So, you’ve had a tree taken down. The yard’s a mess, but the real job isn’t over yet; you’ve still got that stubborn stump to deal with. Leave it there, and it might start growing again. You could dig it out, but that’s slow, expensive, and leaves a crater in your lawn. Stump grinding offers a faster and cleaner option, but then you have a pile of wood chips. What now?
In this post, Arborist Aboard, your go-to tree services in East Lake, FL, explains what to do with tree stump grindings.
Do You Have To Remove the Stump?
Pretty much, yes. If you want to stop regrowth, that stump has to go. Besides being ugly, it’s a tripping hazard and a magnet for pests like termites and wood-boring beetles. Mowing around it is a pain, too.
Stump grinding shreds the wood down several inches below ground level, so the problem’s out of sight. The roots will rot away over time, and you won’t be stuck with a giant hole in your yard like you would with full removal.
What Can You Do With the Stump Grindings?
Grinding leaves you with a mountain of wood chips. Instead of paying to haul them off to the landfill, put them to work.
Hole Filling
Your easiest option involves dumping the stump grindings back in the hole, covering them with topsoil, and waiting a few months before planting. Freshly decomposing wood generates heat, which can harm new roots if you rush it. However, the result makes a very nutritious, loamy soil.
Mulch the Garden
Spread a one-inch layer over flower beds to lock in moisture and regulate soil temperature. As the chips break down, they’ll feed the soil. Just keep them a few inches away from tree trunks to prevent rot. Mulch use is one of the most eco-friendly options during the dry season.
Composting
What to do with tree stump grindings that’s best for your garden? Wood chips can go straight into your compost pile. They take longer to break down than leaves or grass clippings, but in a few months, you’ll have nutrient-rich material ready for the garden.
Soil Amendment
Need more acidic soil for plants like azaleas? Work in some wood chips; they’ll help balance alkalinity. If you’re battling heavy clay, mix chips into the top layer and let them decompose in place for a few months to improve texture.
Make Garden Pathways
Got a lot of chips? Lay them down as a rustic garden path. They work great to keep mud at bay, and they’ll break down naturally over time.
When Not To Use the Chips in Your Garden
When should you haul away the wood? You should get rid of it instead if:
- You had to cut down the tree because it was infested with insects. If you use the chippings in this case, you risk spreading wood borers.
- The tree was diseased when it came down. You don’t want to spread fungi or other illnesses to the healthy sections of your garden.
- You have a big problem with ants, termites, or wood borers. These chippings provide food and shelter so that they can be a big hit with bugs. If you already have a problem with them, using the chips will give you a bigger headache.
Get Expert Advice for Your Yard
Whether you want to stop a tree from sprouting again, fix a pest problem, or figure out the best use for all those chips, it pays to get tailored advice. Call Arborist Aboard at 813-920-4410 and find out what to do with tree stump grindings or how to prevent a growing tree from a stump.
