Stump Grinding vs Removal: What’s Best in Winston-Salem?

So, you finally want to deal with that old tree stump in your yard? Tired of looking at the rotting wood, or watching your kids trip over it as they play? Whether a tree fell in a recent hurricane, or you never dealt with the stump after having a tree removed, it might be time to finally tackle this project.

Luckily, taking care of stumps isn’t that difficult, especially when you work with a professional tree care provider. But many tree care companies offer two ways to deal with a stump – stump grinding and stump removal. While they sound like interchangeable terms, they are actually two very different processes that yield very different results.

Key Takeaways:

• Stump grinding is typically more affordable and much less disruptive to your yard, making it the ideal choice for most Winston-Salem homeowners.
• Complete stump removal is more common when planning construction projects or wanting to replant a tree in the same location.
• While stump grinding leaves the root system to decompose naturally, this rarely causes issues unless you’re planning to build on that spot or dig (such as when installing a fence).
• Most homeowners go with stump grinding, but discussing plans with an arborist ensures you choose the best option for your property and goals.

How Does Stump Grinding Work?

Let’s first discuss the most common method of dealing with unwanted stumps – stump grinding.

Stump grinding is a straightforward process of mechanically shredding a tree stump and its surface root system into small wood chips. Using a powerful machine called a stump grinder, trained professionals can grind a stump down to about 4 to 6 inches below ground level.

This process yields a surprising amount of wood chips, which are generally raked up into the hole left behind by the stump. It might yield a large mound, so the excess can be disposed of with yard waste, or better yet, used as organic mulch in your yard.

While the stump and parts of the root system immediately adjacent to the stump are ground down, most of the tree’s root system remains intact, underground, to decompose naturally and feed the soil.

For the most part, grinding an entire stump can be tackled in 1-3 hours, depending on the size of your stump and its location in your yard. Once complete, you can cover the area with soil and plant grass seed immediately, though you’ll want to wait a season before installing new landscaping or hardscaping in that spot.

When Is Stump Grinding Best?

Stump grinding is often the ideal choice for Winston-Salem homeowners who want a clean, safe yard without major disruption to their existing landscape. It’s particularly well suited for properties with established yards, gardens, hardscaping, or underground utilities near the stump.

If you want to preserve your lawn, nearby trees or shrubs, or hardscapes, then stump grinding is the best option, as it only impacts the area immediately surrounding the visible stump, and has minimal (if any) impact on anything that’s more than 2 feet away from the stump.

A few scenarios when stump grinding makes more sense:

• You have limited access: Many Winston-Salem yards have tight spaces, especially in older neighborhoods. Stump grinders can fit through standard gates and maneuver in confined areas where larger equipment can’t reach.
• You need to protect surrounding plants: Grinding affects only the immediate stump area, leaving surrounding plant roots and soil structure intact. This means your nearby azaleas, dogwoods, and other landscape plants stay protected.
• You’re working with a budget: Since grinding requires less time, labor, and equipment than complete removal, it typically costs a lot less.
• You’re in a hurry: A professional tree care company with high-end equipment can usually complete the grinding process in a few hours or less, allowing you to reclaim that space in your yard right away. This makes it perfect for homeowners preparing their property for events or looking to list their home for sale

However, it’s important to understand that stump grinding leaves the tree’s extensive root system in place. While these roots will decompose over time, it can take several years for them to break down completely. This makes it difficult to replant trees or shrubs in the exact same spot, but generally isn’t an issue when planting grass.

What Is Complete Stump Removal?

Complete stump removal is a much more in-depth process for removing stumps. It involves removing both the stump and as much of the root system as possible. While this might sound simple, it’s actually an intensive process that requires heavy equipment and significant excavation of your yard.

During stump removal, professionals use specialized equipment to dig around and under the stump, exposing the major root system. Then, using various tools and machinery, they cut through the larger roots and extract both the stump and root ball from the ground. This often creates a hole several feet deep and wide.

The process requires a lot more time and equipment than grinding, which is reflected in the cost. But the end result is a complete removal of the stump and main root system, leaving you with a clean slate for whatever plans you have for that area of your yard — be it a pool, home addition, or all new landscaping.

One thing many homeowners don’t realize is that complete removal often requires bringing in additional soil to fill the hole left behind. The amount needed can be substantial, especially for larger trees that had extensive root systems.

When Is Stump Removal Best?

Stump removal is typically used more often when clearing land for new construction, pools, or other serious endeavors. It’s a much more thorough removal method, freeing up space underground, but it disrupts the surrounding landscape, too. That’s why it’s often used in conjunction with land clearing services to create a totally blank slate.

Stump removal makes sense when:

• You’re planning construction: If you’re adding a patio, deck, or home addition where the stump is located, complete removal ensures no remaining roots will interfere with the foundation or underground utilities.
• You want to replant in the same spot: When you plan to plant a new tree in or very near the old location, removing all the old roots gives the new tree the best chance at establishing a healthy root system.
• You’re dealing with invasive species: Some tree species in Winston-Salem can regrow from remaining roots. Complete removal helps prevent unwanted sprouts or suckers from popping up in your yard.

Keep in mind that complete removal will leave a significant hole in your yard that needs to be properly filled and compacted to prevent settling. This often means additional materials and labor costs beyond just the stump removal itself, and is best done by professionals to ensure safe and effective results.

What’s the Best Way to Deal with Stumps in Winston-Salem?

There are a lot of reasons to get rid of tree stumps, and your future goals play a role in which method of removal will be best. For most Winston-Salem homeowners, stump grinding is the most practical and cost-effective solution. It’s less invasive, more affordable, and still allows you to reclaim your yard space quickly.

However, if you’re planning construction, worried about foundation issues, or want to replant in the same spot, complete removal might be worth the extra investment. Just remember that removal will require more time, create more disruption to your yard, and likely cost significantly more than grinding.

The best thing to do is to have a Certified Arborist assess your situation. They can recommend the best course of action based on:

• The stump’s location relative to structures and utilities
• The type and size of the tree
• Your soil conditions and yard layout
• Your budget and timeline
• Your future plans for the space

This helps ensure you choose the most appropriate method for your needs and avoid any unexpected issues down the road.

FAQs About Stump Removal Techniques

How long does it take for ground stump roots to decompose?

The decomposition process varies depending on factors like tree species, soil conditions, and climate. In Winston-Salem’s climate, most roots will substantially decompose within 5 to 10 years. Smaller roots break down faster, while larger ones take longer.

Can I remove a stump myself?

While DIY stump removal is possible, it’s not recommended. Professional equipment and expertise ensure the job is done safely and effectively. Improper removal can damage utilities, create safety hazards, or leave you with an even bigger problem to fix.

What happens to the ground up stump material?

The wood chips produced from grinding can be left in the hole to decompose naturally, used as mulch in other parts of your yard, or hauled away. Many homeowners choose to leave some chips in the hole and remove the excess to maintain proper grade.

Get Rid of Stumps Once and for All with Help from Godspeed Tree Service

Now’s the time to finally deal with that old stump and reclaim your yard. Get rid of tripping hazards and put that space to good use by dealing with your stump now.

For safe, efficient stump grinding in Winston-Salem and the surrounding areas, contact Godspeed Tree Service at 336-399-8348 or fill out our online form to request a quote.