Has Tree Removal Left You Stumped?

At some point in our lives, we have all had an axe to grind. But what about a stump? Removing a fallen or dead tree trunk and branches is usually the easy part of tree removal. When you get down to the stump is when the real work begins. Many people are surprised to find that the bid a professional gives for tree removal will not include the price of removing the stump. Tree roots can be astronomically huge making many stumps almost impossible to dig out. But we won’t let you stay stumped! Your best bet is to grind them down using a tool called a stump grinder.

Why not leave the stump in the ground?

Stumps can be hazardous to people walking through your yard or children playing. They can also cause damage to your mower if you accidentally hit one while mowing your lawn. Decaying stumps attract beetles, termites, ants and other wood-boring pests. These pests can eventually spread from your yard to your home. And let’s just face it, aesthetically speaking, stumps aren’t attractive. You can replace that eyesore with a landscaping bed, flowers, or a replacement tree.

Stump Grinding Process
  • To begin, use a shovel or garden mattock to remove any rocks and debris from around the base of the stump. This will prevent any damages on the cutting wheel’s teeth that may be caused by rocks or other debris.
  • Cut away as much of the stump as possible with a chainsaw. Getting it virtually level to the will speed up the stump grinding process.
  • Using the hydraulic lever, raise the grinder wheel a couple of inches above the stump. After turning it on, lower it about 3 inches into the stump. Move it side to side with the lever. This will help clear out and slowly remove the wood.
  • After you’ve dug down at least 4 inches, raise the wheel, advance the machine a few inches, and repeat the process.
  • Continue to grind your way through to the other side of the stump. Make frequent stops to check that you are digging at least 4 inches below the ground.
  • Remove up all the wood chips and rake the soil lightly. Now you are ready to replenish the area with more attractive landscaping!
Safety First

Always wear protective gear. Be diligent about wearing eye protection because wood chips and other debris can fly out during the grinding process. While operating the machine, always stand at the control panel, which is located near the rear of the machine and well away from the cutting wheel.

Removing a tree stump can be a challenge without the right equipment. Northside Tool Rental has all the equipment you need for tree removal AND stump removal. Call, text, or visit one of our five Atlanta locations to get started today!

 

 

 

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