Tree stumps are the enemy of home owners everywhere. Not only are they an eyesore on your otherwise beautiful landscaping, they cause trouble for mowers and present a tripping hazard. There’s a lot of information out there about DIY stump removal methods, but without the proper equipment or expertise they can lead to frustration at best and, at worst, cause bodily harm.
Chemical Treatments
One of the most popular DIY methods is to drill holes throughout the stump and fill them with water and potassium nitrate or other chemicals. Chemical treatment takes care of your pesky stump problem, but the process takes a few weeks. Additionally, using a long drill bit and harmful chemicals can be dangerous. Failing to contain these chemicals after application can lead to damage on other parts of your lawn and property.
“Call Before You Dig”
Stump removal is considered digging and whether using mechanical or manual stump removal equipment, all primary and secondary utilities need to be identified. For those taking the DIY route, contacting 811 “Call Before You Dig,” is the first step to take before work begins. Doing so provides underground utility locations for primary service utilities (i.e. water, sewer, gas, phone, cable, power). Secondly, all secondary utilities (i.e. invisible dog fencing, irrigation, landscaping lighting) need to be identified. These utility services are considered secondary and will not be located by the 811 contractors. Trusting a residential tree service for your stump removal means you won’t have to worry about this, as they’ll take care of it for you.
Stump Grinders
Stump grinders or cutters are a sure-fire way to remove a stump, treating the problem instantly. Commercial stump grinders can be purchased at most hardware stores but can be dangerous to operate for those without experience. When using a stump grinder, you have to follow the right preliminary steps. These include cleaning away debris and trimming the stump as close to the ground as possible using a chainsaw. The machinery itself uses powerful cutting wheels, which can damage your yard or threaten your personal safety if handled incorrectly – which is why it’s best to leave this to the professionals.
What’s Left Behind
An important factor some homeowners forget until it’s too late is post-stump removal clean up. At-home stump removals will leave your yard with a gaping hole, which is as much of a hazard to anyone walking through the area as was the original stump. Homeowners are often surprised with the mess left behind when grinding stumps at home – including piles of woodchips and torn up grass. By choosing to hire a residential tree service instead of going the DIY route, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the mess will be cleaned and your yard will be safe after the stump is removed.
Stump removal doesn’t have to be a huge headache. Avoid DIY methods, because contacting a residential tree service is the best means for taking care of a stump the right way.
Townsend Residential proudly offers stump grinding to residents of Ohio and Indiana. Our arborists use industrial stump grinders to clear this nuisance from your yard and leave the rest of your property untouched. Afterward, we fill the spot left behind to prevent injuries.
Have a stump you need removed? Contact the arborists at Townsend Residential today!
