Once you’ve had a tree removed from your property, the tree stump (which was once its anchor into the ground) is left behind. While some folks choose to just leave a tree stump be, not only can this be unsightly and create a tripping and mowing hazard, but a leftover tree stump can start to decompose and become a host to unwanted diseases and pests.
A rotting tree stump can be an ideal place for a Carpenter Ant or Termite colony to form. The closer that may be to the house, the riskier it is for you. Carpenter Ants will forage up to 100 yards away from their colony for food—and that could mean finding their way into your home!
The best approach is to get rid of it, which can be completed with a stump grinding service in Allentown, Bethlehem, or Easton, PA.
Of course, you might have some questions about what’s involved, including the stump grinding cost. To help answer some of those queries, we’ve rounded up some helpful facts that will prepare you for what to expect.
1. Stump Grinding Cost Starts at $100 per Stump
There are a variety of different factors that impact the stump grinding cost. The minimum that you can expect to pay starts at $100 per stump but it can really vary from that starting point.
Location, accessibility, soil type, and stump diameter can all impact the cost of stump grinding. If it takes a lot of time to grind the stump due to the topology of the area, the age of the tree, or the root system, the cost can easily rise to $500 or more.
2. Stump Grinding is Separate from Tree Removal
Stump grinding is a separate service from tree removal and utilizes different equipment. As you might have guessed, a piece of equipment called a “stump grinder” is used for this service. This power tool removes the tree stump with a rotating cutting disc that chips away the wood. We typically grind to a minimum of 6 inches below grade.
At Joshua Tree, we typically remove the tree one day and then return to do the stump grinding. This may be the next day or could take up to several days, depending upon the weather. We typically schedule this service at the time that the tree is being removed in order to create a seamless experience for you.
If you’re looking to just have the stump ground, Joshua Tree will handle this service. If you’re looking to completely regrade, then we partner with a landscaper to help coordinate that effort for you.
3. Stump Grinding is Best Left to the Professionals
Although you may be able to rent stump grinding equipment yourself, it’s important that we point out this is not a wise DIY task to take on. Here are some reasons why you should absolutely leave this work to a pro.
It’s Harder Work Than You May Think
Even with a tool as powerful as a stump grinder, this is not an easy job. It can be quite laborious to handle the equipment and more taxing on your body than you might have imagined.
You could also make a mistake in the way it's performed, which could impact you in a negative way later. For instance, if you want to plant another tree in that spot, the stump and roots really need to be ground out. You don't want decaying wood in the soil next to healthy wood as that's bad news for a new tree. It's also hard to dig a hole 3 ft. round and 2 ft. deep to get a new tree in if you didn't grind it out properly and you're hitting roots. It’s so important that this service is performed correctly by a professional.
It’s Dangerous
There’s also a significant danger factor. The equipment itself is dangerous but so are the flying pieces of debris that are created in the process. It’s also important to recognize that using a professional means that the utility lines will all be marked. This could be a big inconvenience or even a hazard if you tackle DIY stump grinding. The last thing that you want is to accidentally hit a utility line.
It Can Be Complicated
Removing a stump is also more complicated than it may seem in terms of knowing how and where to make the cuts in order to effectively grind the stump down to ground level. The last thing that you want to do is spend your Saturday grinding a stump and ultimately leaving a mess. When you grind a stump, it leaves behind an enormous pile of debris when done properly. But a lot of homeowners who tackle stump grinding on their own are surprised that they missed sections of roots or even parts of the stump itself.
In the end, when you factor in the cost of renting equipment and the risk that you’re taking on by doing it yourself, it makes a lot more sense to just hire a professional who knows exactly what they’re doing. It will remove the risk and also ensure you’re getting the job performed correctly.
Finding a Stump Grinding Service in Allentown, Bethlehem, or Easton, PA
The truth is, between tree removal and stump grinding, the tree removal process is a lot more complicated. Considering how complex and dangerous tree removal can be, it’s really important that you find a company that is highly qualified for the work.
Companies that offer tree removal often offer stump grinding, as well. At Joshua Tree we can take care of both your tree removal and your stump grinding needs.
Of course, we can also take care of an existing stump. If you’ve already had a tree removed or perhaps moved into a home that has a tree stump that was left in the yard, we offer stump grinding as a stand-alone service as well.
Whether you have an entire tree that needs to be removed or just a lingering stump that’s creating a nuisance, we’re here to meet your needs and answer any additional questions that you may have.
If you’re interested in stump grinding services for your Allentown, Bethlehem, or Easton, PA home, contact us for a free consultation or give us a call at 610-365-2200.
Image sources: tree stump, stump grinder
