How To Stump Grind

Some of the most challenging work in the tree surgery industry often comes after your tree has been felled – removing the stump that remains. Often the most cost effective and quickest option is to use a stump grinder, meaning a machine will do most of the hard work.

There are different options for stump removal. Stumps can be shallow ground to alleviate a trip hazard or completely removed to allow turf replacement in a lawn. Total removal is often required to allow access for building works. The option that is chosen will depend on the best method for removing the stump in each instance.

Stump removal with hand tools

This is generally only suitable for smaller stumps or where access is not suitable for large equipment. Although there is minimal impact to the surrounding ground, this can be a more time consuming and laborious job.

Stump grinders

Stump grinding is quite a specialist service that not all tree surgeons can provide. However, many tree surgeons (particularly larger companies) do now have their own machines on hand and can cover most aspects of stump removal.

Gateways and sites with tight access can often prove a problem for the larger stump grinding machines. It is always helpful for a company if you can provide access measurements prior to your enquiry as this will help the tree surgeon in their estimation process.

Safe stump removal

Stump grinders can be a highly hazardous tool if used incorrectly. Tree surgery staff should be qualified and fully trained in their use. During operation, the working area should be guarded and sealed off to protect the surrounding area and the public from any flying debris that may be caused by stump grinding.

What happens after stump grinding?

The most cost-effective method of dealing with material that arises is to backfill the hole with grindings and debris to be left to naturally break down back into the surrounding ecosystem.

Alternatively, the grindings can be dug out, removed and replaced with fresh topsoil, then turfed or seeded. Whichever option suits the requirements of your project, your tree surgeon will be able to offer the best advice to suit the needs of your stump removal.

Important to remember

Your tree surgeon should have considered underground services when pricing the job. If you have a plan showing services, this is always helpful. However, prior to stump grinding, your tree surgeon should carry out a scan of the surrounding area using a cable avoidance tool (CAT) to ensure services are not disrupted. This is very dangerous, and can also prove very costly in the event of striking cables or pipes.