Cutting trees is necessary for a variety of reasons. Tree-cutting is a complex job that requires professional experience and equipment. Unfortunately, this is nothing compared to the removal of the stump left. This stump when left untouched will not just be unsightly, but can also pose a trip hazard and cause grave injuries and affect the growth of other plants around it.
Tree removal and stump grinding are to most people synonymous, though the latter is a tree stump removal technique. The tree stump comprises a small trunk section left above ground though it has very deep roots underground. Its removal is not as easy as many assume.
The complexity or ease of getting rid of a tree stump depends on your tree’s age and type, the soil conditions and the structures surrounding the tree stump.
The following are some chemical-free methods of tree stump removal.
Stump Grinding
This popular technique uses a stump grinder to get rid of the tree stumps in your property. This is a machine that is hydraulically or mechanically-driven with an attached disc containing cutting teeth. The machine will grind the face of your tree stump in a back and forth movement to get rid of it down to the ground level. Stump grinding takes an hour or two and allows you to achieve different depths of stump removal. You can also get rid of the big roots which radiate from your stump and stumps of all sizes and shapes with this option.
Grubbing
This is not the use of caterpillars to eat away at your stump but instead manually removing it. A trench measuring 1-2ft from the stump’s circumference and several feet deep is first dug. After this, the expert you hire will severe the roots of the stump and free it for removal. This is grueling work more so for trees with large roots like hickory and pine. With the right tools, however, the stump’s removal will be a success.
Mechanical Excavation
This involves the use of diggers to remove even the largest of tree stumps. This option significantly cuts back on the time and costs required in grubbing. It, however, works in an area where the diggers have access to the stump. Though costly, mechanical excavation will work for those with ongoing construction on their site.
Burning
This is typically used for the removal of stumps with shallow roots. This is because deeply rooted stumps will not get enough oxygen for supporting a fire into the ground and might not eliminate a tree stump. With burning, you will also need a solution to get rid of the charcoal and ash left behind afterwards. This technique should also only be handled by professionals to minimize the effect of its by-products on your environment.
Most people opt for store-bought chemicals injected into a stump to hasten its rot. Though cheap, this option will contaminate your ground and affect the growth of other plants in the future. The above methods are your best bet for an eco-friendly removal of the tree stumps on your property.
