Stump grinding is the most common method used by professional arborists like us to remove tree stumps because it is efficient, relatively non-invasive and leaves the area ready to be planted, turfed over or landscaped.
It is a mechanical process that grinds down the visible stump and upper section of the roots, leaving the roots deeper in the ground to naturally decompose over time.
We use specialised stump grinding machines to reduce the stump into woodchips. We have grinders that can fit into smaller gardens and areas with restricted access, larger self-propelled grinders for big grounds, and tracked grinders for handling stumps on uneven ground. We also use protective screens and guarding equipment to safely contain flying debris and wear suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Stump grinders have a rotating cutting wheel fitted with hardened tungsten carbide teeth which chip away the wood in small increments to reduce the stump to the required depth – typically between 150mm and 300mm below ground level.
Our fully trained stump grinding operators have expert knowledge of tree species and root structures, safe machinery operation, awareness of underground utilities, site risk assessment and health and safety regulations.
If a tree has been felled on your property you are left with the stump, which could become troublesome or obstructive.
It’s always best to eradicate tree stumps from your grounds, for various reasons:
Decaying wood is a natural attractant for termites, carpenter ants, beetles, and other wood-boring insects. If left unchecked, these pests can eventually migrate to healthy trees or the wooden structures on your property.
Stumps are major tripping hazards, especially when obscured by overgrown grass or foliage. They can also cause expensive damage to lawnmowers and other garden equipment if accidentally struck.
As the stump rots, it can harbour fungi and root diseases (such as honey fungus or verticillium wilt) which can then spread to the surrounding soil and infect other healthy plants in your garden.
Many tree species are remarkably resilient. Leftover stumps and root systems can sprout new shoots, creating a cluster of unwanted, hard-to-control vegetation.
Stumps take up usable space and interfere with new planting, paving, or garden expansion projects. In some cases, remaining roots can even push against driveways, sidewalks, or building foundations as they grow.
To remove a stump, you can opt for the slow burn of chemical removal, the disruption of full manual excavation, or the quickest, least intrusive alternative of stump grinding. Stump grinding is a process which leaves the stump shredded into mulch.
Stump grinding is a relatively quick process compared to excavation or chemical treatment to rid a site of stumps. The time required depends on the size, species, age, root spread and ground conditions, but in general a small to medium stump of up to 600mm in diameter should be dealt with in an hour.
After the completion of stump grinding a substantial volume of woodchips and mulch will be left behind in the hole. This can be left as backfill, or removed and disposed of, whichever you prefer. Then the area can be levelled off and prepared for turfing, planting, paving, landscaping works or new tree planting.
You can count on us to leave the site clean and tidy after stump grinding, so you can proceed to enjoy the open space that is now unencumbered by an inconvenient and potentially hazardous tree stump.
There are some instances where stump grinding is not possible, in which case manual excavation or chemical treatment of stumps is the alternative. Stump grinding is not recommended if:
In most cases, however, stump grinding is the ideal solution for stump removal. With proper preparation by experienced operatives the outcome is highly successful.
