You thought that tree removal was all you’d need to worry about, but still, you’re left with a stump that needs removing. These tree remnants can become unsightly nuisances in your yard, causing health and safety issues for your remaining plants and your family.
Our team of ISA-certified arborists has years of expertise with removals and grinding, so we’ll match you with the best way to get rid of tree stumps for your property. Each service includes:
- Yard examinations from our expert team.
- Highly trained arborists who know how to operate equipment and the best ways to get rid of stumps.
- Specialized equipment for stump grinding or removal.
- Clean up and remove any debris.
If you’re tired of looking over your lawn and being met with an eyesore, it’s time to look to Green Drop for stump removal and grinding.
*Service availability may vary by location
The Green Drop Professionals Handle Stumps with Ease
While trees are essential to your yard’s ecosystem and add a ton of natural beauty, when you’re left with stumps after a removal or tree loss, your yard may suffer from aesthetic and safety issues that could cause problems over time.
To address these issues, professional services offer options for tree stump removal and stump grinding. Save money by adding these services at the same time as tree removal. Even doing them separately later can save you money down the road and provide you with a better-looking space that’s pest free and doesn’t risk the integrity of your yard.
When you’re ready to take care of stumps, Green Drop has the team and experience to help guide you to the best choice for your yard: grinding or complete removal.
What Is Stump Grinding?
Stump grinding is the practice of using a special piece of equipment called a stump grinder until it is below grade or several inches below the ground. Generally, this will turn the remains of the tree into mulch, speeding up the decomposition process. This process does leave behind the root system to decay naturally.
What Is Stump Removal?
Stump removal is the total removal of trunk remains and root systems from the ground of your property. Because this is an excavation, the process can take significant time and may result in holes and other landscape irregularities. Stump removals are often done when a disease or pest infestation plagued a tree before removal.
Grinding vs Removal: Which is the Best for You
When there’s a stump causing problems on your property, it’s time to turn to the professionals. Green Drop’s team will come to you and determine the best option for your yard. But it’s worthwhile to understand the difference between these two approaches.
Cost Concerns
The cost differential between grinding and removal is substantial. Generally, you’ll find that stump grinding costs less than complete removal. This is because it’s not as labour-intensive and leaves part of the tree behind, even underground.
On the other hand, removal can cost much more and depends upon the stump's size left behind. If the root system is extensive, a significantly higher amount of work is required to remove it. Additionally, the equipment used for removals can be more specialized, requiring more training to operate.
Questions About Safety
As previously mentioned, grinding and removing stumps require equipment most homeowners don’t know how to operate independently. Professional arborists undergo training to utilize this equipment efficiently and safely, so you don’t come to harm as you might if you attempted the work yourself.
In addition to equipment safety, you’ll want to consider how safe your lawn is once the work has been performed. Since removals can result in large holes and other yard issues, you may choose to grind instead. The resulting mulch and smaller area of effect make it a service less likely to cause harm to you, your family, or property like lawnmowers.
Differences in Labour
One of the most significant differences between grinding and removal of stumps is the difference in the time and type of labour required.
Complete removal can take far more time and is much more intensive. That’s because you have to remove the main section of the trunk and then dig out all of the roots. With the powerful and specialized tools required, your arborist must take their time to effectively and safely rid your lawn of any remaining tree parts.
Grinding is much less intensive on time and labour. That’s because only one tool, the grinder, is needed to wear the stump below ground level effectively. The roots are left to decay independently, meaning your arborist won’t spend more time ensuring they find and remove the roots.
Curb Appeal Considerations
Depending on the stump's size left behind, you may have an eyesore on your hands. Large protrusions can be unsightly and disrupt the beautiful landscape you’ve worked hard to cultivate on your property. Removing and grinding will give you a cleaner visual from a distance if you're concerned about aesthetics.
The differences can come into play depending on your long-term goals. Removing a tree stump may leave a large hole in your yard. You must refill the spot if the tree is large or has an extensive root system.
