Trees are one of the most common collateral damages caused by storms and harsh weather conditions. And it’s not just the trees that are getting affected; stump grinding and root removal are one of the major hurdles most homeowners face during these extreme weather conditions. While these people can’t control the weather, they can surely take certain measures to manage the damage caused by these storms. These measures can also help them minimize the risk to their personal property and its people.
Before hiring professionals for stump grinding and root removal, the first step is to ask yourself a few questions. Why are you getting rid of it? Is it just because you want to get rid of the remnants of your tree removal job? Or is it just an old mature stump that you need to take out? Or maybe just an eyesore that you are finally ready to eliminate? Once you have clear answers for all your questions and you are aware of the reason behind your stump grinding, you are good to start your project.
Assessing a tree stump
Before you start the process of stump grinding and root removal, it’s crucial to realize that the process varies according to the different sizes of stumps. For a small to a medium-sized stump, you don’t need to hire professionals; just a little muscle work, and you’ll be good to go. But if you are trying to remove a larger stump all by yourself, you might be making the biggest mistake of your life.
It doesn’t just require human resources but also includes different equipment and methods like chemical stump removal. Manual tools like mattock are usually used for removing large-sized stumps. Mattock is a stump removal tool used for stump grinding and root removal, which usually has a sharpened end for slicing and a broad end for digging. Everyone has favorite tools to use, and the more various digging and cutting tools you have on hand, the better. For larger stumps, you may want to enlist the aid of a helper or two to speed the work.
There is an easier but much slower method for people who don’t like to make much physical effort, or the stump of their tree is too large for them to handle on their own. Decaying is not an instant process and might even take years before the stump vanishes completely, but it’s the easiest method for beginners.
Removing a Stump by Grinding it Away Yourself
Dig Down Around the Stump
The easiest way to loosen up your stump is to dig the area around it. Use an ax’s broad end to make things even easier. Once you have successfully loosened up the dirt, shovel it out of your way. But before you dig your way through the stump, be prepared to clear away a lot of soil in the process. As advised by professional stump grinding and root removal providers, the larger the stump, the more soil you’ll be moving. But missing this step might make the whole process extremely harder for you because digging allows you better access to all the roots that need cutting.
Expose the Tap Root
Dig and chop your way under the root ball to the taproot. For all but the smallest trees, taproots will be imposing enough to require cutting with an ax or large bow saw—clean excess dirt off the taproot with a wet rag before cutting the stump.
Extract the Stump
Pull the stump from the hole. This may require ropes or chains and the assistance of helpers or a vehicle to yank a large stump from the ground.
Once the project is complete, professional stump grinding and root removal providers say it’s best to immediately clear the site of all debris, as it will be much easier to clear while the chippings are light and fresh. Next, make sure the hole is completely cleared out and fill it with fresh topsoil.
It’s not just the proper tools and equipment you need to remove a stump; protective gears like gloves and safety glasses play a major role in ensuring your safety. They save your hands and eyes from the debris and chips falling during the process. To avoid any serious head injuries, using a helmet can be helpful.
