Why You Might Need Stump Grinding After Tree Removal in Denver


If you’ve ever had a large tree removed piece by piece, you know what is left behind: a sturdy stump and root system that once supported the tree and which now is something you need to make a decision about. Should you just leave it? Should you remove it when the rest of the tree is removed? Another option for Denver homeowners looking at tree stump removal is to grind it.

Removing the Tree Stump Is Usually the Best Route

Although an old tree stump might be just fine at first, it can become an annoyance. Old stumps can become tripping hazards, and it can be a hassle to mow your lawn around it. The stump and large roots could also damage your mower.

Stumps that are separated from the rest of the tree eventually start to decay, making it an inviting home for pests. These critters can spread to other plants and trees in your yard—and possibly even into the structures on your property. 

A rotting tree trunk in your yard is not very attractive from an aesthetic standpoint either.  In addition, if you want to plant a new tree in the old spot, you’ll need to remove the stump first.

Grinding the Stump Versus Removing It

Both routes are effective, and whichever you decide is best will depend on your landscaping plans for the future. 

Digging out the stump is a more intrusive process than grinding. The process involves heaving up a bulky tree stump, then digging out the roots that—in an old tree—will have spread throughout the yard. This takes a while to accomplish, and you’ll need a lot of muscle and tools to get the job done. The good news is that you have total removal of the stump, leaving you a fresh slate for your future landscaping plans. The bad news is that you’ll have a pretty large hole in your yard until you fill it in.

Stump grinding, on the other hand, is a much less intrusive procedure that will not tear apart your landscaping. The process involves a machine that completely shreds the stump down into small wood chips. It’s efficient and much quicker than digging out the tree stump. But you’ll need to keep in mind that the roots will still remain. If the tree stump was quite large, you might be left with quite a pile of wood chips, but you can often repurpose those as mulch in other parts of your yard.

The remaining tree roots, which could extend several feet beyond the stump once, will decay over time. This is a slow process that can take 10 years or more for the roots to completely break down. 

Contact Root Tree Service in Denver to Find Out More

If you are planning to remove a large tree in your yard, and you are not sure what to do about the stump that is left behind, we welcome your call to Root Tree Service. Our business is family-owned and -operated, and we take pride in our work. Contact us today to talk about your stump grinding and other tree needs in Denver.
Go Back