For grinding, you aren’t completely removing the stump, so you avoid the unpleasantness of a large hole. However, you aren’t entirely removing roots or anything else attached to the tree, so you can’t plant new things as quickly as you might if you altogether remove a stump.
Reasons for Stump Removal and Grinding
Many homeowners remove stumps for a variety of reasons. Whether you hate the look of a leftover stump or it’s causing more problems than it solves, knowing why you should remove a stump can be helpful.
Improves Aesthetics
A top reason for many when removing a stump is to improve the look of your yard. You may add plants to the space the tree once occupied, and you probably dislike how the stump looks. By removing the stump, you clear some space and have the freedom to update your landscaping or even plant a new tree.
Removing what could be a huge eyesore can improve the general appearance of your lawn and increase the value of your home if you’re looking to sell it soon.
It Makes Lawn Maintenance Easier
Beyond being unsightly, stumps can cause grief when it’s time to mow your lawn or care for your other plants. Lawn mowing can already be daunting, but when you could damage equipment you’ve spent money on, the cost of stump removal becomes less of a commitment. Removing the stump means you don’t have to avoid the area when weed whacking, mowing, or making other landscaping decisions.
Helps Optimize Lawn Space
A stump on your property lowers the space you have to work with. When you’re ready to remove it, you free up room for activities, a garden, or adding other landscaping elements. Take advantage of the space left behind to create a welcoming outdoor area or just a cleaner look for your lawn that uses the acreage you have in better ways.
You Avoid Disease and Speed Up Decomposition
Leaving a stump in your yard can invite disease and pests to reside in the stump as it decays. This can kill the other plants in your yard or spread disease to your other trees, leading to a new host of problems. A stump grinding service will speed up decomposition, while stump removal eliminates the stump, eliminating even more potential diseases.
Green Drop Provides Professional Solutions for Tree Stumps
After 20 years in the industry, our team has developed a safe, efficient, and quality stump removal or grinding process. Passionate arborists and extensive knowledge enable us to give you the beautiful tree and lawn experience you’ve been searching for.
Clear Recommendations
Our arborists will examine your yard and create a personalized plan for removal. We’ll offer suggestions to help you understand your options and then make your plan with a breakdown of what you can expect when you’re ready for your service.
Years of Expertise
Each of our arborists is ISA-certified, and they have the experience needed to provide you with proven suggestions and great results. Each team member undergoes extensive training with our equipment and processes to ensure they understand our system and stay on top of their skills. You can count on our team to be there for you each step of the way and stay with you for the long haul.
Specialized Equipment
Removing and grinding stumps is a specialized process requiring equipment you can’t always find easily. Working with Green Drop saves you the time and expense of sourcing, buying, and learning to use the equipment. When you work with our team, we’ll bring everything needed for whichever service you’ve chosen and the correct disposal equipment to ensure we leave your yard better looking than we found it.
Professionals Help You Save Time
Because our team comprises professionals with years of experience, we know the best practices for every tree care service. This means it takes us less time to complete a service than you can. Our equipment and training further help us commit to efficiency and safety so you get services done well and quickly. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the safety of yourself or your family.
Take Control of Your Tree Care with Green Drop
Committing to stump grinding or removal can feel like a big step after tree removal. Whether you chose tree removal or lost a tree because of damage or weather, Green Drop is here to help. Our arborists know how to bring new life to your lawn and ensure everything stays beautiful.
Ready to talk about removal and grinding services? Chat with the team today to get your free estimate!
Stump Grinding & Removal FAQs
Is it cheaper to grind or remove a stump?
Generally, grinding a stump is cheaper than removing it completely. Stump grinding involves using a machine to grind the stump down below ground level, whereas stump removal entails digging out the stump and its root system, which can be more labour-intensive and costly.
Is it better to grind a stump or remove it?
Whether it's better to grind or remove a stump depends on your needs and preferences. Stump grinding is typically faster, less expensive, and less disruptive to the surrounding landscape. On the other hand, stump removal completely removes the stump and root system, which may be preferable if you plan to replant in the same area or are concerned about potential issues with the remaining roots.
Can a stump grow back into a tree?
