Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal: Which Do You Need?
By Jeff Demi, Demi Stump Grinding
What stump grinding does
A stump grinder uses a spinning cutting wheel with carbide teeth to chip the stump away, a little at a time, until it is below the surrounding soil. What's left is a shallow area filled with wood chips and soil instead of a stump.
The main roots stay underground and slowly decompose. Because nothing is pulled out, there's no large hole and very little damage to the lawn around the stump.
What full stump removal involves
Full removal means digging out or pulling the stump along with its root ball, usually with an excavator or other heavy equipment. It leaves a large hole that has to be backfilled, and the machinery can tear up the surrounding yard.
Removal is typically only worth it when you're building something right where the stump sits, such as a foundation, addition, or in-ground pool.
Which one is right for your yard?
If you want to mow over the spot, plant grass, put down mulch, or simply stop tripping over the stump, grinding is almost always the better choice. It's quicker, costs less, and the equipment can fit through most backyard gates.
If you're planning construction directly over the stump, ask about extra root work before the job so it can be planned for.
Have a stump to get rid of?
Text a few photos to 484-680-4132 for a fast quote anywhere in West Chester and surrounding Chester County.
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