Best Stump Grinding Crossens

Professional Stump Grinding

STUMP GRINDING in ORMSKIRK

Stump Grinding

Stump Grinder at work

Tree stumps can be unsightly and hazardous, making tree stump removal a desirable choice for many homeowners. Stump grinding provides a safe and cost-efficient way to remove tree stumps. A tree stump removal company can assess the access and conditions around the stump to determine if grinding it out is the best option for removing it. With the help of specialized equipment, they can quickly and safely remove the remaining roots and grind down the stump to ground level, leaving your yard looking neat and tidy.

Questions to ask yourself; Should you go for stump grinding? How long might it take? What is the benefit of removing a stump? Should you do yourself or employ a contractor?

WHAT IS A STUMP GRINDER?

A stump grinder is a powerful tool used to remove tree stumps from the ground. It is a specialised machine that uses a rotating cutting wheel to grind away the wood of the stump, leaving behind nothing but soil and roots. Stump grinding is an effective way to get rid of unsightly stumps without having to dig them out or use chemicals. It can also be used for other purposes such as creating space for landscaping projects or preparing land for construction.

Stump Grinding is something usually done by professionals because of the dangers involved.

A typical Stump Grinder

Predator Stump Grinder

HOW DOES STUMP GRINDING WORK?

A stump grinder chews away at the stump of wood that is left over after a tree removal has been done. All stump grinders use powerful, rotating blades that ginds into the wood as it turns. The blade’s teeth smash the stump’s wood into small pieces. An operator guides the blade over the stump as the blade reduces the stump to wood chips, and removes the stump to well below ground level.

Stump grinders are a must-have for any tree removal job. With their powerful, rotating blades, these machines easily chew away at the stump left behind after a tree removal has been done. Not only do they help to clear the area of stumps quickly and efficiently, but they also help to prevent future growth from taking place in that spot. By using a stump grinder, you can make sure that your yard remains safe and free of new growth for years to come.

A stump grinder at work

Stump removal

HOW TO USE THE WOOD FROM THE TREE STUMP GRINDING

Stump grinding creates lots of chips of wood (lots!). You’ll be surprised by the actual amount, but they can be used as on-site-mulch or added to your green waste can. You will also have a hole left after the stump grinding, since you have just ground out the stump volume that filled it.

You can shovel the wood chips into the hole to decay, or you can import soil and fill the hole so that it’s even with the surrounding ground.

Sometimes local businesses or groups (schools, nurseries, parks) may welcome you with open arms for you to drop off the “waste”.  And you will be seen as helping out the community. However, this does involve you collecting it on site in the first place. Ideally, leaving it on-site is the preferred choice.

Stump grinding is a great way to get rid of those unsightly stumps that may be taking up space in your yard or garden. Not only does it make your outdoor space look neater, but it also creates a lot of wood chips which can be used as on-site mulch or added to your green waste can. You’ll be surprised by the actual amount of chips created, so take advantage and recycle them for future use!

Stump Grinding Wood Chip

Stump Grinding waste

WHAT TYPES OF STUMP GRINDING MACHINES ARE THERE?

Stump grinding machines are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to quickly and efficiently remove tree stumps. There are a variety of types of stump grinding machines available, each with their own unique features and benefits. From walk-behind models to self-propelled units, there is a machine that is perfect for any job. In this article, we will discuss the different types of stump grinding machines and what makes them unique.

You can find lightweight grinder models for small jobs, as well as big, powerful grinders for large stumps and complex logistics. The types of stump grinders include:

  • Hand-guided, walk-behind, or “handlebar” grinders are small and lightweight. Their small size makes them the most portable, as they’ll fit in the back of a truck.
  • Rear-hitch, wheeled stump grinders can be attached to a truck or trailer for travel and are then uncoupled at the job site and steered into place.
  • Riding grinders are agile, like a bobcat or small tractor, with the operator controlling the grinder from a seat.
  • Skid stump grinders have continuous track treads like a tank, and are driven from behind, or by an operator riding atop. The continuous treads grip large surface areas and are used where the ground is soft and traditional wheels would churn up soil or turf.
  • A stump grinder attachment can be added to a skid steer, where it will be operated by the same arms that guide its trenching or bucket attachments.

As with most powerful equipment, stump grinders are designed specifically for their purpose.

Types of Stump Grinder

Types of Stump Grinder

 

IS STUMP GRINDING THE SAME THING AS STUMP REMOVAL?

Stump grinding and stump removal are two methods of removing tree stumps from your property. While both can be effective, they are different in terms of cost, time, and the amount of work required. Stump grinding involves grinding down the stump to a depth below the soil surface while stump removal requires digging out the entire root system. Depending on your needs and budget, one may be better suited for you than the other. This article will explore the differences between stump grinding and stump removal so that you can make an informed decision about which is best for your situation.

Stump grinders differ from stump removers, as a stump remover is auger-like and bores down into the stump from above, removing all trunk wood and anchoring roots.

Auger v Stump Grinder

2 different types of stump removal machinery

RENTING A STUMP GRINDER

If you are considering renting a stump grinder, you should know that it is an important tool for removing tree stumps from your yard. Stump grinders can be used to remove stumps quickly and efficiently, and they can also be used to create a level surface in your yard. With the right stump grinder, you can easily clear away any unwanted stumps in your yard and create a beautiful outdoor space. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of renting a stump grinder and some tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.

Stump grinders that are available to rent by the public are smaller and less powerful stump grinders than those used by professionals and it is unlikely you’ will get a range of stump grinder models to choose from. So it would usually make more sense to hire a professional.

DIY = DON’T INJURE YOURSELF

Industrial Stump grinders are normally used by professionals, such as trained tree-care specialists . As with most heavy, powerful equipment, the chance for injury is somewhat high. DIYers should be confident and capable before picking up a stump grinder. Make sure you have been adequately shown how to use the stump grinder you intend to hire.

When working the stump grinder itself, operators need protective equipment to protect them (and other personnel nearby) from flying debris and noise. Debris can be more than just sharp pieces of wood, things like: dirt, stones, bricks, glass and much more.

Professional tree surgeons and tree-removal companies also have (or should have) insurance against accidental damage to property from tree removal and stump grinding. Stones may be propelled at great velocity and can easily shatter glass or damage structures, cars etc. A DIY’er should think about the possibility of this and make sure they have insurance that will cover any damage to their own and neighbor’s property.

IS RENTING A STUMP GRINDER REALLY WORTHWHILE?

Renting a stump grinder can be a great way to get rid of tree stumps in your yard or garden. It is an efficient and cost-effective solution that can save you time, money, and effort compared to other methods. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons before making a decision. This article will discuss the benefits of renting a stump grinder and help you decide if it is really worthwhile for your particular situation.

Probably not. A lightweight, small, hired grinder means more time and physical effort for you, and your stump may simply be too large for a rented stump grinder to cope with. And, as anyone who has hired them knows, there’s no guarantee that the equipment is in good working order, or even safe to use. Steer clear of this option where possible.

Stump Grinding Hire Shops

Typical plant hire store in the UK where you might hire a stump grinder.

WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN PLANNING TO RENT A STUMP GRINDER?

Considering a Stump Grinder

Things to consider when hiring stump grinding equipment

If you are looking to rent a stump grinder for your landscaping project, there are a few things you should consider. From the size and type of machine needed to the safety features and cost, it is important to do your research before making a decision. In this article, we will discuss what should be considered when planning to rent a stump grinder so that you can make an informed decision.

If you’re thinking of “Doing It Yourself” tree stump removal, you might first want to add up the actual time and cost of renting a stump grinder, including:

  • Fuel to power it
  • Personal safety gear for you
  • Ability to load, unload and move the grinder
  • Ability to maneuver the grinder
  • Sheet materials to protect the surrounding ground from damage (heavy, awkward and expensive)
  • Material or screens to protect property from flying debris
  • Chance of damage to the hired stump grinder, blade and teeth from hidden debris
  • Debris cleanup and disposal
  • Substantial liability insurance cover
  • Yours and any helpers time to do the work, including lost earnings away from your job.