In most cases, a stump will not grow back into a tree once it has been cut down. However, some tree species can produce new shoots or suckers from the remaining stump or roots, potentially leading to new tree growth. To prevent regrowth, you can treat the stump with a herbicide or remove it altogether.
What happens if you don't grind a tree stump?
If you don't grind a tree stump, it will eventually decay and break down naturally. However, this process can take several years, and the stump may become a potential hazard, attract pests, or be unsightly in your landscape.
What happens to roots after stump grinding?
After stump grinding, the roots that remain in the ground will gradually decay and break down over time. They generally do not pose any problems and will eventually decompose, returning nutrients to the soil.
How tall should a stump be for grinding?
There is no specific height requirement for a stump to be ground, but it is generally easier and more efficient to grind a stump cut as close to ground level as possible. Cutting the stump close to the ground reduces the risk of tripping hazards and makes it easier to cover or landscape the area after grinding.
What time of year is best to stump grind?
Stump grinding can be performed at any time of the year. However, it may be easier and more efficient during the drier months when the ground is firmer and more stable. In wet conditions, heavy stump grinding equipment may cause more damage to the surrounding landscape.
Does stump removal include roots?
Stump removal typically refers to removing the entire stump, including a portion of the root system. However, it only sometimes includes the removal of all the tree's roots, as they can extend far beyond the stump and may be difficult to remove entirely. Stump grinding, on the other hand, only removes the visible portion of the stump.
What is the difference between stump grinding and stump removal?
The difference between stump grinding and stump removal lies in the method and extent of stump elimination. Stump grinding involves using a machine to grind the stump below ground level, leaving the remaining roots to decay naturally. Stump removal involves digging out the entire stump and a portion of its root system, which can be more labour-intensive and disruptive to the surrounding landscape.
Can I grind stumps myself?
It is possible to grind stumps yourself by renting a stump grinder from a local equipment rental store. However, stump grinding can be dangerous and requires knowledge of proper safety precautions and techniques. If you lack experience or are unsure about the process, hiring a professional stump grinding service is best.
What are the hardest stumps to grind?
The hardest stumps to grind are those from tree species with dense, fibrous, or stringy wood, such as elm, hickory, or palm. Stumps with extensive root systems or those in difficult-to-reach areas can make the grinding process more challenging.
Should I remove dead tree stumps?
Removing a dead tree stump can be beneficial for aesthetic reasons, safety concerns, and to prevent potential pest issues. A dead stump can be an eyesore, pose a tripping hazard, and attract pests like ants or termites. Removing the stump can mitigate these issues and free up space for other landscaping purposes.
What happens if you leave a tree stump in the ground?
If you leave a tree stump in the ground, several things can happen:
- It can become a tripping hazard or an obstacle in your landscape.
- The stump may decay slowly, attracting pests such as termites, ants, or fungi.
- New tree sprouts or suckers can grow from the stump, leading to undesirable regrowth.
- The stump can be unsightly, affecting the aesthetics of your property.
What is the best time of year for tree and stump removal?
The best time of year for tree and stump removal depends on the specific tree species and local weather conditions. However, tree removal can be performed at any time of the year. Removing stumps during drier months is more convenient and efficient when the ground is firmer and more stable.
What do you do with tree stumps once removed?
Once a tree stump is removed, you can use the wood for various purposes:
- Use it as firewood if it is appropriate for burning.
- Chip it into mulch for use in your garden or landscape.
- Compost it to create nutrient-rich organic material for your garden.
- Consider carving it into a decorative piece, such as a bench, table, or sculpture, if the wood is large enough.
Why should you remove old tree stumps?
Removing old tree stumps is essential for several reasons:
- They can be unsightly and negatively impact the aesthetics of your property.
- They can pose a tripping hazard or obstacle in your yard.
- Decaying stumps can attract pests such as termites, ants, or fungi.
- Stumps can sprout new tree growth or suckers, leading to undesirable regrowth.
- Removing stumps frees up space for other landscaping purposes.
Where does Green Drop offer stump grinding and removal services?
Our stump grinding and removal services have expanded their reach to cater to Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg.