Has the time come to remove a tree stump that has created a trip hazard and an eyesore in your yard? While it is fascinating to watch arborists turn the stump into woodchips, you must make sure that you and your family, including pets, remain a safe distance away. Even though a professional is operating the machinery, accidents can still happen if anyone wanders into the workspace.

Creating a Wide Safety Zone for Everyone

During the stump grinding process, keep everyone at least 50 feet away from the machinery at all times. Stump grinders can spit out rocks, hidden metal pipes, or chunks of wood at extremely high speeds. This can break windows or cause serious bruises. You might think you are safe standing on your porch. However, a stray pebble can ricochet off a fence and hit you in the blink of an eye. If you have children or curious pets, keep them indoors until the crew tells you the job is finished. It only takes a second for a dog to bolt toward the loud noise or for a child to wander too close to the spinning blades while the operator is looking in the other direction.

Clear the Area of Hidden Objects

Before your appointment, clear the area of belongings like toys, a garden hose, or fairy lights. If the stump grinder snags a stray wire or some other object, it can shatter into pieces and fly into the air like shrapnel. This can also cause the machine to fail, and you might be responsible for replacing it. When you prepare the area ahead of time, you help the arborists stay focused on the stump rather than worrying about hitting a hidden obstacle.

Respecting the Power of Professional Gear

Arborists wear heavy-duty helmets, ear protection, and face shields because they know how loud and messy this work gets. If you need to speak with the crew while the machine is running, don’t startle them by walking up and tapping them on the shoulder. Instead, wait for a natural break in the work, or stand in a spot where they can see you, and wave them over. Arborists appreciate homeowners who respect their space because this allows them to do their work safely without any unnecessary distractions or close calls.

After the work is done, it is still unsafe to walk in the area barefooted. A pile of woodchips left behind can cause splinters, hide holes in the ground, or puncture the soles of feet. Put on some sturdy shoes, and inspect the area for hazards. For a small fee, you can have the crew haul the woodchips away or help you store them to use as firewood or mulch. Taking these safety measures ensures that your yard can look beautiful without any upsetting incidents. If you live in Santa Rosa, CA or a surrounding area and need stump grinding services, make your first call to TreePro Professional Tree Care.