Stump grinding vs Stump removal

If you’ve decided, for whatever reason, to have a tree removed, you’ll typically be left with some kind of stump. The height and shape of this will depend on the tree and its maturity at the time of removal.

You’ve got a few options with what to do with the stump, each with its own pros and cons.

Table of Contents

Leaving the stump

The simplest and cheapest solution, however, here are a few things to consider:

It may become a potential fall or trip hazard.
Stumps from diseased trees may cause the disease to spread to nearby healthy trees and plants.
Stumps may attract undesired insects and/or wildlife as stumps make the perfect home for various critters.

Removing the stump

If you choose to remove the stump, you have two main options:

Stump grinding

This is the cheaper of the two options, it’s usually faster and requires less labor. With a specialist stump grinding machine, the stump is ground down to below ground level. This gives the appearance the tree was never there.

However, there are downsides to this method.

This won’t work if you are planning to use the space for construction or if you want to plant anything else on the spot.
You’re left with a hollow in the ground.
If the tree was diseased, the surrounding plants and trees may still be susceptible to that disease.
It doesn’t remove the roots, so shoots may still appear.

Stump removal

Stump removal in Boston is the more expensive option, but it removes everything, including the root system. This method is ideal if you have plans for the space and ensures no further growth or disease can spread to surrounding plants and trees. When an arborist determines that the roots are causing a problem in your garden, they may recommend stump removal.

However, there are a couple of downsides:

This leaves an often significant hole which will need filling.
More expensive and often requires a larger crew.

Is stump removal necessary? Read our other blog post to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does grinding a stump kill the roots?

Yes, once the stump is gone, the roots will be unable to grow since roots require nutrients that can only be obtained through the tree’s leaves. The roots will die if the leaves aren’t present. After being cut down, any stump left in the ground might reshoot.

Will a tree grow back if you grind the stump?

You might not believe it, but a tree can grow from a stump to become a full-fledged tree. This occurs because roots are still present. However, the seedlings clinging to the ground may indicate that there are enough nutrients in the roots to regenerate the tree. Tree trunks will gradually begin to recuperate.

What happens to roots after stump grinding?

While stump grinding removes the visible remains of the tree, the roots of the old tree continue to spread underground, sometimes 4, 8, or 12 feet beyond where the stump stood. These roots will fade naturally after being ground, but it will take time. It can take up to ten years for the roots to completely decompose.

How far down should I grind a stump?

Typically, we grind four to six inches below grade (ground level). If deeper grinding is required, it can be requested, albeit the cost of stump grinding may rise. However, there are several restrictions to the depth to which a stump can be ground.

If you require stump grinding or removal in and around Boston, feel free to call us or use our contact form to require a free, no-obligation quote from our tree specialists. Check out our service area to find out if we have specialists near you.

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