Which is Better: Stump Grinding or Stump Removal?
Are You Tired of Seeing That Old Stump In Your Yard?
When it comes to yard maintenance, tree stumps can be a problem. Not only are they a tripping hazard for your family, they can also be a problem for the health of your yard. They can complicate mowing the yard because you have to go around them or cause damage to your mower if you accidentally hit them. They require extra work when you mow because you have to weed eat around them. They can also act as a haven for pest as they get older. Plus they tend to look unattractive, which you never want in your yard. The problem with stumps are that they are normally too big of a project for a homeowner to tackle. It’s labor intensive, time consuming work that most non professionals aren’t going to be able to handle. Luckily you’ve got Justin Dugan’s Tree Service on your side. We’re experts on removing or grinding stumps and can have your yard looking good as new. So let’s look at the pros and cons of Stump Grinding vs Stump Removal so you can decide which is best for you.
What are the Pros and Cons of Stump Grinding?
As we mentioned above, both Stump Grinding and Removal are both tasks that a homeowner should never take on themselves. This is very labor intensive, time consuming work that requires professional equipment. Stump Grinding involves using a powerful machine to grind the stump down to it’s desired height so it seamlessly matches the rest of the landscape in your yard. This method takes care of the visible remains of the tree, but it leaves the tree’s roots behind. This can cause fungi, sprouts, or in some cases, the stump itself to grow back. While the roots decay eventually, it can take up to ten years for the process to be complete.
Pros of Stump Grinding
- Not as Intrusive as Stump Removal
- Good for the Environment, you can use the leftover wood chips to mulch
- Cheaper than Stump Removal
- Efficient and Quick
- Leaves you with a clean appearance
Cons of Stump Grinding
- Potentially messy if not handled by professionals
- Tree Roots remain, which can cause problems later, as detailed above.
What are the Pros and Cons of Stump Removal
Stump Removal involves the complete removal of the stump, roots and all. It is sometimes referred to as “Stump Pulling”. Removing a stump from the ground completely can be a very intrusive process and requires the use of heavy force. This makes hiring a professional absolutely necessary. Be aware that although Stump Removal completely removes the stump, it also leaves a huge, stump sized hole in your yard. When you use a professional service like Justin Dugan’s Tree Service, we can handle filling in the hole for you.
Pros of Stump Removal
- Totally eliminates the possibility of regrowth, unlike stump grinding
- Removes the entire stump, roots and all, so you don’t have to wait for the long process of root decay to take place.
Cons of Stump Removal
- It leaves a large stump sized hole in your yard
- Tends to not be as environmentally friendly as the stump has to be disposed of, not reused
- More intrusive than stump grinding and may cause damage to the adjacent yard
- Costlier than stump grinding
Which Method is Best for Your Yard?
That all depends on you. Both Stump Grinding and Stump Removal have their pros and cons and really depends on the situation. Justin Dugan’s Tree Service has a team of trained professionals on staff to help assess your situation and figure out which solution is better for you. We generally recommend Stump Grinding as the best method, due to it being environmentally friendly, quicker, and cheaper for the homeowner. However, there are situations where Stump Removal is recommended. That’s why you should call us if you have any questions about the stump in your yard. Whether it’s an eyesore or is causing problems with lawn maintenance, we’re there to help you out. Get in touch with our team of tree professionals and we will help you out today!