How Long Does It Take to Grind a Stump?
When it comes to removing tree stumps from your property, hiring the right contractor is important. However, many contractors charge per hour and that is why you should know whether you are overpaying for the service you are receiving. You might be wondering: how long does it take to grind a stump. In this post, we will try to find the answer.
For those who are looking for a general answer, here it is. The stump grinding process generally takes 30 minutes to an hour. Let’s get a little bit deeper.
How Long Does It Take to Grind a Stump? – Factors to Consider
The time needed to grind a stump depends on a host of factors. In order to figure out the approximate time, you should know a little bit about these factors. Here are a few of them:
Equipment used
The equipment used for the job is the main variable. A qualified stump grinding service uses a powerful stump grinder, and as a result, gets the job done in a relatively short span of time.
If you take the DIY route, you will rent a less powerful machine, and as a result, the procedure will take longer. If it is not a hydraulic stump grinder, the stump grinding process will take even longer. And the task involves some manual labor.
Size of stump
Grinding a large tree stump will take longer. This is pretty self-explanatory. And after grinding the stump, there will be some mulch spread around the area. If you pay a small additional fee, the stump grinding service will take out the mulch.
Location of stump
A stump located in an easily accessible place, such as in an open field, may take fewer than 30 minutes to grind. In such a case, the only thing the workers have to do is to grind the stump.
But if there are structures surrounding the stump, the grinding procedure is going to take longer. And before the workers dive into action, they will have to do some planning. Serious precautionary measures have to be taken if there are underground power, water, and gas lines.
Condition of stump
Grinding an aged stump is a lot easier than grinding a brand new stump because the latter is hard and moist. So, the time needed to grind a stump depends on the condition of the stump. If you are paying per stump, you will be charged less for an aged and rotten stump.
Tree species
How long does it take to grind a stump? Well, to some extent, it depends on the species of the tree. Grinding through hardwood trees will take longer than softwood trees. Hardwood trees resist grinding and that is why the process takes longer.
First, let’s take a look at a shortlist of some softwood trees:
- Cedar varieties
- Pine varieties
- Jacaranda
- Douglas Fir
And here are some hardwood trees:
- Cottonwood varieties
- Oak varieties
- California Sycamore
- Aspen varieties
- California Polar
The stumps of these trees are hard to grind down. However, the mulch that you get when grinding the stumps is of high quality.
Know If Stump Grinding Is Right for You
People, who need to get a tree stump removed from their property usually ask only this question: how long does it take to grind a stump? However, it is important to know that grinding a stump is not always the right thing to do.
The process of stump grinding itself is not very time-consuming, but it may not be a very good option in all circumstances. There are some tree species that keep growing even after the stump has been ground down. To support new shoots, the roots keep collecting nutrients.
Here are some tree species that regrow from roots:
- Several aspen species
- Several oak species
- Redwood
- Eucalyptus
- Palm trees
A tree’s ability to keep its roots alive depends on some other factors. If there are stumps of some mature trees on your property, the roots will be alive. If you have questions about it, feel free to get in touch with a professional arborist.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stump Grinding
How long does it take to grind a stump? Now you know approximately how long it can take. However, you probably have some other questions related to stump grinding. Now we will try to answer some of those questions.
Will the process cause any damage to my property?
If done correctly, stump grinding will not leave any sign of damage to your property. To protect your land from sharp equipment, workers put down mats. These mats also protect nearby structures. The procedure leaves a hole, and it is usually filled in with wood chips and dirt.
Is the process of stump grinding dangerous?
Yes, the process can be dangerous because heavy equipment is used. Workers take safety precautions when they use a stump grinder. They have experience using this powerful equipment, and as a result, they are prepared to handle the risks involved. Trained workers know how to use dangerous equipment.
Does the process involve removing the roots?
Stump grinding involves removing some roots, but not all of them. Stump grinders excavate about 10 inches below the ground level. Roots may spread both downward and outward from the stump and as a result grinding may not completely remove the roots.
Does it leave a large hole?
The size of the stump determines the size of the hole. The width of the hole gets wider than the stump, and the depth gets around 8 inches. In most cases, the hole is filled in with wood chips.
Final Thoughts: How Long Does It Take to Grind a Stump?
If you hire a reliable stump grinding service, the process of stump grinding is not time-consuming at all. If the stump is located in an easily accessible place, they may be able to grind it out in 30 minutes or less.
However, the time actually depends on several factors, which we have discussed in detail. We hope you will find a good stump removing service and avoid overpaying.
Need a professional to do stump grinding for you? Contact Kleber C’s Danbury Tree Service, your reliable tree service in Danbury, CT.