You've got a pesky old tree stump in your yard that needs to go. Instead of trying to dig it out yourself, you decide to hire professional stump grinding companies. But if you've never used one of these companies before, you might be wondering what exactly to expect. Let's go through the basic process, so you can feel fully prepared when the stump grinding crew shows up at your door.

They'll Conduct a Site Evaluation

When you first contact stump grinding companies, they'll ask you some questions about the stump you need to have removed. Expect them to inquire about the tree species, diameter, and any other notable features. This helps them estimate the time and equipment needed to complete the job. On the scheduled service day, the stump grinding technician will conduct a short on-site evaluation. They'll examine factors like accessibility, potential utilities, and obstacles like fences or gardens. This allows them to select the proper tools and machinery to fit your unique situation.

They'll Set Up Safety Barriers

Responsible stump grinding technicians always prioritize safety. As they unload machinery and get set up, expect them to set up barriers around your stump. This might involve traffic cones, caution tape, or other warnings to keep people, vehicles, and pets a safe distance away. They should also use mats or boards around the base of the stump to avoid damaging your lawn or flowerbeds with heavy equipment.

They'll Grind It Down With Specialized Tools

Stump grinding companies use powerful mechanical tools to essentially pulverize the wood into tiny pieces or chips. Expect ear protection to be required as it can get quite loud. The technician will systematically lower the cutting wheel over every inch of the stump. According to This Old House, tree stumps are ground to 6 to 8 inches below the surface. They may pause to refuel equipment or reposition themselves to tackle it from every angle. The whole process usually takes one to three hours, depending on the stump size.

Knowing the general flow in advance makes it less intimidating when stump grinding companies arrive to remove your unwanted stump. With reasonable expectations of the process, you can feel at ease knowing these tree service pros have got you covered. If you need a tree stump ground down, let us help you at Trees Plus LTD. Call now to obtain an estimate or schedule an appointment.