It is a fact of life that trees sometimes have to be cut down by a tree surgeon in order for progress to take shape. Removing the tree is simply as easy as cutting it down, but the root system depending on which type of tree, can go very deep within the ground. Many people throughout the years have simply relied on removing the stump themselves by digging up the roots. This can be quite a long and arduous process, but there are other ways that should be explored before you spend days or even weeks digging up a stump.
Stump Grinding
One of the most popular ways of stump removal is stump grinding. Special equipment is used to remove the stump by grinding the remains into saw dust. The service cost depends on where you are, how difficult the stump is to get to and actually how large the stump is. The width of the stump will determine the type of required to grind the stump to the point where it is no longer sticking out from the ground.
Pros of Stump Grinding
Useful Materials – The byproduct of stump grinding is saw dust. The stump grinders tend to leave the material behind, but some will remove it for an additional fee. The uses for the sawdust can be endless within your garden. It can act as a way to soak up moisture in an area that retains water or even within your vegetable patch to assist the growth of plants.
Environmentally Friendly – Because there are no chemicals used within the process of stump grinding, there is little impact on the environment. The stump is effectively removed and apart from the fuel used within the equipment, there is no negative impact on the soil or the animals around.
It is Fast – Stump grinding takes remarkably little time to accomplish. The process is dependent upon the type of equipment used, but a good machine can take care of an average sized stump in just minutes. The larger ones may take a little more time, but it is time well spent without having to give up a large portion of your day to have the stump removed.
Cons of Stump Grinding
Costlier – When you need a stump removed, there is usually little time that you want to wait for the task to be done. Stump grinding is one of the fastest ways to see the stump gone from your outdoor space, but it can cost more than other options.
Loud – There are some people that do not seem to mind sound pollution at all, but the equipment used to grind stumps can be quite loud. The use of ear muffling devices is often required if you intend on being in close proximity to the grinding process. Those that live in an area with sound ordinances, may have an issue arise when they choose the service, so it is best to ensure that your neighbors know what you are doing and give their approval to avoid any confrontations.
Chemical Stump Removal
Another way to remove a stump is the chemical method. Specialized chemicals actually speed of the natural decaying process of a dead tree. Nitrates and other chemical inhibitors seep into the tree and over time, bring the tree back to the earth. This has become a popular solution for a lot of people, but there are some things you need to be aware of before choosing this option.
Pros to Chemical Stump Removal
Readily Available – Probably one of the most common reasons for chemical stump removal is the fact that the products are available at most home improvement stores.
Cost Effective – If you are among the many that prefer to look at your cost options before making a decision, chemical stump removal may outweigh many of the other options. There are many different types to choose from and the costs vary depending on the brand.
Silent – Where stump grinding can give off quite a bit of noise pollution during the process, chemical stump removal is virtually silent since you simply put the chemicals down and wait.
Cons to Chemical Stump Removal
Potential Negative Impact – When you choose chemical stump removal you may be avoiding any confrontation with neighbors about noise pollution, but the environment can be effected. The chemicals are designed to break down trees, but those chemicals can seep into the soil and effect other plants as well as animals.
Takes a Long Time – Chemical stump removal is not a quick thing. Even though the decay process is sped up, it still takes a long time for the stump to be effectively removed.
No matter which option you choose, be sure to make certain that it is the right one for you. If you live in a highly populated are, the chemical option could be the best, but if you and your neighbors do not mind a little noise, then stump grinding will take care of the situation far quicker and without many negatives.
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