If you compare what you will need to do with the time and cost of having your stump professionally removed, you may find that the professional option is the better choice. We’re experienced, fast and efficient, we have a trained crew and professional equipment, we’ll make wood chip mulch for you, and we’ll clean up after ourselves!

IS IT POSSIBLE TO REMOVE A TREE WITHOUT LEAVING A SITELY STUMP?

Flush Tree Stump and Grinder

Stump grinder removal of flush tree stump

In a nut shell… No. Tree-removers can’t cut a tree down flush with the ground, so there will ALWAYS be a stump.

Removing a tree without leaving a stumpy site is possible, but it requires careful planning and execution. It is important to consider the size of the tree, its location, and the surrounding environment before attempting to remove it. Tree removal experts use specialized tools and techniques to ensure that the entire tree is removed without leaving behind any stumps or debris. Furthermore, they take into account potential hazards such as power lines and other nearby trees when removing a tree from a site.

IS STUMP GRINDING NECESSARY?

It’s your decision, but you may want to learn more about what to expect if you don’t remove the stump after you remove your tree and what you can do with it if you decide to keep it.

Many cannot anticipate how much a left-over tree stump will stand out after stump grinding, especially if the rest of their garden is tidy and maintained. Grinding out the stump, by comparison, gives you a clean slate for future landscape design.

There are of course a multitude of scenarios. It depend where the stump is. Is it in the middle of your lawn? Is it a trip hazard for children, the elderly, guests etc? Or is it on the periphery and not really in the way? Are the roots affecting structures like the house, conservatory or border fencing?

Because stump grinding chews stump wood down below ground level, the stump grinder ensures that your tree stump will not re-grow with suckering growth around its perimeter. This is often the best argument for stump grinding; leaving a stump in place can mean repeated sucker pruning, a garden chore that offers little satisfaction, as you’re never done.

Spot the Stump

Tree stump with suckering well underway.

Suckering sprouts are a natural response by the tree after its trunk has been cut down, however none of this growth is useful and won’t make a healthy new tree. Instead, you’ll have lots of sprouts that turn into branches that will need to be cut down over and over until the tree exhausts its energy reserves. This can take a long time.

NOTE: Coppicing is an ancient practise that involves cutting down woodland or forest tree trunks to ground level and encouraging new sprouts to grow from them. The new, sprouting wood grows until it is harvested for firewood, fencing, thatching, or woodworking, depending on the species of the tree. These cycles of growth and harvesting can last for decades or longer on a healthy coppiced tree. However, you are unlikely to require this in your garden!

Stump grinding is not alway necessary, but consider whether you want to look at it for years or come to terms with its suckering progress. Or turn it in to a garden ornament.

A stump, depending on its size, height, and location, can be an eyesore (especially as it rots away) and a tripping hazard. As it decomposes, it can also attract insect pests, start causing fungal diseases (which can spread to nearby trees), and cause soft, sunken spots in the surrounding lawn or garden.

A stump, on the other hand, can be incorporated into a unique garden design, used as an informal base for potted plants or sculptures, and painted, decorated, or sculpted.

CAN I BUILD WHERE STUMP GRINDING WAS CARRIED OUT?

One important factor is whether you intend to build on top of the tree stump or add a patio or paving. A ground tree stump will rot away over time as it is made of wood, an organic material. This means that it is not a stable construction base material, and any foundations, footings, or rigid materials could very well shift over time.

Roots and patios Stump Grinding solutions

Tree roots can cause severe structural damage to surrounding areas

Even if your stump is ground out, there may be trunk and root material below ground that will decompose and settle, causing potential future damage to your building. In this case, ensure that all remaining stumps and roots are removed, and that the hole is filled with native soil (not bagged potting mix) and compacted to the required level for your building works.

