Choosing the best stump grinder when you need to get your landscape cleaned can be difficult and intimidating if you haven't done it before. Here are a few tips to help you in your search.
Incomplete stump grinding is one of the most common complaints that we hear about from customers when they hire a tree or stump grinding service. Most companies do not mention a guarantee and because they have a small machine, use a rental machine, or are trying to work too quickly they miss roots or parts of the stump. Frequently, the pile of mulch that is left behind will cover their errors and they are counting on you not moving that pile until they are long gone.
At Southern Pines Stump Grinding, we make sure the job is done. We move the pile of mulch to see everywhere the stump was to ensure that we don’t miss anything. We also make sure we understand your goals up front so that we know if you just want grass planted, pine straw laid, or want to replant a tree.
Some stump grinders leave a mess of material all around the work area, some don’t even rake the mulch into a pile. You also want to know if they use protective barriers when needed to make sure woodchips don’t hit windows, or fly all over the yard. Make sure you understand ahead of time if they will be cleaning up the area or not.
Most often, stump grinding companies leave the pile of mulch from the ground stump. At times this is sensible, it saves significant cost especially when the pile can just be spread around underneath pinestraw. However, when in the grass / lawn, are you going to be left with a giant pile of mulch? This is one of the most difficult things to deal with after a stump is ground.
Make sure you know if hauling away the material is included in the price quoted.
Make sure your stump grinding company is insured! The machines used for stump grinding can be very dangerous when not handled properly, and you don’t want to be left having to cover someone else’s mistakes.
Make sure you receive a written and accurate estimate of what the cost will be. This should include a description of what is to be done, the size and number of stumps, etc. This makes sure that everyone is on the same page for the work to be performed.
Never pay a company in full up-front, even if they offer a discount. It is all too common of a story to hear that they never showed up, or they only did half the job and were off with your money. It is reasonable for a company to expect a deposit, but never give full payment up-front.
If you’ve recently cut down a tree on your property, you may be wondering whether you can or should leave the stump in the ground. At Southern Pines Tree Service, we’ve seen our fair share of tree stumps and it’s important to know that stumps aren’t just an eyesore, they can also be a hazard and therefore should be removed. Read on to learn why this is the case and how best to handle stump removal.
While the task of removing a stump may seem daunting, there are serious downsides to leaving it in the ground.
Suckering: A stump that is still living after the tree is cut down can begin to sucker. This is where new trees begin to grow from the existing root structure which can lead to added costs to have them removed.
Fungus and Rot: Conversely from above, if the tree stump or part of it has died, you will then need to be concerned with potential problems with rot and fungus such as mushrooms. It can be both unsightly and potentially odorous when the stump and roots begin to decompose.
Property Damage: It is possible that the existing root system will continue growing after the tree is cut down. Roots are deceivingly long, reaching to other parts of your yard and even to your home which can cause structural damage to pipes, sidewalks, patios, and foundations.
Pests and Insects: A stump left in the ground will soon be home to pests and insects. Ants, termites, beetles, wood wasps, snakes, and rodents will often build nests in the stump, contributing to their growth and propagation to other parts of your yard.
Aesthetics and Space: Tree stumps can take up a lot of yard space that should otherwise be available for grass or other plants to grow. Furthermore, they do not look aesthetically pleasing and can decrease the curb appeal of your home. Instead, boost the value of your home by removing the stump and repurposing the space into a bench, garden, or open space for kids and pets to play.
Safety Hazard: Ultimately, tree stumps left in the ground are safety hazards to yourself, guests, children, and pets. Not only do they welcome disease, pests, and insects, but they can be a tripping hazard and cause difficulties with lawn care such as mowing and weeding.
There are several ways to rid yourself of a stump, from leaving it there to rot or using chemicals (both are not recommended) to excavating and grinding.
Rot can take years to fully break down a stump before you can plant a new tree. Plus, a rotting stump exposes you to the problems outlined in the previous section. can also be used to accelerate the degradation of the stump. This method is highly effective in killing the stump, but you are still faced with its ultimate removal; and the chemicals used are often not environmentally friendly and can be dangerous to pets and children.
