Is it better to remove stumps or grind them?
Is it better to remove stumps or grind them?
When you cut down a tree, the roots remain in the ground. If you leave those roots there, they’ll continue growing and cause problems for other plants or your lawn in the future. If you don’t remove the stump properly, it can also be dangerous for you or anyone using that area of your property. Thankfully, there are several ways to get rid of those pesky stumps that won’t cost you too much time or money. You have two main options: You can either remove the stump manually or grind it. The best way to go depends on a variety of factors. Read on to learn more about both methods and when each is most suitable for removing stumps.
Manual stump removal
Manual stump removal is the most basic way to get rid of those pesky stumps in your yard. It involves sawing off the top of the stump and then digging out the roots below ground. When you cut off the top of the stump, it won’t be able to take in as much water or nutrients, so it’ll die off more quickly. You can then dig out the stump’s roots with a shovel and be finished. When choosing a saw to cut the stump, it’s best to go with a manual, pruning-type saw that can cut all the way through the stump. Using an electric saw will be much more trouble than it’s worth, as it’ll take a lot longer to go through the stump and be very messy. Manual stump removal is best for stumps smaller than 6 inches in diameter. While it can also be used on bigger stumps, it’s a very labor-intensive and tiring process.
Grinding stumps
Grinding stumps can be a much quicker and easier way to remove them. While manual stump removal is done with a saw, grinding stumps will use a lawn mower-like device to remove them. When choosing a stump grinder, keep in mind that it’ll need to be able to cut through the wood of the stump. You should also make sure it is powerful enough to go through the stump quickly. Finally, you should make sure it is easy to use so you don’t injure yourself while using it. These machines work by spinning a sharp blade that literally cuts the wood in the stump into pieces. The pieces are then broken down and turned into wood chips. The wood chips can then be easily removed from the soil or left where they fall.
Benefits of manual stump removal
- Doesn’t cause damage to other plants or the soil - When you grind a stump, the ground around it can become damaged and lose some of its nutrients. - Cheap - Manual stump removal is a much cheaper alternative to using a stump grinder. - Quicker - Manual stump removal is a quicker job than grinding stumps.
Drawbacks of manual stump removal
- Harder to do - Manual stump removal can be very hard work, especially if the stump is larger than 6 inches in diameter. - Requires a lot of effort - It can be exhausting to remove a stump manually. - Risk of injury - Using a manual saw can cause you to accidentally cut yourself.
Benefits of grinding stumps
- Doesn’t cause damage to other plants or the soil - The ground is left unharmed and won’t lose as many nutrients as it would if you dug out the stump. - Quicker - Grinding stumps is much quicker than removing them manually. - Won’t risk injuring yourself - You’re unlikely to accidentally cut yourself while grinding stumps.
Drawbacks of grinding stumps
- Can damage your equipment - Grinding a stump can quickly damage your lawn mower if it’s not powerful enough.
Conclusion
Removing stumps manually can be a very time-consuming and hard process. You may also risk injuring yourself and damaging your lawn mower if you go this route. - On the other hand, grinding stumps is significantly quicker and easier. However, you may risk damaging your lawn mower and it may also damage the soil around the stump. Ultimately, the best way to deal with stumps is to cut them off at ground level when you’re removing a tree. If you don’t, they’ll just grow back more quickly and be more difficult to remove next time.









