Whenever a tree is cut down, expect that there would be tree stump left. The next question now is, what shall be done with the stump? As you opt to hire a tree removal company to get rid of the tree, the contract you sign will very seldom include stump removal. If there’s no way that you can’t incorporate it into an existing landscape, you will need to chip it away until it’s leveled with the ground. You have to do this by making use of a stump grinder.
For this one, you can actually just lease the equipment. However, it would cost you roughly 100 to 150 dollars per day. On the other hand, if you don’t want to bother yourself in clearing the stump, you can simply hire a landscaper. But of course, expect them to charge you a certain amount of money for the service that’ll be rendered.
The stump grinder that you have to use is basically a power tool that’s attached to rotating cutting disk that’ll be grinding the tree stump into small chips. This process is otherwise referred to as stump grinding. The next thing that people often ask is, what shall be done with all the small pieces of the stump after the process?
Number 1: Compost
As a matter of fact, you can turn the stump into a compost. By doing so, you will be able to make use of it as organic fertilizer. What you actually need here is a plastic container or, you can also use a drum to stack the compost along with organic waste. Stir it regularly for the stump grindings to decompose quickly. You have to decompose them for 3 to 4 months before it can be used as a fertilizer.
Number 2: Mulch
Before you could make use of stump shavings for mulching, see to it first that the tree is free from any sort of disease. By the time when you are confident that it is, then that is the only time when you can make use of the shavings to turn it into mulch. Spread the wood chips over the soil for at least an inch. Now, in order for you to get optimal results that you were expecting from it, it will be highly recommended to consider adding stump grindings to the flowerbeds and then, rake it into the soil. This is going to give them enough time to decompose and also, increase the soil’s nutrients.
Now, if ever the stump grindings are from pine trees, then you have to be careful about how much you will be using because it could increase the soil’s acidity where it’s been used as mulch. Keep in mind, having a high level of acidity in the soil would make it difficult for a plant to grow, regardless of what type of plant it is.
Better work with the professionals as well so they can teach you proper ways to handle stumps after doing tree removal. After all, they have vast experience working with such so you are sure to get a lot of tips.