If you have a tree that poses a threat to your sewer line, gas line, or other underground utility, cutting it down won’t solve the problem. Stump grinding grinds or pulverizes stumps to put an end to continued root growth. It creates flat, usable terrain and improves yard aesthetics. The following are five interesting facts about stump grinding that every homeowner should know.
1. Grinding up Stumps Could Be Part of Your Duty of Care
As a homeowner, you have the responsibility to keep your property safe. This includes identifying and eliminating trip and fall hazards like raised concrete or protruding stumps. Also known as your duty of care, these efforts prevent building residents, guests, and passersby from sustaining serious physical injuries. Stump grinding helps property owners avoid both frivolous and legitimate premises liability claims.
2. Stump Grinding Minimizes the Risk of Termite Infestations
If you leave a tree stump in your yard, it could draw termites closer to your home. Tree stumps are an excellent source of wood cellulose, which is exactly what these destructive bugs feed on. While termites might congregate on your tree stump today, this food could lead to a population boom. The next time that termites swarm and create new colonies, you’ll likely find them on your siding, eaves, and other wood-based building features.
In addition to termites, tree stumps can attract and harbor a broad range of annoying and potentially dangerous pests, including:
- Wood wasps
- Beetles
- Snakes
- Rodents
Tree stumps can also lead to a profusion of harmful fungi throughout your lawn. Stump grinding will remove potential food sources and habitats for insects and animals that you don’t want congregating near your home.
3. Protect Your Paved Areas
Without intervention, tree stump roots can continue growing for decades. This could lead to crooked or lifted pavers and cracked concrete. Like tree stumps themselves, these things are trip and fall hazards. With stump grinding, you can keep your hardscape looking and functioning optimally.
4. Stump Grinding Eliminates a Stump’s Light Source
Stump grinding doesn’t get rid of tree roots entirely. Instead, it grinds stumps down until they’re just below the top layer of soil. This eliminates the light source for a stump and puts continued root growth to an end. It also hinders the ability to regenerate.
5. Mulch From Stump Grinding Can Come in Handy
Stump grinding produces a fair amount of fresh wood mulch. You can use this to fill in low-lying areas where trees were recently removed, add a shock-absorbing layer of fill to your kids’ play area, or add it to your garden. As a top layer, mulch promotes excellent moisture retention in soil and deters weed growth.
Grinding up stumps is hard, dangerous work. Thus, this is a job best left to professionals. For top-notch stump grinding services in Vancouver, WA, contact Reyes Tree Service LLC today!
