Should you remove a tree stump yourself in Buffalo NY?

No, to put it briefly. A smaller stump grinding equipment is available for hire, but it is useless for anything bigger than an average tree stump. In addition, you’ll need to pay to have it delivered (unless you have a truck and trailer to haul it yourself), buy gasoline for it, and find out how to use it properly to avoid destroying your lawn and scattering debris everywhere. Unfortunately, shattered panes of glass are a regular result of do-it-yourself projects.

We at Stump Grinding Buffalo NY have also seen homeowners try to pull the stump out by wrapping chains around it and dragging it behind a vehicle. Unless it’s a very tiny bush, the strategy almost never succeeds. Common results include shredded tires, stumps shooting through the back windshield, or chains falling free and spinning through the air.

The best course of action for getting rid of a tree stump is to hire professional stump grinders. In most cases, it’s also less expensive and more productive.

We also offer services in other parts of Buffalo and Erie County:
Tree Service Amherst NY
Tree Service Akron NY

Is Tree Stump Removal Necessary?

…or is it better to grind a stump?

At the start, an aged tree stump may not appear to be an issue, but the more time passes, the more it can become a hindrance. Eventually, the decaying trunk can attract and harbor destructive insects such as termites or carpenter ants.

Is it Better to Grind a Stump or Remove it?

Stump removal requires a more extensive approach, which necessitates a considerable amount of effort and the utilization of powerful equipment. The benefit is that it clears the way for any new landscaping projects you may have in mind. On the other hand, stump grinding is quicker and less laborious, though it does not remove the roots.

Call us here:
716-333-7102

Stump Grinding Buffalo NY FAQs

What is a “Stump Grinder”?

Depending on the size and type, stump grinders resemble a cross between a lawnmower and a circular saw. The idea is to roll them up to the stump and use them to shred the wood.

What is the process of grinding stumps?

After a tree has been cut, the stump is ground down with a stump grinder. Stump grinders, regardless of brand, employ a similarly strong, revolving blade to tear through the timber as it spins. The teeth of the knife easily slices the stump wood into manageable chunks. To grind the wood into chips and remove the stump completely from the ground, the operator moves the blade over the whole stump.

How many variations of stump grinders exist?

Grinder types range from compact, lightweight designs for lighter work to large, powerful units for more substantial stumps and more involved logistics. Here are some examples of the many kinds of stump grinders:

• Hand-guided, walk-behind, or “handlebar” grinders are small and lightweight. Being compact enough to fit in the truck’s bed, they are the most easily transportable option.
• Rear-hitch, wheeled grinders are linked to a vehicle or trailer by the rear hitch, and then unhitched once they reach the work site.
• Riding grinders are agile and easy to maneuver, much like a bobcat or a compact tractor, and are operated by a person sitting atop the machine.
• Skid stump grinders operated from behind or above by an operator on a continuous track tread, much like a tank. There is no need to worry about conventional wheels churning up the ground or grass thanks to the continuous treads’ superior traction across larger regions.
• A stump grinder attachment allows you to use the same arms to control the attachment as you would when using the trenching or bucket tools.

Stump grinders, like other heavy machinery, serve a very specialized function.

How different is a stump grinder form a stump remover?

A stump remover, which is similar to an auger, bores down into the stump from above, cutting off the tree’s trunk wood and sustaining roots, whereas a stump grinder just grinds the stump into tiny bits.

What happens to the wood from the tree stump after grinding it?

In the course of stump grinding, several wood chips will be produced. You’ll have more than you need, but they may be recycled as mulch or thrown into the compost bin. You’ll also be left with a hole after grinding away the stump’s contents. Wood chips may be shoveled into the hole and left there to decompose, or dirt can be brought in to cover the hole and make it level with the surrounding ground.

Can I build over an area where a stump was ground out?

If you want to put a building there, a patio, or new pavement, you’ll need to think about how the tree stump will fit into the design. A tree stump will eventually rot and disappear since it is made of wood, an organic substance. This implies that it can’t be used as a solid basis, and that any foundations, footings, or other fixed components will shift over time.

There may still remain trunk and root material underground after the stump is removed, which may rot and cause structural damage. After the hole has been dug out and the stump and roots have been removed, fill it in with native soil (not potting soil from a bag) and compress it to the density needed for building.

DIY = Don’t Injury Yourself (Especially with tree removal and stump grinding)

Only qualified individuals, such as our team at Stump Grinding Buffalo NY, should use a stump grinder. As with any strong machinery, there is a great risk of harm while using this piece of machinery. Homeowners who are considering using a stump grinder themselves should be confident in their abilities before doing so.

Operators require safety gear to shield them from the machine’s loudness and any debris that could come off during operation. Sharp wood splinters and other debris include old fence posts, pipes, stones, glass, nails, and missing items that may be buried underground.

Overall, it’s not recommended to do any kind of stump removal, stump grinder or tree removal work by yourself!

Please give us a Call if you need a stump removed or need stump grinding.

Get in touch with us first. We are able to assess the issue and provide you with an approximate quote for the removal of the tree stump. In all likelihood, you will be pleasantly pleased by the low cost. It doesn’t take more than a few hours to remove a stump, even a huge one.

When we cut down a tree, we also offer to remove the stump, and while doing so, we’ll gladly explain why you should have it done properly and how useful tree-stump mulch can be for your garden.

Call now:
716-333-7102