Deciding On Which Method To Use When Removing A Stump

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Stumps can be visually interesting if left in place, but if you'd rather replace your stump with something else or simply plant more grass, you will need to remove it. Stumps can be a hazard because grass and other plants can conceal the stump and make it easier to trip over them. There are several approaches to removing a stump, but all of these methods are inferior to using a stump grinder.

Burning the Stump

Burning the stump only leaves ashes behind. However, if the stump is not burned properly, the fire could get out of control. Burning the stump also generates smoke, which can contribute to air pollution. 

Dissolving It With Chemicals

If applied properly, there are certain chemicals that can dissolve and destroy a stump. You will need to drill holes evenly throughout the stump. Then, chemicals are poured into the holes and the wood then softens and rots more quickly. The downside is that you have to wait longer for the stump to be destroyed. Also, depending on the type of chemicals used, they might have a negative impact on the environment. 

Digging Vs. Grinding

There are some stumps that you can simply dig out of the ground. However, the larger your stump, the more likely that you will need a professional stump grinding. You can choose to rent a stump grinder and perform this task yourself, or you can hire a stump grinding service to operate the machine for you. Generally, it is only a good idea to rent a stump grinder if you have more than two stumps to grind. Also, using a stump grinder is definitely the fastest approach with multiple stumps.

The harder the wood is, the easier it will be to grind. Harder wood, such as oak, creates smaller chip sizes. The larger chips created by softer wood can create a large mound of wood chips. These chips are larger because they are filled with air. However, if the mound is allowed to sit for a day, the chips decompress.

The type of tree also affects how easy it is to remove the stump. Pine trees tend to be easier to grind because the roots are more shallow. However, if the stump is older, it will also be easier to remove. For this reason, if you have trees you are considering cutting down, cut down the oldest trees first. If you aren't sure which method is the best for removing your tree stump, you should contact a tree service. To learn more, speak with someone like Tree Landers.

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