SITUATIONS WHERE STUMP GRINDING CANNOT BE DONE

The stumps of most easily accessible trees that are removed can also be ground out. A stump may need to be removed for safety reasons or because it is impeding access. However, in some cases, stump removal may be difficult or impossible.

  • Trees in difficult-to-reach areas with limited access or where equipment is too substantial to bring in may not be suitable for stump grinding.
  • Stumps that cannot be removed completely by stump grinding can be ground first and then pulled out with a skid steer or excavator; this adds cost but may be the only option.
  • Trees growing in small planting holes and surrounded by concrete or other patio materials may leave a stump that cannot be removed without damaging the surrounding material, or the surrounding material may need to be removed first. This can be expensive or unattainable.
  • If a tree stump is close to other trees or valuable shrubs, those other plants’ root systems may be injured or destroyed.
  • Stumps close to buildings or other structures may be difficult stump grinding out due to the risk of damaging foundations, footings, or utility lines and pipework.
Awkward stump grinding jobs

Awkward stump grinding job

It really is best to check for hidden hazards before beginning to grind a stump, especially if you’re doing it yourself.

STUMP GRINDING ALTERNATIVES TO REMOVE A TREE STUMP

If you have a small stump in may not be worth stump grinding it, you may be able to remove using hand tools. Having a stump with a few feet of trunk left on is useful here, as the trunk can be used as a lever to help loosen the trunk. You’ll first use a shovel or a pick axe to loosen and dig out the soil around the stump to expose its roots. After you’ve uncovered the roots, you can use gravity and your body weight to rock the stump loose. If you have loppers or a pruning saw, you can use them to sever large roots and help free the trunk. This is strenuous physical work, but it’s not impossible.

Dragging out a stump

Alternative methods to remove a tree stump

You’ve probably seen bottles of chemical stump remover at your nursery or hardware store. These products are often made of potassium nitrate, and work by speeding up wood decay. They require that you drill holes into your stump, fill them with stump killer, add water, cover your stump, and wait.

Potassium nitrate isn’t poisonous, but it can cause eye and skin irritation, so you’ll want to keep children/pets away from it and the stump.

Another way people remove stumps is to pour kerosene over a stump and light it on fire. Please, don’t be the person who thinks a flaming tree stump is a good use of time and resources.

IF YOU NEED STUMP GRINDING WORK DOING…

Feel free to contact us first. We can assess your situation and provide you with an estimate for the cost of removing the tree stump. You might be surprised at how inexpensive it can be, compared to doing it yourself. Most stump removal is quick, and even large stumps can usually be removed in a matter of hours.

When we remove a tree, we always offer stump removal services, including explaining the benefits of having your stump professionally removed and explaining the benefits of tree-stump mulch for your garden.

Contact Northwest Trees and Stumps

Contact Northwest Trees and Stumps

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Ormskirk AREAS COVERED FOR STUMP GRINDING:

Alsager, Astbury, Audlem, Audley, Baddiley, Bar Hill, Barthomley, Betley, Borough Of Cheshire East, Brereton, Brereton Cum Smethwick, Bunbury, Calveley, Chatterley, Checkley, Cheshire, Chester, Church Coppenhall, Church Minshull, County Of Cheshire, Ormskirk, Davenham, Eaton, Hankelow, Harecastle, Holmes Chapel, Keele, Kidsgrove, Little Budworth, Madeley, Madeley Heath, Middlewich, Middlewick, Mow Cop, Nantwich, Onneley, Over, Pipe Gate, Radway Green, Rode Heath, Sandbach, Silverdale, Spurstow, Swettenham, Tarporley, Tiverton, Warmingham, Weston, Wharton, Wheelock, Whitegate, Willaston, Winsford, Wistaston, Woore, Worleston, Wrenbury, Wrenbury Cum Frith, Wrinehill, Wybunbury

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