Cutting down a tree from your yard leaves you with a stump that not only takes a valuable space in your backyard but also soon becomes a nuisance by becoming a center point for termites and carpenter ants. Dealing with these problems leaves you with two choices: either grind them down or have them removed entirely.
In most situations, stump grinding is often an easy route to take, as it can be done more quickly and is more affordable to do. However, in situations where you are planning to replant a tree or structural, health, or landscaping issues are present, then tree stump removal is the only option.
When Do You Require Professional Tree Stump Removal Services?
Stump removal is the process where the entire stump and its expansive root ball have to be completely excavated. The whole process is a laborious one and requires heavy machinery usage, like backhoes or mini-excavators.
You need to go for professional tree removal services when preparing the whole site for a structural foundation. For instance, if you are planning to build a patio or lay a driveway, it requires professional tree stump removal services.
However, it’s important to note that the whole process would take multiple hours or a full day. Also, it’s high-cost and can result in extensive yard damage. However, the best part is that it removes any risk of fungal diseases and removes any minute chances of potential pest habitats like termites and leaves you with a completely clean site, ready for new construction.
When are stump grinding services sufficient?
Stump grinding is the process in which a stump is shaved down 10-45 cm below ground level. Though the root of the stump remains underground, with time it naturally decays over several years.
Homeowners’ first resort to dealing with a stump is to go for stump grinding services, as they are completely budget-friendly, do only a minimal amount of disruption to the surface, and the whole process can be done in 30 minutes to 2 hours.
However, the downside is that the leftover underground root leaves a chance for new shoots. Furthermore, you cannot use the same area for planting a new tree.
Going for stump grinding is best in cases where you simply want to eliminate lawnmower hazards or are planning to plant a shallow garden over the area.
A few things tend to tip the decision:
Root size and depth—older trees often have extensive root systems that grinding won’t fully address.
What’s planned for that spot afterwards (lawn vs. hardscaping vs. new plantings)
Soil disruption tolerance—grinding is gentler on surrounding turf and utility lines.
Budget and timeline, since grinding is usually quicker and cheaper
Conclusion
Professional tree stump removal and stump grinding are both ways to safely deal with stumps in your yard. However, which one is best for your property depends on your end objective for your yard. If you want to have a fresh area for new construction, it’s best that you opt for stump removal, while if you want an affordable and quick solution without disrupting your landscape too much, it’s best to go for stump grinding services.
For anyone in the Des Moines metro weighing the two, a quick call to a certified arborist beats guessing. Xtreme Tree Inc. can assess the stump, the root system, and what’s planned for that patch of yard, then recommend the best option for your property.