Once you’ve chopped down a tree in your yard, you’re left with the stump, and the question becomes what to do with it. One popular option is stump grinding. This guide details the benefits of grinding as opposed to removal and what happens during the process.

The Benefits of Stump Grinding

Grinding the stump down to your desired height is a less labor-intensive tree service process than removing the stump entirely. Instead of digging out the bulky stump and all its roots, you simply grind it down. It’s also usually faster than a removal and doesn’t leave a giant hole in your yard where the tree used to be.

Grinding is also an environmentally friendly process. The stump gets turned into wood chips or sawdust, depending on the type of grinder. You can use these chips as mulch in your garden to inhibit weed growth and regulate soil temperature.

The Process of Stump Grinding

Your tree removal company will know which kind of stump grinder to use to mechanically grind down the stump. The roots of the tree get left behind in the yard. They will eventually decompose, but it can take as long as a decade.

To speed up the process, you can drill holes in the roots and fill them with water, plus a fertilizer high in nitrogen. High levels of nitrogen cause plants to wither.

Keep an eye on the area where the tree once was to ensure none of the roots resprout. If you want to ensure they don’t, apply an herbicide or the previously mentioned mixture of water and nitrogen fertilizer.

For help removing tree stumps from your yard, contact Rivertown Tree Service in Hastings, MN. This land clearing company has been in business for more than 40 years, providing full-service tree care to residents. Whether you need tree trimming, storm damage cleanup, or other residential tree services, they have the knowledge and skill to address any situation. Contact them on their website or call them at (651) 438-3704 for more information. You can also follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.