Though it’s a bit of hard work, proper stump grinding is an efficient way to remove stumps from your property. Stumps are not only unsightly, but they’re trip and fall hazards and attract pests and diseases as they decay. However, it’s imperative that the stump be ground out the right way. Here are some reasons a stump grinder might be used incorrectly and what the consequences could be.
The Wrong Technique
Even if the stump grinder is powerful enough to take out a stump, it’s important that it be used properly. This often means that the operator doesn’t use the equipment at the right depth. Even before the operation begins, it’s important to clear the area of debris such as rocks and twigs. This debris can get caught in the teeth of the grinder, which can damage it. Debris can also be spat out all over the yard. This requires cleanup, which adds to the time and expense of the project. Not only this, but if you leave debris where it lands, it can damage or suffocate the plants you want to keep and even alter the pH of the soil.
Safety Isn’t Considered
A stump grinder is a dangerous piece of equipment, and a layperson may not take the proper safety precautions to protect themselves and the yard. Professionals know to wear safety equipment such as goggles, heavy-duty boots and work gloves to protect themselves. They are also careful to avoid underground cables and pipes. This is why a professional arborist calls the customer’s utility company to find out where these lines are and carefully mark them before starting work. Cutting a gas line, for example, is extremely dangerous.
The Power of the Grinder Isn’t Taken Into Account
A stump grinder is made to chew through a stump, but if it’s mishandled, it can also chew through areas of your yard you don’t want touched. This can include your lawn, your hedges, your flower beds and even your shrubs and trees. A heavy machine left in place can compact the soil and render it barren until it’s amended. The very vibrations from the machine as it works can jostle underground lines, sometimes to the point where they’re damaged.
Improper Depth
The stump grinder also needs to be used at the right depth. If the operator’s use of the grinder is too shallow, it can leave roots behind that can resprout. If it’s too deep, it can damage the soil itself.
Correct stump grinding can remove an ugly and potentially dangerous stump from your yard, but it needs to be done professionally. If you need stump removal services in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, don’t hesitate to call our professional arborists at Beyond the Leaf.
