Tree Stump Removal, Finding The Root Of The Problem! From Garden Equipment Review.
Once a tree is cut down and removed, the question of what to do with the stump arises. The objective of the stump removal should first be clearly defined. The use of the area after stump removal needs to be assessed, since it may determine the extent of removal operations. Once a live tree is cut down, the roots can still live and the stump can sprout again, depending on the type of tree. In most cases it is best to have the stump removed and start again from scratch, which for example may be replanting a tree or turfing the area.
Removal Methods
Stump Grinding
Stump Grinding is the most efficient way to remove unwanted roots and tree stumps, with today's modern machinery, tree stumps and unwanted roots can be removed efficiently, causing minimum ground disturbance to lawns, flower beds etc. Modern Stump Grinders can tackle any size of stump from a few inches, to the largest stump. Thankfully the days have long gone of digging roots out by hand, struggling with a mattock, axe, fork and spade.
There are many advantages of using a stump grinder for root removals, the main one being the minimal damage caused by these machines, the other big advantage being that the roots are made into small chips that will easily rot down or be composted for use at a later date, so therefore there is nothing to dispose of, no costly skips or paying a contractor to take the wood away.
Stump grinders come in various shapes and sizes, most modern machines are made so they can be taken through most garden or yard gateways, sometimes if access is tight a fence panel can be removed or access via a neighbours garden. A common size of machine is normally between 29" and 35" there are larger machines but they would normally be used on land clearance sites. Stump grinders normally have an approximate maximum depth of fourteen inches, although some of the larger machines will go to a greater depth, although in most cases this will be enough to remove the whole root ball, therefore getting right to the root of the problem!
It is not normally practical to remove all of the roots of a tree. In most cases, the main part of the stump is ground out or dug out, leaving the smaller lateral roots in the ground to decay. The stump should be routed to a depth that will allow the proper function of the area, generally when a stump is ground out, there is very little root ball left, and if there is, there is not normally enough to be a problem.
As for finding somebody to remove your stumps, the easiest way is to use a contractor, as they have commercial machines which can do the job quickly and efficiently. The alternative is to hire, this can be expensive and generally the machines are normally smaller, this can also be quite hard work for the inexperienced user, it is also very important to remember safety, at all times, when using these machines. Be sure to get the proper instruction before operating this type of equipment, and read and follow all safety warnings and precautions. Eye protection is required, along with other appropriate safety gear.
When contracting with an arborist or tree service for stump grinding, be sure to specify the depth and the extent of the grinding to be done. Clean up should also be detailed. Determine how much clearing up the contractor is to do, and what will be done with the debris. Some options include piling the debris on the stump site, leveling the area and removing the excess debris, or removal of all debris and backfilling the hole with clean soil. Be sure these details are specified in before the job starts, and the various costs clearly stated.
Decomposition
Other methods of stump removal depend mostly on the chemical decomposition of the wood. If left alone after tree removal, the stump will gradually decay in the ground, from natural fungus and bacteria. This process can take from one to many years, depending on the size of the stump, the species of tree, and the soil conditions. The process of decay can be encouraged by keeping the soil in the area moist. Piling soil or mulch over the stump encourages the decay fungus. The addition of some nitrogen fertilizer will also help speed the process a little. At best, this method may cut the decay time in half.
Commercial products have been marketed to dissolve tree stumps, most of these products claim rapid breakdown of the stump. However, this can still be a very slow process.
Mechanical Digging
The other alternative of course being with a mechanical digger, preferably a tracked machine as this causes less damage and disturbance to the ground, although the damage done by a mechanical digger is still considerable, and can cause considerable expense and valuable time reinstating where the machine has been, and of course in some cases you are left with a very large root ball and lateral roots to dispose of, with today's modern Stump Grinding machinery these tools are almost made obsolete as to regard stump removal.
Hand Digging
Hand digging the stump can be very difficult, even for the stumps of small trees. In this day and age it is not normally practical to dig a stump out by hand, if hand removal is considered, the trunk of the tree should be left as tall as possible, to provide leverage to loosen and break the roots as the digging progresses. Essential tools for hand stump removal are a mattock, axe, spade, fork and determination; I would use the above method as a last resort.
It is not normally practical to remove all of the roots of a tree. In most cases, the main part of the stump is routed or dug out, leaving the smaller lateral roots in the ground to decay. The stump should be routed to a depth that will allow the proper function of the area, generally when a stump is ground out, there is very little root ball left, and if there is, there is not normally enough to be a problem.
Tree Stump Removal, Finding The Root Of The Problem! From Garden Equipment Review.
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