So, you’ve had a tree cut down. Now there’s just a big old stump sitting in the middle of your yard. You know it’s got to go, but should you go with tree stump grinding or full stump removal?
Both options will get that stump out of your life, but they work in different ways. Each has pros and cons, depending on what you want to do with your space and how much digging you’re willing to deal with.
What is tree stump grinding?
Tree stump grinding is the process of using a machine to grind the stump down into small wood chips. The machine chews through the wood, turning the stump into mulch, usually going 10-30 cm below the ground surface.
The rest of the roots? They’re left in the ground. Over time, they break down naturally. Most people cover the area with soil, grass, or mulch, and you can barely tell a tree was ever there.
What is stump removal?
Stump removal goes further. It means pulling out the entire stump and the main roots attached to it. This usually needs heavy machinery, especially for big stumps. It leaves a bigger hole in the ground, but the stump is gone completely.
Pros of tree stump grinding
Let’s start with the easier and more popular option: tree stump grinding.
1. Faster and easier
Tree stump grinding is much quicker than digging a whole stump out of the ground. Most jobs take about an hour or two. No massive holes to fill, no digging up half your yard.
2. Cheaper
Because it’s quicker and needs less heavy lifting, tree stump grinding is usually more affordable than full removal. It also means less mess.
3. Great for lawns and gardens
After tree stump grinding, you can plant grass or lay fresh soil right over the spot. The mulch left behind is good for your garden too.
4. Less damage to your yard
There’s no digging around or pulling up roots. This means less risk of damaging pipes, fences, or other nearby trees.
Cons of tree stump grinding
Of course, tree stump grinding isn’t perfect.
1. Roots stay in the ground
The main roots are still there. They’ll slowly rot over time, which is fine for most people, but if you plan to plant something big in that spot, it might not work.
2. Possible regrowth
Some trees are stubborn. Even after tree stump grinding, you might get little shoots coming up from the roots. It’s rare, but it happens, especially with fast-growing species.
Pros of full stump removal
Sometimes, pulling the whole thing out is the better option.
1. Everything is gone
No roots. No chance of the tree coming back. Nothing under the soil to cause problems later.
2. Better for new construction
If you want to build on that spot, maybe a shed, driveway, or a deck, you don’t want roots in the way. Removal clears everything so you can start fresh.
3. Stops pests
Old stumps can attract termites, ants, and fungi. Removal gets rid of the whole lot.
Cons of stump removal
It’s not always the right choice.
1. It’s a big job
Stump removal is tough work. It often needs an excavator or special tools. The roots can run deep and wide, so it’s not something you want to DIY.
2. More expensive
Because it takes more time and gear, full removal usually costs more than tree stump grinding.
3. Leaves a big hole
Once the stump is out, you’ve got a hole to deal with. You’ll need to fill it in with soil or mulch, and it can take a while to settle.
So which one should you pick?
Let’s make it even simpler.
Choose tree stump grinding if:
You want the stump gone quickly
You don’t plan to build right over the area
You want a more affordable option
You’re okay with roots staying underground
Go for stump removal if:
You’re planting a tree or building something in that spot
You’ve had pest problems like termites
You want the whole thing, roots and all, completely gone
Still not sure? Oztreelo can help
At Oztreelo, we’ve been doing tree stump grinding across Brisbane since 2014. Whether the stump is big or small, in a tight spot or wide open yard, we’ve seen it all.
Sometimes we recommend tree stump grinding, other times removal is the better call. We’re happy to take a look, give advice, and sort it out without making things harder than they need to be.
We also offer root grinding, which is handy if those surface roots are causing trouble too.
A quick tip: don’t leave stumps too long
No matter which option you go with, don’t let that stump sit there for years. Over time, it can attract pests, spread disease to other plants, or become a hazard.
Tree stump grinding is a great way to clean up your space and stop all that before it starts.
At the end of the day, both tree stump grinding and stump removal will get rid of that unwanted stump. It just depends on how deep you want to go and what your plans are.
If you want a fast, clean, and budget-friendly option, tree stump grinding is usually the way to go.
Need help deciding? Call Oztreelo, we’ve been helping Brisbane locals with tree stump grinding and tree care for over a decade.