly become an eyesore that you’re ready to get rid of. That’s when stump grinding comes into play!
What is Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding is exactly what the name suggests – grinding a tree stump down. Stump grinders are powerful machines that chew away at the stump, grinding it up. Stumps can be grinded down below ground level so they aren’t a nuisance any longer.
Where Does the Wood Go?
Once the stump is ground up, you’ll be left with a big pile of woodchips. What you do with those woodchips is up to you! One cost-effective way to use the woodchips is to use them as mulch for your flowerbeds or around the base of your other trees. If you don’t need mulch, you can shovel the woodchips into the hole that was left behind from the stump grinding process. The wood chips will fill the hole and decay over time until you’re ready to add dirt or plant something else in the space.
Stump Grinding VS Removal
Stump grinding is not the same thing as stump removal. Stump removal is done by actually pulling the entire stump out of the ground, roots and all. Stump grinding leaves the roots intact since only the stump is being turned into woodchips. Stump removal typically leaves a larger hole behind and costs more than stump grinding.
Can You Use a Stump Grinder on Your Own?
Some models of stump grinding machines can be rented for DIY use. However, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. The models of stump grinders that can be rented aren’t as powerful as professional-grade grinders. Depending on the size of the stump, you may not be able to thoroughly grind it all on your own. There’s also a big safety hazard that comes along with using such powerful machinery. You’ll need safety goggles, boots, and lots of time spent researching how to safely use a stump grinder. The safer and more effective method is to hire a professional stump grinding company. Plus, you won’t have to spend any time or energy doing it yourself!
Professional Stump Grinding in Massachusetts: Walnut Tree Services
Contact Walnut Tree Services today to schedule a consultation to discuss your stump grinding needs before winter weather arrives. We are always happy to help!