Stump grinding is an old method used to eliminate trees and other large dead objects. It can also be done to remove tree stumps from your yard. You don’t have to be a tree-removal expert in using this method, and you can actually do it yourself! All you need is a good pair of stump grinding gloves, a stump, some burrs, and some grinding tools.
DescriptionStump grinder tools can be as big as a yard trimmer or as small as a hand-held lawnmower. They all achieve their purpose by way of a spinning diamond-capped disk that grinds away roots left behind in the stump. When choosing a disk, be sure it’s a quiet, durable one that will not scratch or scar up your valuable lawn equipment. This is especially important for larger and heavier machines.
Steps for stump grinding can be performed in one of two ways: By hand or by machine. If you choose the second option, make sure you wear the proper equipment: A pair of stump grinding gloves, a shovel with a cage to hold the stump, burrs, a grinder, and a line tool. If you decide to do the grinding manually, wear safety glasses, rubber-soled shoes, and thick gloves. Otherwise, these tools may damage the delicate skin and fibers on your hands.
Handy tip: Before you begin, make sure that you have the area in front of the stump cleared of any fallen tree limbs and other obstructions. Use a stick or broom to clear the area. If you are stump grinding near a tree, remember not to place your spade in the hole. If you are unsure of how to get at the tree, move it a bit away from the hole to give yourself more room. Dig a hole with a hole auger of the appropriate depth for the size and type of tree you are grinding. Fill in the hole with dirt, scooping out the broken and scattered earth first to allow for the proper line movement.
Once you have the area cleaned up and cleared of obstructions, set your spade in the ground level and begin grinding away. You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times, but seeing no tree stumps or dead branches, look down, and check your neighboring street for signs of potential danger. If nothing appears to be blocking your view, move forward and continue to grind away.
To prepare the new tree for staking, cover the stump with at least three inches of new soil. This will help keep it from drying out too much while it is sitting in your hand. As it is drier than the surrounding soil, it may take a few attempts to break the root ball and compact it. Once this is done, compact the soil and spread it evenly around the root system. It is important to keep in mind that the new tree will be resting on an exposed rocky foundation. This means the soil will need to be leveled off and compacted a bit.
After the entire process has been completed, work in a small amount of fertilizer. Fertilizer helps to make it easier for your tree stump removal workers to break up the mass of rock and soil without becoming exhausted. Just remember that you will most likely be required to use more force and more tools during tree stump removal projects. Having a large number of tools can cause unnecessary injuries.
Many people do not like to admit to using a stump grinder, but they are a necessary evil when it comes to stump grinding services. The small fee that these companies charge is well worth the job, however. They eliminate the hassle of hauling away old stumps that could potentially become safety hazards if not removed properly. Many companies charge by the hour, so be sure to find a company that fits this price range.