Tree roots can cause a lot of damage to a construction area. In general, they can even affect the structural integrity of the building. Tree roots and stumps are not always visible and may be hidden underground.
Failure to remove these trees, roots and stumps can cause them to grow too deep and cause damage. Whether you are dealing with a simple home construction or a massive residential or commercial construction project, clearing your ground from roots, debris and other materials that may compromise safety and integrity of your structure is necessary.
Two of the most common processes to clear lands for construction are stump grinding and stump removal.
What is Stump Grinding?
The process of grinding down tree stumps can be done by hand or with the help of machinery. It may seem like a simple task, but there are many ways to do it incorrectly and end up with an uneven surface that will need to be fixed later on.
Stump grinding is generally equipped for domestic tree work like landscaping and backyard design. With the use of the rotating cutter head of the stump grinder, it will cut through the roots and will turn the entire stump into sawdust. The area is then raked to be able to remove excess debris during the grinding process.
There are many reasons why people decide to grind their stumps instead of removing them completely. The most common one is that they want to make room for something else on the property and don’t want the stump left there as an eyesore. Another reason could be that they just want more space in their yard for other things, such as gardens or play areas for children.
What is Stump Removal? (or Stump Grubbing)
Stump removal is the process of removing a tree stump from the ground. It is also commonly referred to as stump grubbing.
Stump removal is usually done by cutting it off below the surface of the ground. This prevents roots from growing back and allows for easy removal of the stump. The most common way to remove a stump is with a chainsaw, but other tools such as an ax or a grubber can be used too.
The process of removing stumps can be dangerous and time-consuming if not done correctly, so it’s important to know how to do it properly and safely! Better yet stump grubbing should be performed by professional tree removers and land clearing professionals.
In stump grubbing, a large excavator is used to be able to remove all trees and roots in a construction site. It is usually around 20 tons and features a ripping attachment. The gathered stump from the site is either created into organic mulch or taken to a landfill. After the removal, the hole created by the removal of the stump is backfilled and compressed to avoid risks of subsidence and other damages during the construction process in the area.
When is Stump Grinding Recommended?
What does stump grinding mean? Generally, stumps are removed not only for aesthetic purposes but to be able to prevent the risks that come with leaving one in a yard or construction area. It can decay, be a breeding place for crickets and insects and can cause issues on the stability of the structures to be built in a land area.
Knowing that these debris should be removed, the next question would be which process would be best equipped to do so? – grinding it or completely removing it?
If you are looking for a less intensive, less costly and easier method, stump grinding is ideal. Grinding is also more efficient compared to a complete removal, but is not always ideal for huge construction sites. It is a fast solution for your stump problems in a small piece of land.
Stump grinding is also ideal for areas where consideration on nearby plants and flora is a high concern. The process of stump grinding will not affect the surrounding plants and structures, and is mostly invasive to the rest of the land area. For best results, seek experienced and licensed stump grinding services in your area.
When is Stump Removal Recommended?
Planting new trees, huge landscape projects, and construction are just some of the activities that require the removal of a stump.
Although stump removal is considered to be very intrusive, it leaves a land an open slate that is ideal for designing a new landscape. Roots that may possibly place foundations and underground plumbing, electrical, and gas systems at risk are completely removed in a stump removal process. However, it is costly, takes a lot of time and requires renting powerful tools to get the job done. Additionally. dealing with the large hole left after a stump removal comes with extra costs and time to backfill and address.
Which is Best? Stump Grinding or Stump Removal?
Now that we all know what is tree stump removal and the most common processes in removing them, we are torn between stump grinding and stump removal as two of the best options to remove one in a piece of land.
For reasons mentioned above, it all depends on how you will use the land and the considerations for the plants and properties located around the area of the stump. If you feel confused with the two, it would be best to seek advice from a professional landscape or arborist to professionally address stumps in your property or land area.
Looking for professional advice on removing trees, stumps, and roots in your property? Contact us today to learn more about our landscaping management, and tree care services.