Stump grinding is dangerous work. Stump grinders have sharp, powerful blades that pulverize wood and frequently kick up rocks and other debris. However, the mechanics behind stump grinding are fairly simple. By passing grinders over stumps, stump removal companies create smooth, flat terrain and free up usable space. When it comes to the science behind stump grinding, it’s important to consider tree stumps themselves. If left intact, tree stumps can be just as problematic as living trees, if not more so.

Tree Stumps Can Maintain Healthy Roots for Decades

After cutting down a troublesome tree, you might consider your tree problems fully resolved. However, the stump of any tree that poses a threat to your sewer line, gas line, or other underground utilities remains a threat. Tree stumps can retain active and fast-growing root systems for years or even decades after trees are cut down.

Stump Grinding Blocks Light Access

Professional stump grinding doesn’t grind up all tree roots. Instead, it grinds stumps down until they’re level with the earth. In fact, you may even have a shallow pit where a stump once was when stump grinding is complete. If you do, you can simply fill this pit in with the resulting mulch. Grinding stumps down and then covering them with mulch or new soil blocks their access to light. Although underground roots continue to exist, they’ll stop growing and eventually die off.

Stump Grinding Eliminates a Potential Habitat and Food Source

Grinding a stump also eliminates a viable source of wood cellulose for local termites. This will lower your risk of having these bugs congregate around or on your home. Given that stumps can also house rats, snakes, and other vermin, stump grinding is a great way to keep unwanted critters off your property.

You Can Protect Your Other Trees With Stump Grinding

Stumps with active root systems are in poor condition. They’ll never fully recover from the shock of being cut down, but this doesn’t mean that they lack self-preservation. Root systems from tree stumps can leach nutrients and moisture from the soil and deprive other greenery in your yard. Grinding your stumps will leave you with hearty foliage and healthier trees overall.

Protect Your Garden’s Root System

Tree stumps are also prone to parasite infestation, rot, and other diseases. Tree stumps frequently attract parasitic honey fungus. This fungus can undermine your entire garden’s root system and make it difficult to grow anything new or maintain your existing plants. This is yet another reason why getting rid of old, decaying tree stumps with stump grinding could be the best decision for your yard.

Stump grinding is a simple solution to unwanted tree stumps that both solves and prevents a host of complex problems. To schedule professional stump grinding service in Fresno, CA, contact Castellanos Tree Services now.