Stump Grinding
After a tree is removed, stump grinding is a service that we offer to remove the tree stump in order to allow a garden bed to be replanted or so that the area can be landscaped. Sydney Tree Removals can provide stump grinding for large tree stumps as well as small tree stumps. We specialise in hard to access areas such as in narrow yards and near structures.
Most arborists only provide tree removal services to the ground level only. Stump grinding requires specialist equipment and people. Sydney Tree Removals proudly offers stump grinding as part of our comprehensive tree services, enabling customers to have the job fully completed on one day, and dealing with only one company. You can be assured that with our experience and knowledge that you’re in the best of hands when you choose Sydney Tree Removals to grind away your stumps.
Stump Removal
Most stumps can be safely and effectively removed using a stump grinder. A stump grinder is a machine with big teeth that rotate and mulch the stump into little pieces. It does not removal all the roots, it simply grinds the stump to around 30-40 cm below ground level. This is usually enough depth to allow a garden bed to be planted on top. However, not all stumps can be removed using a stump grinder. We have a few tricks up our sleeves for removing some of the more difficult tree stumps.
Leveraged removal: Depending on the circumstances. This method requires manual or mechanical digging around the base of the stump, detaching any roots that might be problematic, and then applying appropriate leverage through a chain block system to pull the stump out of the ground. It is a slower process that requires a lot more labour but it is very safe and effective.
Manual removal: This is the hardest way to remove a tree stump, by digging it out manually. This sometimes is the only option if the stump is located in a hazardous or confined location. The most common situation where this becomes the only viable solution is when a pipe or electrical service runs through the roots at the base of the stump. Careful extraction is the only option.
Chemical removal: This method requires a chemical stump removal product to be applied onto the stump to promote the decay of the stump. Stump removers are normally made of potassium nitrate (KNO3) and take between 4-6 weeks to make the stump rotten enough for it to be removed in fragmented pieces. The limitations of this method are the use of chemicals and it lacks immediate results. Sometimes people set stumps on fire after chemical treatment to speed up the removal process because the potassium nitrated once absorbed acts as an oxidizer, but we do not encourage this method as it is dangerous, and stump grinding is a fair superior, safer, and quicker option.
What’s the Benefit to Removing a Stump?
Stumps can take years to decay naturally. They are not only unsightly but have the potential to be trip hazards or damage vehicles depending on their location and how low they are cut to the ground. In addition being potential safety hazards, they also can cause dangerous root rot diseases such as honey fungus that can affect the surrounding vegetation in your garden. Root rot is a cause of why many trees look unhealthy, and eventually die. The cost to remove a stump is minimal compared to the cost of a removing a tree. It is well worth the additional expense to have the area returned to a state where garden or grass could be planted, removing the aforementioned risks.