Stump Grinding
Pros
- Faster to remove
- Not labor-intensive
- No gaping-hole after construction
- Environmentally friendly
- Stump can be used for mulching
Cons
- Possibility of eventual sprout
- Root decay
- Potentially harmful to children
Stump Removal
Pros
- Complete elimination of stump and roots
- Replanting is easy
- No health hazards
Cons
- Time-intensive
- More difficult to remove
- Gaping hole after removal
- Not environmentally friendly
Process
Stump grinding is an intricate process that excavates the stump of the tree without removing the root. In this situation, a stump grinder is employed to mechanically grind out the stump, leaving fine sawdust as a residue. The advantage of tree stump grinding is that the stump is ground down to your desired height. The grinding can be just 1 inch below the soil level or as low as 12 inches underground.
Since the stump is ground, it eventually mixes with the soil. This levels the ground and eliminates the need for extra filling. If, however, the stump is infected with honey fungus, which can kill the roots of perennial plants, it is advisable to dispose of the mulch 1 and the residual sawdust.
On the other hand, stump removal involves pulling the stump from the ground. Normally, it requires the heavy use of force, and the machines employed have high-power requirements.
In essence, the process of stump grinding is preferred for many reasons. It is far easier to execute and uses efficient tools to get the job done. Unlike stump removal, which leaves the environment in a messy state, stump grinding provides a greater level of neatness and environmental friendliness.
On the other hand, stump removal eliminates both the root and stump. So, you are sure that there’s no chance of regrowth or sprout. You should bear in mind, however, that the process of disposing of the stump and root is more extensive and expensive.
credit: FIXR Landscaping