What people are asking about stump removal?

When should you remove a stump? What is the fastest way to get rid of a tree stump?

We came across a bunch of commonly asked questions about stump removal on Google. This blog answers some of these questions. If you have a question that remains unanswered, contact our team of highly qualified and experienced arborists.

Q: What is the fastest way to get rid of a tree stump?

A: There are several DIY remedies to help you get rid of a stump. These include using Epsom salt and rock salt, which have been used to kill and decay stumps for a long time. The method is easy. Simply drill holes in the stump, fill with salt, cover with soil, mulch, and pour water. The stump will decay in a few weeks. Covering the stump with plastic bags or tarp will block sunlight and over time, it will decay.

The fastest, and the safest way to get rid of a tree stump is by calling in a professional arborist. They will grind the stump out of your property. You may be tempted to hire the equipment and do it yourself, but we suggest leaving it to the professionals as they have the experience, right equipment and required insurance should things not go as per plan.

Q: What is the cheapest way to get rid of a tree stump? How much is stump grinding?

A: While some of the DIY methods may appear to be the cheapest, in the long run using a professional service could be the most effective way to get rid of a tree stump. This is because they come with the right equipment, so you don’t need to hire it, and insurance, should you unintentionally cause damage while removing a stump. Stump grinding is not just the quickest, but also the most cost effective, because when done by a professional, it includes removing the waste and leaving your backyard in great shape.

The cost of stump grinding varies, depending on the number and size of the stumps to be removed, as well as the depth they sitat. Call a professional arborist today to give you an estimate quote of stump removal today.

Q: What can you use to dissolve stumps?

A: Epsom and rock salts are commonly used to dissolve stumps by homeowners. There are chemicals available to do the job, but we highly recommend not using these due to the harm they cause to surrounding plants and trees, and possible reduction in soil quality with their use.

Q: Is stump grinding seasonal? When should you remove a stump?

A: A stump should be removed when required, both from a visual appeal and safety perspective. Typically, when you’re planning to do planting in the area where the stump is, is a good time to remove it. In terms of seasons, winter is a preferred time to remove stumps due to wider availability of professionals who remove stumps (it’s off-peak season for them). Also, winter stump grinding ensures the survival of surrounding plants by eliminating competition.

Q: How deep should stumps be ground? 

A: Leave it to the experts to decide how far deep should the stump be ground when removing. Typically, stumps are ground to between 4 and 6 inches below the ground level, although stump grinders can go deeper. Some can grind stumps up to 13 – 20 inches below the ground surface. And others, like vertical stump grinders, can go as deep as 62.5” below grade.

Q: How do you get rid of stump grindings?

A: A professional arborist can remove stump grindings as part of the service they offer. However, these are great as mulch. When fresh, they can rob your soil of nutrients and may not be as beneficial. To use as mulch, you should first dry them out and then spread them in your backyard where required.