Why Remove Tree Stumps?
Stumps can up space in a garden and can look unsightly. Also, stumps should be removed to prevent suckering (where new shoots arise from the leftover trunk). Whilst completely dead stumps won’t form suckers, but they can play host to root diseases such as honey fungus.
What is the Best Way to Remove a Tree Stump?
The best way to remove a tree stump is by physically grinding and removing the tree stump rather than using chemicals to remove it as this is the quickest, most effective way to remove a tree stump.
A machine called a stump grinder literally ‘chews’ the stump up, leaving a heap of chipped wood or sawdust mixed with soil. You may want to consider what you want to do with the woodchip/sawdust. It can be left to fill in the hole, or used as mulch in other areas of the garden, or taken away by the contractors – do ensure your contractors have a waste carriers licence. Specify which of these you would prefer before the work is started and be sure to have any diseased wood removed completely.
Removing a tree stump this way is labour intensive and can be a noisy and dusty process. So do ensure that neighbours are advised in advance of the work planned. How long the process takes does depend on the size and type of tree stump.
Can I Use a Chemical Tree Stump Killers?
Yes although it is a slower process. The best time to remove a stump with a chemical stump killer is directly after felling otherwise the stump will need to be recut before the product is applied
How to Remove a Tree Stump?
Physical stump removal is usually the best option. Ideally, the stump should be removed entirely, but if it’s not possible alternative methods usually give satisfactory results. For smaller trees, the stumps can be pulled out with a winch. For leverage, it is necessary to leave a good-sized stub on the stump (up to 1.2m (4ft) high) rather than cutting it off at ground level.
Grubbing out by hand or mechanical mini-excavator can also remove the majority of the root system. It is easiest if there is still a significant length of trunk remaining as this gives leverage to help with the removal. Alternatively, machines known as stump grinders will mechanically grind out the main root plate, leaving fine sawdust. Some roots will inevitably be left in the ground but the majority should eventually rot down.
Will the Tree Stump Re-grow?
Very few tree species will re-grow from residual roots – double-check with your contractor.
How Deep Should the Stump be Ground?
It depends on what the ground is going to be used for afterwards. Shallow grinding, 20-25cm (8-10in), is normally sufficient for laying turf, but you should allow for deeper, 30cm (12in), or more if replanting or landscaping.
What Happens to the Roots?
Tree stump grinding focuses on removing the main stump bole, but if necessary any prominent lateral roots can be ground down if required. This will produce more spoil and ground disturbance – it is worth discussing the pros and cons with your contractor when they are surveying the site. The old tree roots will remain underground, but without the stump, they will rot in time.
If you have any other questions regarding tree stump removal or stump grinding please call us on (01327) 354789 or get in touch online