What Happens to Roots After Stump Grinding?

You’ve made the tough decision to cut down the large tree in your yard. You know that you have to hire professionals to do that job safely, but now you want to know what to do about the stump that will remain once the tree itself is removed. You have a few options. You can leave the stump where it is or remove the entire stump, along with the roots. Another possibility is stump grinding. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages and its implications for what also happens to the roots during the process.

Leave the Stump in Place

Once the tree is cut down, you are left with the stump sitting above the ground as well as the tangle of roots that reach down deep into the soil or spread out in gnarled veins from the base of the stump. Leaving it all in place may seem like the easiest choice. After all, the main part of the tree is gone, which presumably takes care of the issue that led to your decision to have it removed. However, this might not be an effective option.

Unfortunately, leaving what remains of the tree in your yard can cause problems. At the very least, it may be an eyesore. It can also be a tripping hazard, especially for children at play. The stump itself presents an obstacle during lawn care, and if there is a network of roots sitting above the ground, a weedwhacker may be required to cut the grass in that area. Worst of all, as the stump and roots begin to decay, they can become home to carpenter ants or termites, which may find their way to other structures such as your deck or home!

Remove the Entire Stump

Removing the stump and roots takes care of all of the issues presented above. The process certainly requires the help of professionals, as heavy machinery is required to get the stump out of the ground. Once that task is complete, the roots still need to be removed. This is an arduous task, particularly if the tree you have removed was a large, mature one. The roots can extend more than 20 feet below the surface! Digging up those roots involves equipment and elbow grease to complete the job.

When the task is finished, you are left with a huge, gaping hole in your yard. The upside is that you now have a clean slate to do whatever you wish with that area, including planting a new tree that will have plenty of room to grow. The downside is that the hole left behind is a hazard if you are unable to fill it immediately. Unless you like the look of a bare patch of soil, you also need to plan quickly for how to improve the aesthetic.

Grind the Stump

Stump grinding is a great compromise between the first two choices. You take care of the worst issues that come from leaving the stump in place, while not having to deal with the hassles that come with digging up the entire root system. Grinding requires specialized equipment designed just for this task; thus, you need to enlist the assistance of trained professionals for the job.

When they complete the task, you are left with a sizable pile of wood chips. These leftovers make great mulch for your garden or around other plants in your yard. Overall, grinding the stump is more efficient than removing roots and stump. This process takes care of any unwanted tree remains that sit at the surface, but the below-ground roots system is left to naturally decay over the course of about 10 years.

Martin’s Tree Service

Let the experts at Martin’s Tree Service help you take care of your tree needs. We offer tree removal and stump grinding services. Contact us today to request a quote or schedule an appointment.