When a tree is felled in your garden or a commercial development site, it’s easy to think that the job has been completed. However, for many property owners, the remaining stump can often be an afterthought that can quickly turn into a significant headache. Whether it’s a tripping hazard in a family garden or a structural obstacle on a construction plot, leaving a tree stump in the ground is rarely a neutral decision, although it may not always be required.
As Lancashire’s specialists in professional arboriculture, Tree Care Extraordinaire understands that stump removal is the final, essential step in land management. In this complete guide, we break down the mechanics of stump grinding, debunk common myths, and explain why removing a stubborn ‘footprint’ of a tree may be vital for the health, safety, and aesthetics of your Lancashire property.
Why You Shouldn’t Leave a Tree Stump in the Ground
Leaving a tree stump to rot away naturally is a common misconception that often results in years of frustration. From a biological perspective, a stump is not actually a dead tree in most cases, it remains a large energy storehouse that can cause many issues for your landscape. In the damp Lancashire climate, these stumps can become magnets for fungi and wood-boring pests, which can potentially spread decay to healthy surrounding trees and plants.
Beyond the ecological risks, stumps are significant obstacles for lawn maintenance and represent liability for public-facing commercial spaces in busy pedestrian areas. By choosing to ignore a stump, you aren’t just leaving a bit of wood in the dirt, you’re essentially inviting regrowth, pests, and potential liability claims into your space.
What happens if you cut a tree down and leave the stump?
The moment the main trunk of a tree is removed, the tree enters a survival mode. Without the foliage to provide energy through photosynthesis, the stump begins a slow process of either attempted regeneration or gradual decay. In many cases, the stump becomes a ‘nursery’ for opportunistic fungi. Furthermore, as the wood eventually dries and shrinks, it creates voids in the earth, leading to potential sinkholes or uneven ground that can damage lawnmowers and twist ankles at the very least.
How fast can a tree regrow from a stump?
Regrowth can be surprisingly aggressive, particularly with resilient species like Willow, Poplar, or Sycamore. You may notice ‘epicormic’ shoots, which are thin, whip-like branches which can sprout from the base or the sides of the stump within just a few weeks of the tree being felled. These shoots utilise the massive, established root system to grow at an accelerated rate, often reaching several feet in a single season. This is more than just a cosmetic nuisance; if left unmanaged, these shoots will eventually turn your neat stump into a messy, multi-stemmed bush that is far more difficult and expensive to remove later on.
Stump Grinding vs. Digging Out: Which is Better?
Choosing between grinding and manual excavation often comes down to the scale of the impact you are willing to have on your property. While digging is a traditional method, modern arboriculture has moved toward grinding because it is less invasive and far more predictable in terms of time and cost. Below we look into your options of removing a tree stump in more detail so you can gain a greater understanding of your possible requirements and best options available.
Is it better to grind or dig out a stump?
Although digging out a stump by hand might seem like a cost-effective solution, it’s rarely the better option. Digging requires a large excavation, which often leaves a giant crater that requires backfilling with imported soil. It is also physically punishing and risks damaging nearby underground services.
On the other hand, stump grinding is surgical. Our specialised machinery turns wood into mulch in minutes, all without disturbing the surround lawn. For anything larger than a small sapling, grinding is the professional choice for efficiency and minimal site impact, especially for larger commercial operations.
Is it worth it to grind a stump?
Absolutely. Besides the immediate aesthetic improvement, grinding a tree stump adds value to your property. It not only removes a maintenance hurdle, but also eliminates the risk of pest infestations, whilst clearing the way for any future project planning such as fencing, paving, or replanting,
For commercial clients throughout Lancashire, it is a core matter of risk management by removing a trip hazard for reduced liability. In addition, it is often the final part of site clearance ready for clean development without future setbacks.
The Mechanics of Stump Grinding
Stump grinding involves the use of a high-speed rotating wheel equipped with fixed carbide teeth. This wheel is moved laterally across the stump, incrementally ‘chewing’ the wood into small chips or mulch. Unlike digging, which attempts to pull the entire root ball out, grinding destroys the core of the stump from the top down, reaching several inches below the surface to ensure the tree cannot regenerate. We cover frequently asked questions regarding this process below, alongside expert guidance so you can understand further about the mechanics of stump grinding.
Can I grind a stump myself?
Although it’s possible to hire small stump grinders from local tool shops, we strongly advise against it for several reasons. Hire machines may often be underpowered and/or poorly maintained which can make the job incredibly slow and dangerous for an untrained operator.
Professional grade grinders, like those used by our team at Tree Care Extraordinaire have the torque and cutting power to handle large Lancashire hardwoods safely and deeply. When you factor in the hire cost, transport, and risk of injury, a professional service usually offers better value and a far superior finish overall.
What are the disadvantages of stump grinding?
The only real primary disadvantage to stump grinding is the production of a large amount of wood mulch, which can be surprising to some homeowners. However, this mulch is a valuable resource that can be repurposed in your garden. The only other real consideration is that grinding typically focuses on the main stump and the immediate roots, without following every single root tip to the edge of your garden, although these will naturally rot once disconnected from the main energy source correctly.
How long does it take tree roots to decompose after stump grinding?
Once the main tree stump has been ground out and the nutrient supply completely cut off, the remaining roots begin to break down. Depending on the species and the moisture levels of the soil, this process should usually take between three and seven years total. During this timeframe, the soil may settle slightly as the organic matter disappears, which is why we always recommend monitoring the area if you plan to install any heavy structures over the root path.
Root Growth and Aftercare
After a stump has been ground, the focus shifts to reclaiming the land. Because the biological engine of the tree has been destroyed, the remaining subterranean root network enters a state of permanent dormancy. Proper aftercare, such as backfilling and choosing the right species for replanting, ensures that the area returns to a healthy, usable state as quickly as possible.
Do tree roots still grow after stump grinding?
No. Once a stump has been grounded to the required depth, the tree’s core and energy hub are completely removed. Without the central stump to coordinate growth and push out new shoots, the remaining roots stop expanding immediately.
What to do with a tree stump left in the ground?
If you have a stump that hasn’t been ground out, your options are rather limited. You can either attempt to chemically kill the stump, which can take months or even years to work whilst also using toxic substances, or alternatively, you could try to turn it into a decorative garden feature. However, leaving it in situ means you must remain vigilant for pests and fungal growth. For a guaranteed, maintenance-free result that allows you to mow right over the spot, professional grinding remains the only industry-standard solution.
Professional Stump Removal in Preston
Based in Leyland whilst serving the entirety of Preston and across Lancashire, Tree Care Extraordinaire provides a specialist stump removal service that combines high-powered machinery with arborist expertise. We have carried out a wide range of stump grinding and treatments across the region, from tight-access terraced back gardeds, to large-scale commercial site clearances.
We work by assessing the site for utility lines, ensure safe containment of debris, and provide expert advice on soil health. If you would like to see examples of our latest work, you can explore our latest projects here.
