Here comes the sun. That’s what you’ll be singing when that problem tree is finally down, and the warm sunshine reaches the ground. It is at that moment when you see that the sun is shining directly on the stump left behind. What now? Dig it up? Grind it down? Make it fit into your new landscape design? Keep reading for answers provided by our tree professionals at Solar Landscaping & Tree Service.

Is tree stump removal necessary? There are many reasons that leaving the trunk alone is not the best idea. There is a chance it might regenerate and sprout in places along the edge of the stump or from the roots. You just paid to take the tree off of your property, so don’t let its descendants take up more room. It won’t be the only thing taking up space, either.

Once a tree is removed, the stump and roots system begin a slow decaying process. That stump becomes home to termites, carpenter ants, fungi and other diseases that can spread to other trees and even your home. If you removed your tree because it was diseased, that problem also exists in the stump. It could travel through the roots to other plants and trees in your yard. You can always trust Solar Landscaping & Tree Service, your Falls Church tree service experts, to diagnose, treat or remove sick trees before they become a bigger problem.

There are practical concerns to address with leaving a stump on your lot. It might become a trip hazard as grass grows around it, or you could ruin a perfectly good lawn mower if you keep running into the stump. Stumps can be a hazard, an annoying obstacle, and simply something you no longer want to look at. Don’t let an unsightly stump deter from the appearance of your home and business. Now that you’ve decided to dump the stump, do you grind it or remove it?

Stump grinding is great option for getting rid of a tree stump. A machine called a stump grinder turns your tree stump wood chips. Stump grinders are heavy and powerful machines, so DIY is discouraged. The awesome arborists at Solar- the best tree service Fairfax has ever seen- make safety a top priority. Safety gear is worn at all times including safety clothing, goggles, gloves and solid work boots. Our tree professionals clear the area of any garden tools or yard decorations. We also prepare the site by removing rocks and sticks from around the stump area to protect the machinery and people from flying debris.

There are many benefits to choosing stump grinding. It is a quicker process than removal, as the visible portion of the stump is gone within an hour or so. Because it is less labor intensive, stump grinding is usually less expensive than removal, too. There is no large hole left when the stump is gone, and all of those wood chips can either be removed from the site or can be used for fresh mulch.

Stump grinding removes the visible part of the tree, but the roots remain underground and can spread several feet from the tree’s original location. They will decay naturally with time. Don’t worry, no new trees will sprout from the roots after stump grinding is completed.

Not all stumps are good candidates for grinding. Hard to reach areas may not be accessible for the required equipment. If a stump’s location is surrounded by concrete or is too close to other valuable trees or shrubs, grinding may not be an option. Always check for hidden liabilities before grinding a tree stump because damage to foundations or underground utilities and pipes can get very expensive.

Stump removal is the best option if you are looking for a clean slate, like when clearing a lot for new construction. Complete stump removal can be completed with chemicals or by digging a large hole and removing all of the residual stump. It is more expensive than stump grinding, and it leaves a large hole where the tree once stood. Take the opportunity to use that hole and plant another tree in its place. You and your family will love seeing a new tree mature over time.

The most important conclusion to draw here is to consult the expert arborists at Solar Landscaping & Tree Service for your tree service needs. Removing or grinding a tree stump can be dangerous and difficult work. When we remove your tree, we provide all options available to you, and answer all of your questions to give you the best possible outcome. When our trucks drive away from your home or business, you will be thrilled with the work we’ve done.

At Solar Landscaping & Tree Service, we know you have a choice when it comes to your home and landscape. We cannot wait to show you what we can do for your small job or large project. Contact us today for a free quote at 703-530-8660.