Stump Grinding vs Stump Removal – Which Is Best?

How Stump Grinding Works

A stump grinder is a piece of specialized equipment designed to break tree stumps down. It uses a grinder head that spins – like the blade of a circular saw.

The main difference is that the grinder head is broader than a circular saw blade.

Instead of cutting into the wood like a circular saw blade, the grinder head breaks down the tree stump into pieces fine enough to be used as mulch.

The grinder head moves back and forth across the surface of the stump to grind it down.

Whether a homeowner chooses stump grinding or some other form of stump removal depends on their landscape’s present state and their plans for its future.

A homeowner who is unsure which route to take should discuss stump removal vs. stump grinding with an experienced professional arborist.

Read More – How to Make Log a DIY Log Bench! 10 Free Plans for DIY Builders!

Stump Grinding FAQs

We know that stump grinding and stump removal is more tricky than it looks.

Hopefully – these answers help you get the job done without a fuss!

Should I Hire Someone for Stump Grinding or Do It Myself?

It depends on your level of expertise as an arborist! Also – whether you’re up for an outdoor project – or not. Stump grinding involves high-power equipment that spins and cuts with sharp blades.

So, if you don’t like using high-powered equipment, it’s probably easier to hire someone to do the stump grinding for you.

But – also consider stump grinding cost.

Stump grinding might cost you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to much higher – especially these days where contractor availability is fluctuating, big time!

The size and diameter of the stump determine the cost of stump grinding.

You can also rent a stump grinder at a local hardware store for fifty to a hundred dollars. Your local cost may vary either way!

So – there are a few numbers to crunch.

What Happens After Stump Grinding?

After you – or a friendly arborist grinds the tree stump, there are a few things to consider.

First – are the remaining woodchips! The woodchips make excellent soil amendments for your garden soil. You can also use the woodchips as mulch for your flower beds.

You will also have a hole where your tree stump once stood. We recommend covering the area with fresh topsoil so you can fill in the stump’s cavity and prevent a tripping hazard!

You can also mix a handful (or two) of fresh grass seed with the topsoil if you wish.

Is Stump Grinding Better Than Stump Removal?

Remember that stump grinding leaves the roots intact. Stump removal removes the trunk and the stump roots together. So – ask yourself this question about the stump in question.

Are the stump roots negatively affecting your property? Or – is the stump far enough away so that it’s not a bother to your shed, home, foundation, well, septic tank – et cetera?

If the roots aren’t bothering anything, I recommend leaving them alone – stump grinding will do nicely. But, if the roots are causing trouble – I recommend stump removal.

Conclusion

We know the frustration of having unsightly tree stumps in your backyard – especially if they are uncomfortably close to your home!

We hope you now have an idea of how to tackle your unwanted tree stumps!

Let us know how everything works out.

Also – if you have tips or experience for tree stump grinding or removal, we love to hear them!

Thanks again for reading – and have a great day.

Read More – How Far Apart to Plant Fruit Trees! Fruit Tree Planting Guide!