Root and stump clearance for clean, level, and build-ready ground

The removal of a tree stump can be approached in several ways, depending on the size of the stump, its location, and the surrounding environment.

Here’s an overview of our process:

• Assessment: The first step involves assessing the stump and its surroundings. This includes checking for any underground utilities, determining the stump’s size and root spread, and deciding on the best method for removal.
• Stump grinding: which is the most common method of removal

Typically stump grinding involves the following steps:

• Preparation: The area around the stump is cleared to ensure safe and efficient grinding. Barriers will be set up to protect the surrounding areas
• Grinding: We bring in a specialised machine called a stump grinder. This features a rotating cutting wheel with sharp teeth that grinds the stump into small wood chips. The grinder gradually reduces the stump down to below ground level, typically 6 to 12 inches, depending on your landscaping plans.
• Depth adjustment: The depth of the grind can be adjusted based on whether you want to plant over the area or simply cover it with soil or grass. For deeper grinds, the stump is ground to a level that discourages any chance of regrowth.
• Site cleanup: After grinding, the remaining woodchips and debris are cleared. You can choose to keep the woodchips for mulch or have them removed by our team. The site is then left ready for replanting, turfing, or other landscaping projects.

This method is preferred because it is quick, causes minimal disruption to the surrounding area, and is effective in preventing future issues such as regrowth or root damage.

Traditional stump removal is a disruptive process. It requires excavating a large hole to accommodate the entire stump and root system, causing significant damage to your grounds. This method is labour-intensive, hazardous, and costly due to the need for heavy machinery and a larger crew.

Stump grinding offers a more efficient solution. By carefully grinding the stump below the surface, we eliminate the need for excavation. This approach is faster, safer, and more affordable as it requires fewer resources and less time.

Access requirements for a stump grinding service vary based on the size of the stump, the type of stump grinder being used, and the specific location of the stump. Here’s an overview of the general access needs:

1. Machine access: A standard stump grinding machine typically requires access ranging from 36 to 48 inches wide. This size of stump grinding machine is ideal for open areas or larger properties with wide gates and paths. Some narrow-access stump grinders are designed to fit through smaller spaces, such as garden gates and can be a narrow as 26to 29 inches wide. These grinders are suitable for residential properties with limited access, such as backyards with narrow side gates or pathways.
2. Pathway conditions: The pathway to the stump should be stable and firm enough to support the weight of the stump grinder. This typically includes grass, dirt, gravel, or concrete surfaces. Moderate slopes are usually manageable, but steep slopes or uneven terrain might require special equipment or techniques.
3. Obstacle-free access: The path to the stump should be free of obstacles such as rocks, debris, or low-hanging branches. This ensures the machine can be maneuvered safely and effectively. If the stump is located in a fenced area, the gate should be wide enough to allow the grinder to pass through. In cases where the gate is too narrow, temporary removal of a section of the fence may be considered.
4. Proximity to structures: The stump should ideally be located a safe distance from structures, utilities, and other obstacles that could be damaged during grinding. However, stump grinders can operate close to buildings, fences, or other structures with careful handling.
5. Power supply: Our stump grinding machines are self-powered, typically using diesel or gasoline engines, so no external power source is needed. However, ensuring the machine can operate without obstruction from overhanging wires or similar hazards is important.
6. Site preparation: Any stones, large debris, or items around the stump should be cleared before the grinding process begins to avoid damaging the equipment or creating safety hazards.

Gristwood & Toms will determine if any special preparations are needed and to ensure the appropriate equipment is used for the job. If access is limited or challenging, our team will provide recommendations or alternative solutions to complete the stump removal safely and efficiently.

If a stump grinder cannot be used due to constraints like limited access, proximity to structures, or underground utilities, alternative stump removal methods can be employed.

Here are some options:

1. Leveraged removal: This technique involves using a chain block system to lift the stump out of the ground. A chain is attached to the stump and secured to a sturdy anchor point, such as a nearby tree or heavy equipment. The stump is then gradually lifted out of the ground using the chain block, leveraging mechanical force. This method is ideal for larger stumps in open areas where mechanical force can be safely applied.
2. Manual removal: Manual removal involves digging around the stump to expose the roots, which are then severed with tools like axes, saws, or root cutters. The stump is then pried out of the ground using leverage from long bars or other tools. This approach is suitable for smaller stumps or when there are obstacles such as pipes, electrical lines, or other utilities that make grinding risky.

Each of these methods is carefully chosen based on the specific circumstances and site conditions. Our team at Gristwood & Toms is experienced in assessing these situations and will recommend the safest and most effective solution for your stump removal needs.

Usually after stump grinding only small roots are left which are unlikely to regrow. In cases with tree species that are known to easily produce shoots from severed roots, we can poison the stump prior to grinding. This ensures all roots will have died off before stump removal can take place.

Removing tree stumps from your property is crucial for more than just aesthetic reasons. Stumps can become breeding grounds for pests, fungi, mould, and diseases, which may lead to rot that can spread to other plants and trees, endangering your landscape. Additionally, they pose trip hazards, can damage lawn equipment, and might lead to unwanted regrowth or root issues that could affect nearby structures.

We have a Carlton tracked grinder for large stumps and a Predator RX50 stump grinder for smaller inaccessible stumps. The speed of the grinding depends on the type of wood involved as softer woods like willow can be ground faster than harder woods like oak.

Whilst the mulch from stump grinding adds valuable nutrients to the soil, the old root system may need time to decompose before planting a new sapling. The timing depends on the tree species and reason for removal. Our arborists can recommend the ideal planting spot, either directly over the old stump or a few feet away to allow new roots to establish.