Stump Grinding

Tree stump grinding is the removal of the root plate of a tree. The Tree Doctors have considerable expertise and experience in tree stump grinding, and all the tools needed to complete the job properly.

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An unsightly tree stump can be a real eyesore in your garden. Not only is it aesthetically displeasing, but it can also hinder mowing, landscaping plans, and even become a tripping hazard. Here at The Tree Doctors we offer professional tree stump grinding services to help you reclaim your garden.

This can be a very laborious task for home and land owners, especially if you don't have the right equipment. Therefore hiring a specialist for tree stump removal is the easier option and the job will be done efficiently and professionally.

When to Remove a Tree Stump

Tree stumps can be physically removed at any time however, it is best that you get a tree stump removal as soon as possible. This is because the stump will start to decay, attracting termites, wood borers and insects such as ants and beetles. Leaving a tree stump also means there's potential for new tree growth to occur, with new sprouts springing up around the base of the tree. Once the root of a tree has been fully removed, home or landowners can then fill the space with topsoil and turf, creating a more aesthetically appealing space.

Stump grinding, yellow carlton machine

Tree Stump Grinding Process...

Arriving to Remove a Tree Stump. tree stump removal machine being towed

Arriving With Tools & Machinery

surgeon in green t shirt Starting to Remove a stump

Trimming Down a Tree Stump

First Part of removing a Stump

First Part of Tree Stump Grinding

Stump Removal in Progress, pedestrian sign set up

Tree Stump Removal in Progress

Removed Tree Stump. dirt mound on grass area

Removed & covered with mulch

stump grinding machine

Tree Stump Grinding Machine

stump grinder on commercial site

Why Stump Grinding is The Best Option

  • Faster service: Grinding can often be completed in a shorter amount of time compared to removal.
  • Minimal disruption: Grinding creates less disruption to your landscaping compared to the excavation required for removal.
  • Environmentally friendly: The resulting wood chips can be used for mulch in your garden beds, promoting plant health and water retention.
  • Cost-effective: Grinding is generally less expensive than complete removal, which requires additional labour and equipment to extract the root system.

How Does Stump Grinding Machinery Work?

Stump grinding works by cutting down the stump until it's completely gone. The stump grinder machine starts to cut the wood into sawdust, as this is the easiest way to remove the waste from your property.

Most stump grinders are moderately sized machines which are mounted on heavy-duty wheels connected with a long handle. The handle enables the user to push and pull the machine and it can be adjusted to set the machine to your preferred height. The Tree Doctors have machines with braked wheels, allowing for more control in side-to-side movements. Powered by an engine, the stump grinding machine has a sharp blade underneath that cuts the tree stump.

FAQs on Stump Grinding

It's generally not recommended to replant a tree in the exact spot where a previous tree was removed. The soil may have been disturbed by the stump removal process, and the root system of the new tree could be affected.

You can use the wood chips as mulch in your garden or compost them. Some people also choose to haul them away.

Stump removal can be dangerous, especially if the stump is large or has a complex root system. Tree surgeons have the expertise and equipment to remove stumps safely, minimising the risk of accidents. We take the approach of stump grinding to avoid the removal of roots, and nearby plant’s roots. Our tree surgeons will efficiently reduce your stump into mulch which will in turn also fertilise the soil and prevent regrowth.

Before Stump Grinding:

Before we begin stump grinding, we take steps to secure the area to ensure the safety of our team and protect the surrounding property. We set up safety shields around the stump to prevent flying debris from causing damage or injury. Additionally, we check for any underground utilities, such as water pipes, electrical lines, or gas pipes, that could be accidentally damaged by the grinder or pose a risk to our operators.

There are some exceptions where stump grinding may not be possible, such as when a tree stump is too close to a wall or fence, or access to the area is limited. However, these situations are rare, and we’ve even successfully removed stumps from tight spaces many times before.

All our tree surgeons who operate stump grinders are fully trained and always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye protection, ear protection, and safety boots, to ensure their safety while working.

It's important to note that grinding a stump doesn't necessarily remove all the tree roots. Surface roots can be removed, but deeper roots will remain underground. Fortunately, in most cases, these roots will naturally die off over time, without the need for harmful chemicals.

Following Tree Stump Removal:

Once the stump grinding process is complete, a mound of sawdust and woodchip will remain in the area. Over time, this mulch will naturally settle into the hole where the stump used to be. We recommend waiting several weeks before filling the area with topsoil and reseeding, laying turf, or paving, to allow the sawdust to fully compact. If the mulch is left in a flowerbed, it can be beneficial for keeping the soil moist, insulating plants from frost, and suppressing weed growth.

Many customers are often surprised by how much space is freed up once a stump is removed. In garden borders, this space can be filled with new plants, lawns can be levelled, and driveways can be extended. Alternatively, you can plant a new tree in the same area, just not in the exact spot where the old stump was located.

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