Let’s say you’ve got a stump on your property in Columbia, SC. You might have a leftover stump if you removed a tree that was too close to your home or if you’ve just recently moved into a place with a few stumps here and there. Regardless of the specifics of the situation, it’s safe to assume you just want the remaining stump to be taken care of in some way. Your main options are stump removal or stump grinding, and there are a few differences between these two services that can help you figure out which is best for your situation.
Stump Removal
Stump removal is the complete elimination of a tree stump after the tree removal process has taken place. In some instances, a tree was cut down to the stump a long time ago, and in others, you just got rid of the tree recently. In either case, removal of the stump includes the discarding of the stump and the attached roots. This may sound ideal, but it’s typically a more time-consuming process. Heavy equipment is often needed as well. In addition, there are times when a lot of soil has to be displaced to get rid of older trees that had larger or more extensive root systems.
Stump Grinding
During the stump grinding process, a piece of equipment called a stump grinder is used to shred the remains of the tree into small bits and pieces. When the process is done, all that’s left is the part of the tree trunk that’s below the ground and some sawdust, which is usually used to fill in the empty area. The underground roots eventually decay and disappear entirely. It’s a gradual process, so there won’t be a sinkhole or an indention when this happens. The area that’s above where the stump was located can be covered with soil or fresh grass. After a little post-grinding care, nobody will ever know a tree used to be there.
What’s Best for Your Situation
With grinding, there’s very little surface cleanup required. With removal, however, there’s a larger hole that needs to be filled. Also, there can be additional landscape or surface restoration costs. While there’s much to appreciate about stump grinding, every situation is unique. For some homeowners, this may mean complete removal is preferable. As you go about deciding what’s best for your situation, consider factors that include:
- The size of the stump and its location
- The number of stumps on your property requiring removal/grinding
- Your budget
- Your plans for the area where the stump is located
Contact Us Today for Personalized, Five-Star Service
Still not sure about what’s best for your needs? Contact Top Gun Tree Service, and one of our technicians will gladly provide an honest opinion based on what’s likely to work for your preferences and budget. We’re also available 24-hours for emergency situations, and we provide prompt, reliable storm services in Columbia, SC.
Call today to talk to one of our tree specialists, or schedule an appointment online.
