Stump Grinding and Stump Removal

Over the years we have learned that clients have no idea what to expect when it comes to stump grinding and stump removal. I wanted to demystify the process so that you will have a better understanding of what takes place. Stump grinding is not part of the "tree removal" and is usually a separate process and item on the invoice.

If we are grinding a stump we take our stump grinder which looks like this:

You can see the round vertical blade in the picture. That is what grinds down the stump. We move the blade down and side to side. Typically, we grind down 10-12" below grade (the level of soil around the stump).

Once the stump has been ground it looks like this:

Yep, that is right, it is just a big pile of saw dust. Depending on the size of the stump you can leave this pile and it will settle over time. This is where the "stump grinding" process stops.

However, if you don't like the look of a pile of saw dust, we can remove some of the grindings and put soil and seed so that it will (eventually) blend in with the rest of your yard.

Sometimes if a stump is small, we can excavate it by hand and remove the entire thing.

Please also note that stump grinding does not necessarily mean root removal-- a tree's root system can be huge and it would be near impossible to remove all of the roots for most trees. However, if you are interested, some surface roots can be ground down like the stump.

I hope this helped elucidate the process of stump grinding and removal. Please feel free to contact us for any stump removal needs 301-603-1080

How to make your Yard "Green" for Spring

There are many ways you can improve your yard for spring, and incorporating a little "green" into your landscape is a great place to start.  Here are some tips and ideas on how to make your yard more eco-friendly: Fix Drainage- If you have flooding or erosion install a drainage system. Helping to disperse water prevents run-off and erosion which can damage ecosystems.  Mulch- Mulching also helps prevent run-off and erosion. In addition, it is a great natural way to help nourish and protect your trees and shrubs.  Buy in Bulk- Why waste all that packaging when bulk mulch and gravel is usually cheaper anyway. We now sell bulk items at our store in Laurel, MD.  Think Permeable- Permeable pavers and concrete are great options for hardscaping that are more environmentally friendly because they help to filter water naturally, preventing erosion and run-off.  Go Native- Use native plants, which are better adapted to your environment and thus require less maintenance, water and chemical fertilizer. If you try any of these or other tips for having a "greener" yard please let us know how it works for you!