Seattle, WA Tree Service Experts Help You Choose Your Stump Removal Process

Making an informed decision on what tree services are right for the home can feel complicated and confusing. When it comes to tree stump removal, with options like stump grinding or stump removal, it can be easy for a homeowner to quickly become overwhelmed. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Armed with some knowledge and the help of a professional arborist, the choice gets much clearer. Let’s start at the beginning.

What Exactly Is Stump Grinding or Stump Removal? How Are They Different?

Theprocess of stump grinding is when a tree service professional grinds a tree stump down using specialized equipment, called a stump grinder. The grinding is done “below grade,” meaning all visible parts of the stumps and any exposed roots are turned to mulch a few inches deep.

With stump removal, the entire tree stump and root ball are completely excavated from the ground. A hole is left behind and, depending on the size of the tree the stump came from, it has the potential to be large in scale.

Obviously, the two services are very different. How can homeowners know which one is right for their specific situation?

Arborists provide the stump grinding service, but to completely remove a stump a homeowner would need to consult with an excavation company.

Can Trees Still Be Planted Where A Stump Grinding Took Place?

A common question homeowners ask when looking into stump grinding is if they will be able to plant a tree in the same area afterward.

If your intention is to replant a tree in the same location, it’s important to communicate this to your arborist because this requires a deeper stump grinding service. It will also require soil amendments, like bringing in good topsoil to give the new tree the best chance of success.

Why Working With A Professional Is Imperative

Stump grinding is a common practice for professional arborists. There are three main reasons to grind out a stump. 1. If a tree stump is left above ground it becomes a potential breeding ground for carpenter ants and other pests. 2. Grinding out the tree stump gives the homeowner maximum usability of their yard space. 3. Most homeowners prefer the aesthetics of their yard without unsightly tree stumps.

Hiring a professional arborist is really the only way to go when it comes to tree services. Even if the tree stump appears easy to remove, they are trained and knowledgeable about the best way to do so to keep the yard and the homeowner as safe as possible.

About Seattle Tree Care

Seattle Tree Care, located in Seattle, Washington, has been family owned and operated since 2006. With a professional tree care crew that includes ISA Certified Arborists, they give excellent customer service for the many tree related services they provide – stump grinding, tree risk assessments, tree trimming, and more. Call us at (206) 789-0534 to learn more!