After having a tree removed, you may be left with a tree stump or roots. Then, the question becomes what to do with this stump and roots. There are a few options to consider, including having the stump removed or having it ground out while leaving the roots in place. You could also leave it in place and let it rot into the landscape.
If you have had tree removal in Cambridge, the stump will begin its slow decaying process, and over time could become a home for various organisms, pests, and fungi. Many people simply leave the roots and stump after having a tree cut down, but experts advise against this option in many cases.
A stump and its roots will eventually rot in decay into nothing, but it will take approximately 10 years to do so. In this time, carpenter ants, rats, termites, fungi, and diseases can cause problems with the stump. A rotting stump can provide a home to troublesome problems that could interfere with your home. For example, termites could make a nest in the stump and have a direct pathway into your home if close enough to your house.
Pulling A Stump From The Ground
One way of getting rid of the stump and roots is by pulling them up out of the ground. However, this can be a very labour-intensive job that many companies will not even offer due to the work involved. Heavy machinery is needed to dig out the stump and pull it from the ground, and it can be an extremely dangerous job and should not be performed by a homeowner.
Stump Grinding
Martin’s Tree Service specializes in tree stump grinding, another way of dealing with a stump. This process involves using a large machine (called a stump grinder) to grind out the bulk of the material within the stump. The stump grinder chews away at the stump wood. A sizeable rotating blade rips into the wood as it turns, operated by an expert in tree services. The blade glides over the entire stump as it reduces the wood to chips and takes it down to well below ground level. Any parts of the stump or roots leftover will simply decompose. The chip pile produced from the stump grinding can be quite large but can be used as mulch for other plants in your landscape.
Depending on the company, stump grinders will vary in size. Some may be the size of a lawnmower or could even be as large as a truck. There are also many different types of stump grinders. Depending on the job and size of the stump, tree experts may use a hand-guided, rear hitch, riding grinder, or skip stump grinder.
As with most powerful, heavy equipment, the chance for injury is high. Homeowners should not use a stump grinder themselves, and it should always be left up to a professional.
Will Tree Roots Grow Back?
The tree roots will not grow back after stump grinding. This is a common question that comes up after tree stump grinding. Also, a concern from some property owners, once the roots deteriorate, there will not be a hole in the ground. The soil will simply fill itself in as the roots rot.
If you are looking for tree removal in Cambridge or stump removal, contact our team today. Our experts can answer any questions you may have and suggest our services that may be of use on your property.
Steve Martin
