Stump Grinding & Removal Lafayette LA

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Lafayette stump grinding & stump removal are some of our most asked for services. Whether you’re clearing land and need several stumps removed, or you just need one or two removed, Lafayette Tree Co can help. Often dead or declining trees are cut down to prevent safety hazards, but the stumps are left behind. Stumps, especially large ones, can be an eyesore, make it difficult to mow your lawn, and can even bring down the value of your property. Removing those unsightly stumps is a great way to smooth out your landscape and to make room for new vegetation and planting opportunities. However, the removal can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. The size, type, and age of the stump can affect the removal process and the equipment necessary to complete the job. Read on to find out more about the Lafayette stump grinding and removal process and why it’s best left to the professionals.

Stump Removal & Stump Grinding Lafayette

There are several options when it comes to removing a stump. The stump can either be dug out, ground up, burned, or chemically removed. Each method has its pros and cons. Below you’ll find a description of each method.

Digging Out The Stump

Digging out the stump is the most intrusive and labor-intensive option. The removal process involves digging down and around the stump to expose the roots. Once the roots are exposed, they are then cut into pieces using lopper shears or root saws depending on the thickness. This process continues until all the roots can be pulled out, all the way to the tips. Once the majority (or ideally all) of the roots have been pulled out, the stump can easily be removed. The ease of this process depends on the maturity of the tree when it was removed. Young or small tree stumps can be removed in as little as a few hours, while mature trees with deep root systems can take several days. After removing the stump, a large hole is left behind. To finish the job, the hole is filled back up with loam, sawdust, or sod, and the debris is hauled away. The main benefit of this method is that by completely removing the roots, it leaves the possibility of planting another tree or other types of vegetation in the same place.

STUMP GRINDER AT WORK

STUMP REMOVAL MACHIeE

Grinding Up The Stump

Grinding the stump is a much quicker and less intrusive method than digging out the stump. A grinding machine is used to grind up the stump into small woodchips. The stump can be shredded to the level of the soil and sometimes a little below. Although this method is much more efficient, it does leave the roots behind. Depending on the maturity of the tree when it was cut down, the roots can extend out up to 12 feet below ground. Once the stump is removed, the roots will naturally decay, but it can take up to 10 years for the roots to fully break down. The major downside of this method is that it is difficult to plant a new tree or other vegetation on the site because of the remaining root system of the old tree.

Burning The Stump

Burning the stump is also possible depending on the county and state regulations on open fires. The process usually takes several hours and requires constant attention and additional wood to feed the fire on top of the stump. Once the stump has burned to the ground level, the ash is removed, and the hole is refilled with loam, sawdust, or soil. The downsides of this method are the obvious, the smoke and ash created in the removal process and the root system that is left behind. It is difficult to replant on the site because of the old roots.

Chemically Removing the Stump

Chemical removal can only take place if the stump is older (at least up to a year old). Younger tree stumps are not dry enough. To chemically remove the stump, holes are drilled into the top of the stump in evenly spaced intervals. Powdered potassium nitrate is then poured into the holes and covered with water. This chemical speeds up the decomposition rate of the stump. In about 4-6 weeks the stump softens up enough to be cut up into pieces and taken away. Once the stump itself is removed, the roots can then be soaked with a burning agent (takes approximately 1-2 weeks and burned out. The downsides of this method is the duration (about 2 months) and the danger involved. The chemicals can be dangerous if ingested by children and animals, and the burning process requires constant vigilance and great care.

Lafayette’s Stump Grinding Experts

For most people, hiring stump removal experts like Tree Services Lafayette is the best course of action. Especially if we just cut down your tree, taking the stump as well is the easiest course of action. Our state-of-the-art equipment, years of experience, and expertise make stump removal a much simpler task than trying to do it yourself. We can quickly and efficiently remove those problematic stumps, regardless of size. We’ll make sure to refill the hole left behind and even plant a new tree in its place if desired. Our state licensed, eco-friendly, and ICA certified arborists will help you make the best decision for your property. Give us a call for a free consultation today!