There are many reasons for choosing to eliminate tree stumps in your yard. Apart from improving the aesthetics and sanitation concerns, it also ensures the safety of family members and neighbors. However, the challenge is deciding which method to adopt. Stump removal and stump grinding are two common techniques, and yet they are quite different in terms of removal. We describe the two forms of eliminating stumps to help you decide which option is best for you.

Process

Stump grinding is an intricate process that excavates the stump of the tree without removing the root. In this situation, a stump grinder is employed to mechanically grind out the stump, leaving fine sawdust as a residue. The advantage of tree stump grinding is that the stump is ground down to your desired height. The grinding can be just 1 inch below the soil level or as low as 12 inches underground.

Since the stump is ground, it eventually mixes with the soil. This levels the ground and eliminates the need for extra filling. If, however, the stump is infected with honey fungus, which can kill the roots of perennial plants, it is advisable to dispose of the mulch ¹ and the residual sawdust.

On the other hand, stump removal involves pulling the stump from the ground. Normally, it requires the heavy use of force, and the machines employed have high-power requirements.

In essence, the process of stump grinding is preferred for many reasons. It is far easier to execute and uses efficient tools to get the job done. Unlike stump removal, which leaves the environment in a messy state, stump grinding provides a greater level of neatness and environmental friendliness.

On the other hand, stump removal eliminates both the root and stump. So, you are sure that there’s no chance of regrowth or sprout. You should bear in mind, however, that the process of disposing of the stump and root is more extensive and expensive.

Roots

One major difference between both processes is that tree stump removal removes the root as well as the stump. This is what creates the large hole after removal. However, with tree stump grinding, the stump is ground, and the root is left to decay.

It is not unusual to see sprouts from the root with stump grinding, especially if the roots take time to disintegrate.

Chemicals

For stump removal, chemicals with a high concentration of potassium nitrate can be used to soften the soil. However, stump grinding requires no chemicals to decompose the stump.

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