Stump Grinding

Is stump grinding necessary?

When trees are felled the stump should be ideally removed to prevent suckering and fungal root rots. Suckering is where new shoots grow from the remaining trunk and roots, this won’t happen of course if the stump is completely dead but it can be affected by various root diseases. Although some people like the look of a large tree stump we would recommend removal in most cases.  Having the stump removed allows for replanting of a new tree, plants or indeed grassing over.

When should stump grinding be done?

Tree stumps can be physically removed any time of the year, as with the tree felling. The most convenient time to have the stump removed is immediately after felling when we are on site but we appreciate that some customers prefer to reflect on the decision to have the stump ground out or simply wish to spread the cost.

How can the stump be removed?

The preferred method of stump removal is by physical means, which is pulling the stump out or grinding it out. Although chemical stump killers can be applied to freshly cut wood, the process of rotting down takes time and is not a method that we recommend for a number of obvious reasons such as handling and collateral plant damage issues.

Smaller tree stumps can sometimes be removed by leverage and digging out but as anyone who has ever tried this method will testify to, it can be a very hard and time consuming process.

How does stump grinding work?

Stump grinders mechanically grind out the main root plate, leaving sawdust type chippings. We have a variety of sizes of powered grinder and we will choose a suitable one taking into account the access to the site, access around the stump itself and the size of the stump. Although stump grinders can be hired, they are potentially hazardous and are only for people who are fit, able and confident that they can use machinery safely. A stump grinder consists of an engine which turns a wheel comprising of several powerful teeth which physically chip away at the stump. Some machines are moved by the operator, others have powered drive.

Prior to the stump grinding we will have agreed with you the depth you want us to go down to. Shallow grinding to 20cm is normally sufficient for laying turf, but you should allow for 30cm or more if replanting or landscaping.

There are options as to what happens to the sawdust generated by the grinding. Some can be left to fill in the hole with the remainder removed by us or used as mulch in your garden. Some customers prefer to have the hole filled with topsoil which allows for replanting or grassing over.  Bear in mind that if the hole is left full of the sawdust chippings it will take some time to settle and rot down, it will also be very spongy so turfing over it immediately would not be an option. We will discuss your requirements and the agreed course of action will be documented on our written quotation.

Call us on 01737 211345.