Who Do I Call To Get Rid Of Tree Stumps?

Tree stumps get in the way of landscaping and eventually rot away, leaving a breeding ground for annoying beetles. So, who should you call to get rid of tree stumps?

DIYing the project takes some serious muscle, so working with a professional stump removal service ensures high-quality and efficient results. These pros have the right tools to remove and dispose of the stump down to the roots. 

Benefits of Hiring a Stump Removal Service for Tree Stump Removal 

A stump removal service specializes in, you guessed it, getting rid of stumps on your property. Working with a professional stump removal service in your area assures the tree stump’s removal without damage to your property or risking your personal safety.

Some of the benefits of working with a stump removal service to remove unwanted tree stumps include:

• Stump removal pros have specialized equipment: Since stump removal pros implement many types of stump removal methods, they have tools and equipment many homeowners don’t have access to. They know how to kill tree stumps and use grinders to dislodge and grind down any type of stump. 

• Stump removal pros have their own insurance policies: Homeowners insurance policies don’t protect contract workers on your property. Stump removal pros and larger tree removal companies provide their own insurance in case of injury, not leaving the homeowner liable for medical bills. 

• Stump removal pros understand safety needs: When working with heavy-duty grinding machinery, there’s an inherent danger. One misstep could lead to serious injury. Stump removal pros know how to use their equipment properly and follow safety protocols to minimize risks. 

• Stump removal pros can identify other tree issues: While removing stumps, stump removal pros can tell if there were any issues with the tree that stood there and if there are any other issues that may cause damage to other trees on your property. This service can help you save money in the long run and prevent potential damage to other structures or people. 

Can I DIY Tree Stump Removal?

Depending on the state of the tree stump, you can attempt to remove it on your own using one of many stump removal methods. DIY stump removal is an option if you’re digging it out manually, applying chemical killers, or other less labor-intensive methods. You can remove an old, rotted stump with an ax or shovel, as it’ll likely start to fall apart once you start striking it. This method will take time and grit, especially when you have to dig into the ground to remove the roots. 

However, removing large tree stumps that haven’t rotted is a different story. While it’s possible to learn how to use a stump grinder, it’s incredibly costly, there’s a learning curve, and it’s a dangerous task for a first-timer. On the other hand, stump removal pros have the necessary tools and professional experience to grind or remove a stump, making the job much more efficient and safe.

Can I Hire an Arborist to Remove Tree Stumps?

While hiring an arborist is a great option for diagnosing sick or dying trees, they aren’t the right type of professional for stump removal. Think of arborists as tree doctors—they specialize in helping homeowners learn the best way to care for, plant, and treat their trees. Arborists typically don’t have the necessary experience to remove stumps using machinery like a stump grinder. However, some arborists may specialize in identifying the best way to remove stumps based on their condition, age, and type.

How Do Stump Removal Services Remove Stumps?

Removing the stump is a much easier job than removing a tree. The process mostly involves grinding down the stump and cleaning up the mess. 

Here’s a step-by-step look at how stump removal pros remove tree stumps:

1. Assessing the stump: Before starting the removal process, the stump removal pros considers factors like the size of the stump, its location, the type of tree it came from, and any potential obstacles nearby. This assessment helps them determine the equipment they’ll use to remove the stump. 

2. Clear the area of debris: Before any stump cutting or grinding happens, stump removal pros will clear the area around the stump of any debris or rocks to keep the work environment safe and level. 

3. Cut the stump down: Using a chainsaw, the stump removal pros cut the stump as close to the ground as possible. This step reduces the height of the stump and makes the removal process more manageable. 

4. Grind the stump down to the ground: Stump grinding is a common method for removing stumps efficiently. Stump removal pros use a machine, aptly named a stump grinder, and cut the stump into small wood chips. They carefully maneuver the grinder over the stump and gradually reduce it to ground level.

5. Remove the roots: Once the stump is ground down, the root system will remain. If necessary, root killer is applied to the roots. The pros will use shovels or a small backhoe to dig the roots out of the ground. 

6. Backfill the hole: After grinding the stump and removing the roots, there’s a hole left. The stump removal pros backfills this hole with suitable soil, mulch, or some of the wood chips created during the grinding process. This step helps level the ground, making it suitable for other landscaping needs. 

7. Clean up: Grinding down a tree stump can leave wood chips and sawdust everywhere, so the stump removal pro will clean up the work area. Depending on the agreement with the property owner, the stump removal pros may handle the disposal of the wood chips or leave them on-site for the owner to use as mulch or to burn.