Stump grinding is the best and most popular way to deal with an old tree stump in your garden. This type of removal method is safer, quicker, and more eco-friendly compared to other removal methods. If you are planning on removing an old stump so you can use the space to create a new garden bed or for a new landscaping project, you might feel a little concerned about what happens to the earth after clearing away the stump.
Let’s take a look at how stump removal affects the soil quality and conditions following these types of processes.
Right After Stump Removal
When stumps are removed, they are usually cut into pieces and ground a little bit below the soil surface. This means that a portion of the tree’s root ball is also damaged and removed. Because the root ball is also damaged, it leaves behind a hole in the soil. This hole is usually filled with earth to create an elevated area. The elevated area will eventually disappear as the soil settles into the hole.
The grinding process also produces a lot of wood chips. These wood chips can be kept for gardening or landscaping projects, or they can be cleared away from the garden.
Root Decomposition
With stump grinding, most of the tree’s root system remains underground. This root system decomposes naturally over the years. This is a very good process because the decaying root material releases nutrients into the soil. The tree roots can take several years to fully decompose.
While the tree roots are decomposing, they might get in the way if you are planning on digging trenches or planting a new tree. If you are concerned about the root getting in the way, then it is best to communicate this with the stump grinding company.
Professional stump removalists can dig around the tree’s root system to open up more of the root ball. After clearing away the earth, the stump grinder can be used to clear away more of the root ball. This will make enough room for your new landscaping project or will allow you to plant some new growth in place of the old tree stump.
Ground Settling
The ground will settle a bit as the tree’s root system decays. With most trees, the settling is minimal. You might notice the soil settle down and flatten out with trees that used to have a robust root system. On rare occasions, the soil might even form an indentation as the roots decay.
Soil Changes
Stump grinding doesn’t have any negative impact on the soil quality. If anything, the soil will improve because the decaying root system will add lots of new nutrients to the soil. If you are replanting, then it can be very good to let the tree’s root system naturally decompose.
Re-growth
The chances of the tree re-growing after stump removal are very slim. Stump grinders are designed to chip away at the tree, and professional grinding teams will take great care to damage a portion of the tree’s root ball. This will prevent the tree from sprouting again in the future. You are only likely to notice new sprouts or regrowth if the tree leaves behind some seeds, or in the case of extremely hardy trees that naturally sprout from roots.
Stump Grinding Services in Geelong
Stump grinding is an excellent removal solution if you want the soil in your garden to stay in the best possible condition. These removal processes won’t contaminate the earth and will clear away the tree without causing any damage to your property.
If you want to get an old tree stump cleared away, then we welcome you to call Pete Stump Grinding.
Our team can be at your property before dusk and can help you clear away any type of tree trunks or stumps.