There are an exponential amount of trees in the US when compared to people: there are 300 billion trees in the US, as of 2018. 

But like all living things, trees must die, and when they do, they leave behind a stump where their trunk usually sat. 

A stump that is located in the middle of your yard is a huge annoyance. It makes mowing your lawn difficult, can become a breeding ground for pests, and can even be a safety hazard - especially for homeowners with small children.  All of this is on top of the fact that it looks rather unpleasant just sitting there and rotting away slowly. 

Stump removal and stump grinding are two of the most common ways that you can deal with a dead tree stump in your yard. While both seek to prevent a stump from causing problems, they do so in different ways.

Knowing the pros and cons of both stump removal and stump grinding can help you make an informed decision about which you should choose. 

Pros of Stump Removal

Stump removal is when a digger and other tools are used to completely dig up and remove the tree stump, as well as any and all roots which are attached to it - no matter how far away from the stump they stretch. This is the most complete way of removing a stump from your yard, as leaving roots in the ground can lead to new growths occurring later on. 

This is the only permanent way to make sure that a tree does not grow again nearby. It also restores soil stability, which is important if you are thinking about building anything over where the stump currently sits. This includes structures, but also hardscaping installations like walkways or driveways, which could sit unevenly and eventually crack because of the stump underneath. 

You should also note that complete stump removal is the only way to plant a new tree in the same area. Otherwise, the remaining root network could strangle the roots of any new trees that you plant.

Cons of Stump Removal

The largest downside of stump removal is its price. Since a ton of equipment may be required, especially for larger stumps, it can take a while until the stump is completely removed. This makes the equipment and labor costs skyrocket, with larger stumps increasing in price. 

Further, you should keep in mind that since you will likely need to use heavy machinery to completely remove a stump, your nearby grass and yard will likely be damaged or torn up. This can increase the price tag, as you'll have to have the area repaired afterward. Additionally, the added weight of a digger could potentially cause damage to nearby pavement, like your driveway, if you're not careful. 

Pros of Stump Grinding

Stump grinding consists of physically grinding the stump down, usually about six inches below soil level. Any roots which have broken the surface of your yard are also ground down. The stump and roots are then buried in soil, and the grass is able to grow on top of them.

The major benefit of stump grinding is its speed. It takes much less time to grind a stump than it does to remove it. This speed also helps keep labor costs low, which makes stump grinding the more affordable option when compared to stump removal. In fact, for smaller stumps, you may be able to complete the job in under an hour.

Stump grinding will also leave wood chips behind in the form of mulch in the hole over the stump. These chips will degrade over time and leech nutrients into the soil, which can benefit surrounding plants and grass. Eventually, you can just bury the stump, and there is less effort that goes into redesigning your landscape compared to repairing the damage from a full stump removal. 

Cons of Stump Grinding

As already mentioned, stump grinding will restore the appearance of your yard. However, the stability of the soil will be undermined, reducing your ability to install things on top of the stump. 

Further, even after you've ground a stump down, it can eventually regrow. In fact, it can actually cause the stump to split into several smaller trunks, each of which will grow to be less strong than the original. If left alone, this can lead to a serious safety hazard, as each tree trunk will be more prone to breaking and falling. 

The process that it takes a tree stump to regrow is quite long - so you may not see new sprouts for years before they become a real problem for your yard. 

Stump Grinding Works Best Most of the Time

While stump removal is the best way to make sure that no errant roots are able to grow into new shoots, most of the time you'll be able to get by with stump grinding. That's because stump grinding allows you to begin designing your landscape design quickly, and comes in at a lower price point. There's also less risk of damage to the rest of your yard. 

Of course, if you want that stump gone and a pathway over top of it, you'll have to opt for the more intrusive removal process. It's the only way to get a completely blank slate in your yard to work with. 

If you're in the Northern Virginia area, feel free to contact us to schedule a free estimate for stump removal or grinding.