Are you thinking about removing a tree? Great, now’s the time to consider what happens to roots after stump grinding. In this post, Arborist Abroad, your expert tree services in East Lake, FL, explains what to expect.
Stump Grinding
Stump grinding is the more common approach. It takes care of any visible remains of your tree. One of the things to know about stump grinding is that it doesn’t really affect the roots. You cut up the trunk several inches below ground level, but the rest stays in place until root decay begins.
Depending on the species, the tree might sprout again.
Stump Removal
This more involved and expensive process gets rid of everything. It’s fairly manageable for small trees, but you’ll need an excavator for large, mature plants. It also leaves a sizable hole that needs backfilling and grading. We recommend leaving this one to the pros, especially if it might affect nearby structures or underground utilities.
Why Remove a Stump?
So, what’s the big deal with leaving the stump there? It doesn’t seem like an issue until you’ve got this hunk of wood sticking out. You can’t easily mow around it and might even damage your mower.
And let’s face it, it’s not attractive or safe. People might fall over it, and it’s likely to attract pests. Termites, carpenter ants, and beetles gravitate toward rotting wood. Once they settle in, they don’t always stay put. Nearby trees and even parts of your home can become targets.
The decomposition process takes a long time, so it looks like a blemish on your landscape. Stumps can also spark unwanted regrowth. Certain species respond to being cut down by sending up new shoots from the remaining roots. Those shoots compete with nearby plants for nutrients and water, and they’re often tougher to eliminate the second time around.
Space is another factor when considering what happens to roots after stump grinding. A large stump takes up usable square footage. Once removed, that area opens up for grass, a garden bed, or even a patio feature.
What Happens to the Tree Roots Afterward?
After grinding, the root system remains underground. In many cases, that’s not a problem. What happens to roots after stump grinding? They slowly decompose and return soil nutrients. This will take some time, though.
As they break down, the ground may settle slightly. If a shallow depression forms, you can fill it with topsoil or compost, level it, and reseed.
Regrowth depends largely on the tree species. Some trees don’t attempt a comeback. Others are persistent. The following are known for their aggressive root systems:
- Maples
- Poplars
- Crepe myrtles
- Oaks
- Elms
- Willows
- Chinese pistache trees
Even after stump grinding, they can send up shoots if conditions are right.
Soil plays a role as well. Rich, fertile soil encourages sprouting. Mature trees with established root systems have a stronger chance of pushing out new growth compared to younger trees.
In situations where roots threaten plumbing or nearby foundations, full removal may be the safer route.
Which Option Is Better for You?
Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a simple equation you could do to get the right answer every time? That’s not how life works. You’ll need to carefully weigh up the pros and cons of each solution. Calling in an arborist can make this difficult decision a lot easier and give you access to the expertise you need to do the job properly.
Call Our Team for Expert Advice
Now that you know what happens to roots after stump grinding, do you want to know anything else, like the time required to grind a tree stump? Call Arborist Abroad at 813-920-4410 for the right advice.