Excavating can be done by hand, using a mechanical excavator, or pulled by a winch. These ways can remove a majority of the stump but require skill, strength, the help of others, and ultimately doesn’t usually take care of many roots. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can also cause significant damage to your property, waterlines, or even yourself!
This leaves you with stump grinding which is the preferred method by most people who are seeking to remove a stump from their yard. Stump grinding involves mechanically grinding out the main root plate, leaving fine sawdust. Although stump grinding is difficult and often requires hiring professionals, it is the least invasive, safest, and most efficient method by far. As an additional benefit, the leftover wood chippings can be reused as mulch in your garden!
Tree stumps can be removed at any time after a tree is cut down. It can always be removed, even if left for a while, but professionals recommend removing it as soon as possible to avoid the problems associated with leaving it in the ground.
Tree stump removal is a common problem many people face, and it often leads to difficulties down the line. There are a lot of ways to handle removal, but you’ll have peace of mind leaving it to the experts at Southern Pines Stump Grinding. We are the best choice for all your stump removal needs; contact us today for a free quote!
Are you dealing with unsightly, hazardous stumps in your yard from downed trees or past tree removal? Welcome to Southern Pines Tree Service, a local business that turns your tree & stump problems into a thing of the past. With a blend of deep-rooted passion, state-of-the-art equipment, and unparalleled expertise, we are, hands down, the best choice for all your tree service & stump grinding needs in southern Pines, Pinehurst, Aberdeen, and the surrounding Moore County communities.
We understand that you have a choice when it comes to who you do business with, so, why should you choose Southern Pines Stump Grinding over others? Here are just a few of the reasons why we think you should choose us.
Although our business may be new to the Southern Pines area, that doesn’t mean that we’re new to stump grinding. Our professional team has extensive knowledge and experience dealing with stumps of all sizes and species. No stump is too big or too challenging for us to handle!
We’ve heard stories about people who have tried to remove a stump by tying it to their truck, but this practice is both highly dangerous and ineffective - not to mention it can cause a great deal of harm to your yard, and your truck!
Providing a job well done is both a function of having a well-trained team as well as having the right tools. At Southen Pines, we invest in quality, professional-grade tools that enable us to grind stumps faster and safer, which ensures that you have a stump-free yard and reduces the chance for any serious injury.
Safety is paramount at Southern Pines Tree Service. With each service, we carry out a careful risk assessment to identify any potential hazards. In addition, we are fully insured, giving you added peace of mind knowing that you are protected against any unexpected incidents.
At Southern Pines, our goal is to provide exceptional customer service. We take pride in our work and treat your property as our own, ensuring that you’re completely satisfied with the job done. You can also trust us to be prompt, reliable, and always ready to answer any questions you may have about the process.
Many stump grinding services leave a lot to be desired. They come out to your property, grind up your tree stump and leave you with a mess to clean up. At Southern Pines, we choose to do things differently by offering full-service tree care and stump grinding. Standard service includes cleanup of mulch and stump material, leveling the ground, and planting seed when we are done. In essence, we “make it like it was never there” so there are no tripping hazards, no bare spots, and no large holes left behind.
Removing a tree stump is challenging work, and sometimes it’s not as clear cut as it may seem. That’s why, if you find portions of the stump left, we will come back at no extra charge to finish the job. We want you to be completely satisfied with the services we provide which is why we offer guaranteed stump & root removal while also taking extra care to ensure there is no turf damage.
Customer satisfaction is not only influenced by the types of services provided but in how they are provided. At Southern Pines Tree Service, we know that most people have a lot going on and don’t have the time to wait around. That’s why we make it a priority to offer fast and clear communication with our customers for both estimates and appointments.
Whether you have land filled with pine stumps or a single stump in your backyard, Southern Pines Tree Service can be your ultimate partner in stump management. With a reputation for superior service and customer satisfaction, we want to be your first choice for stump grinding services in the Southern Pines area. Call today to learn more or to get your free quote.
