If you’ve just had a tree removed, you may be wondering what on earth to do about the stump. Most tree removal focuses only on the trunk and branches, leaving a prominent stump behind. However, that stump can continue to rot, and its roots can trip up people walking through the yard. You have two options: removal or stump grinding. While removal may be more complete initially, stump grinding is usually more affordable, with much easier aftercare.

What Does Stump Grinding Involve?

A tree service will use a special grinding machine to essentially mow down any portion of the stump that’s above ground. The grinder can grind up anything that’s a few inches below surface level, too. This does leave a shallow divot that you have to fill in.

Some companies leave the stump remains in place as a sort of mulch, allowing them to break down gradually into the soil. Other companies clean up the ground remains. It looks better, and it eliminates the risk of the remains spreading across the yard in strong winds.

When Is Stump Grinding Appropriate?

Stump grinding is usually more affordable than stump removal. If you’re on a tight budget, stump grinding is a better choice than removal. It’s always a better choice than leaving the stump in place, where it could attract pests, start to rot or even start regrowing.

Stump grinding is also a good choice if you don’t want to deal with the destruction of a large part of your lawn. Removal involves digging up all of the stump and roots, and that can destroy a lot of grass and nearby plants. It also leaves a giant hole that you have to fill, and keep filling as the soil settles. Grinding leaves a much shallower depression. If you refill it with more topsoil, that soil can still settle. But it’s not as drastic as what you’d have after stump removal.

When Is Stump Grinding NOT Appropriate?

If the stump is heavily infested or infected with a pathogen that could affect other plants, removal is better. You need to get rid of the pests and protect your other trees from the pathogens. Also, if the stump is from an aggressive species that can regrow from small bits of root, removal is better if you don’t want the tree to regrow.

Don’t Let Stumps Take Over Your Yard

The longer you let a stump stay in place, the greater the chances of it developing a problem that could affect the rest of your yard. Stump grinding is a one-day process that removes most of the issue quickly. Look for a company that can remove the leftover pieces, too, for easier cleanup.

If you’ve got an old stump that needs to go, call a professional arborist for help. Contact the team at TreePro Professional Tree Care in Santa Rosa, CA for stump grinding.