How To Mitigate The 3 Main Concerns Of Stump Grinding

The best thing to do with an old tree stump is to have it ground out and removed. There are some risks when it comes to stump grinding, but fortunately, they can be mitigated with some basic skills and knowledge.

1. Lawn Damages

One of the more concerning risks for many homeowners is that of damage to the lawn. Fortunately, this is a simple risk to mitigate because lawn recovery after stump removal is fairly straightforward. First, make sure that the lawn is dry before stump removal day, which can be done by turning off the sprinklers for a day or two prior to your appointment. This way the grinding equipment won't leave ruts in the wet ground.

Second, you can request that some of the sawdust from grinding be left on site after the stump removal. Mixing the sawdust with topsoil or compost to fill the stump hole provides a nutritious soil blend for growing new sod or grass seed quickly once the stump is removed.

2. Underground Line Risk

A variety of underground lines can be present beneath an old tree stump. Water and sewer lines are most common, followed by gas lines, and then electrical lines. You don't want to break or move any of these lines during a stump removal. The good news is that removing a tree and stump growing to near underground lines cuts down on the chances of the roots disturbing the lines in the future. 

To avoid damage during stump grinding, call in the utilities company to mark the location of any utility lines in your yard, particularly those near the stump. Also, use lawn flags to mark the location of sprinkler heads and irrigation lines near the stump. By knowing the location of potentially problematic lines, your stump service can take the necessary steps to avoid damaging them.

3. Injuries and Hazards

The equipment used to grind stumps can cause injuries. A stump grinder consists of grinding wheels that are lowered onto a stump, where they make short work of grinding the wood down to wood chips and sawdust. Errors in operation or a failure to follow safety protocol can lead to severe injuries when using the equipment.

For this reason, it is best to bring in a professional service to grind down the stump. They can assess the stump for any hazards that would cause the grinder to kick back dangerously. They also have the necessary safety equipment to protect against the rotating grinders and the flying debris. 

Contact a residential tree stump grinding service if you have more concerns or if you have a stump to remove.  

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